Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Zambia
CapitalLusaka
Population21,913,874
GDP$28.9bn
Area752,618 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Bantu-speaking groups mainly from the Luba and Lunda Kingdoms in the Congo River Basin and from the Great Lakes region in East Africa settled in what is now Zambia beginning around A.D. 300, displacing and mixing with previous population groups in the region. The Mutapa Empire developed after the fall of Great Zimbabwe to the south in the 14th century and ruled the region, including large parts of Zambia, from the 14th to 17th century. The empire collapsed as a result of the growing slave trade and Portuguese incursions in the 16th and 17th centuries. The region was further influenced by migrants from the Zulu Kingdom to the south and the Luba and Lunda Kingdoms to the north, after invading colonial and African powers displaced local residents into the area around the Zambezi River, in what is now Zambia. In the 1880s, British companies began securing mineral and other economic concessions from local leaders. The companies eventually claimed control of the region and incorporated it as the protectorate of Northern Rhodesia in 1911. The UK took over administrative control from the British South Africa Company in 1924. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred British economic ventures and colonial settlement.
Northern Rhodesia’s name was changed to Zambia upon independence from the UK in 1964, under independence leader and first President Kenneth KAUNDA. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices, economic mismanagement, and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to one-party rule and propelled the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) into power. The subsequent vote in 1996, however, saw increasing harassment of opposition parties and abuse of state media and other resources. Administrative problems marked the election in 2001, with three parties filing a legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA. MWANAWASA was reelected in 2006 in an election that was deemed free and fair. Upon his death in 2008, he was succeeded by his vice president, Rupiah BANDA, who won a special presidential byelection later that year. BANDA and the MMD lost to Michael SATA and the Patriotic Front (PF) in the 2011 general elections. SATA, however, presided over a period of haphazard economic management and attempted to silence opposition to PF policies. SATA died in 2014 and was succeeded by his vice president, Guy SCOTT, who served as interim president until 2015, when Edgar LUNGU won the presidential byelection and completed SATA's term. LUNGU then won a full term in the 2016 presidential elections. Hakainde HICHILEMA was elected president in 2021.
Reference: 2021, 2016, 2015, 2014Northern Rhodesia’s name was changed to Zambia upon independence from the UK in 1964, under independence leader and first President Kenneth KAUNDA. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices, economic mismanagement, and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to one-party rule and propelled the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) into power. The subsequent vote in 1996, however, saw increasing harassment of opposition parties and abuse of state media and other resources. Administrative problems marked the election in 2001, with three parties filing a legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA. MWANAWASA was reelected in 2006 in an election that was deemed free and fair. Upon his death in 2008, he was succeeded by his vice president, Rupiah BANDA, who won a special presidential byelection later that year. BANDA and the MMD lost to Michael SATA and the Patriotic Front (PF) in the 2011 general elections. SATA, however, presided over a period of haphazard economic management and attempted to silence opposition to PF policies. SATA died in 2014 and was succeeded by his vice president, Guy SCOTT, who served as interim president until 2015, when Edgar LUNGU won the presidential byelection and completed SATA's term. LUNGU then won a full term in the 2016 presidential elections. Hakainde HICHILEMA was elected president in 2021.
Geography
Location
Southern Africa, east of Angola, south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 752,618 sq km
land: 743,398 sq km
water: 9,220 sq km
land: 743,398 sq km
water: 9,220 sq km
Area - comparative
almost five times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Texas
Land boundaries
total: 6,043.15 km
border countries: Angola 1,065 km; Botswana 0.15 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,332 km; Malawi 847 km; Mozambique 439 km; Namibia 244 km; Tanzania 353 km; Zimbabwe 763 km
border countries: Angola 1,065 km; Botswana 0.15 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,332 km; Malawi 847 km; Mozambique 439 km; Namibia 244 km; Tanzania 353 km; Zimbabwe 763 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)
Terrain
mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains
Elevation
highest point: Mafinga Central 2,330 m
lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m
mean elevation: 1,138 m
lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m
mean elevation: 1,138 m
Natural resources
copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land: 32.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 26.9% (2023 est.)
forest: 60.6% (2023 est.)
other: 7.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 26.9% (2023 est.)
forest: 60.6% (2023 est.)
other: 7.3% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,560 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lake Tanganyika (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi) - 32,000 sq km; Lake Mweru (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo) - 4,350 sq km; Lake Bangweulu - 4,000-15,000 sq km seasonal variation
Major rivers (by length in km)
Congo river source (shared with Angola, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 4,700 km; Zambezi river source (shared with Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Major aquifers
Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin
Population distribution
one of the highest levels of urbanization in Africa; high density in the central area, particularly around the cities of Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Mufulira, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
periodic drought; tropical storms (November to April)
Geography - note
landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural river boundary with Zimbabwe; Lake Kariba on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border forms the world's largest reservoir by volume (180 cu km; 43 cu mi)
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Zambian(s)
adjective: Zambian
adjective: Zambian
Ethnic groups
Bemba 21%, Tonga 13.6%, Chewa 7.4%, Lozi 5.7%, Nsenga 5.3%, Tumbuka 4.4%, Ngoni 4%, Lala 3.1%, Kaonde 2.9%, Namwanga 2.8%, Lunda (north Western) 2.6%, Mambwe 2.5%, Luvale 2.2%, Lamba 2.1%, Ushi 1.9%, Lenje 1.6%, Bisa 1.6%, Mbunda 1.2%, other 13.8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.)
Reference: 2010Languages
Bemba 33.4%, Nyanja 14.7%, Tonga 11.4%, Lozi 5.5%, Chewa 4.5%, Nsenga 2.9%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda (North Western) 1.9%, Kaonde 1.8%, Lala 1.8%, Lamba 1.8%, English (official) 1.7%, Luvale 1.5%, Mambwe 1.3%, Namwanga 1.2%, Lenje 1.1%, Bisa 1%, other 9.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2010 est.)
note: note: Zambia is said to have over 70 languages, although many of these may be considered dialects; all of Zambia's major languages are members of the Bantu family; Chewa and Nyanja are mutually intelligible dialects
Reference: 2010note: note: Zambia is said to have over 70 languages, although many of these may be considered dialects; all of Zambia's major languages are members of the Bantu family; Chewa and Nyanja are mutually intelligible dialects
Religions
Protestant 75.3%, Roman Catholic 20.2%, other 2.7% (includes Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha'i), none 1.8% (2010 est.)
Reference: 2010Age structure
0-14 years: 42.1% (male 4,418,980/female 4,337,187)
15-64 years: 55.1% (male 5,726,265/female 5,736,732)
65 years and over: 2.8% (2024 est.) (male 262,008/female 317,944)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 55.1% (male 5,726,265/female 5,736,732)
65 years and over: 2.8% (2024 est.) (male 262,008/female 317,944)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 81.4 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 76.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 19.8 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 76.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 19.8 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 18.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 18.2 years
female: 18.6 years
Reference: 2024male: 18.2 years
female: 18.6 years
Population growth rate
2.83% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
34.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
one of the highest levels of urbanization in Africa; high density in the central area, particularly around the cities of Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Mufulira, as shown in this population distribution map
Major urban areas - population
3.181 million LUSAKA (capital), 763,000 Kitwe (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.2 years (2018 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Reference: 2018note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Maternal mortality ratio
85 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
2.18 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 88.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 51.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 68.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 11.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 48.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 31.8% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 51.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 68.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 11.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 48.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 31.8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.32 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 78.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 40.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 57.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 21.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 59.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 42.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 40.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 57.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 21.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 59.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 42.1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
8.1% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 3.82 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 2.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 2.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 11.7% (2025 est.)
male: 21.4% (2025 est.)
female: 2.4% (2025 est.)
male: 21.4% (2025 est.)
female: 2.4% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
11.8% (2018 est.)
Reference: 2018Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 5.2% (2018)
women married by age 18: 29% (2018)
men married by age 18: 2.8% (2018)
Reference: 2018women married by age 18: 29% (2018)
men married by age 18: 2.8% (2018)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 88,918 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 131,349 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 131,349 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Hakainde Hichilema | — | 2021-08-24 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Edgar Lungu | — | — | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Zambia
conventional short form: Zambia
former: Northern Rhodesia
etymology: name is derived from the Zambezi River, which flows through the western part of the country and forms the southern border with Zimbabwe
conventional short form: Zambia
former: Northern Rhodesia
etymology: name is derived from the Zambezi River, which flows through the western part of the country and forms the southern border with Zimbabwe
Capital
name: Lusaka
geographic coordinates: 15 25 S, 28 17 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: named after a village with a headman (chief) called LUSAAKAS
geographic coordinates: 15 25 S, 28 17 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: named after a village with a headman (chief) called LUSAAKAS
Administrative divisions
10 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Muchinga, Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 24 August 1991, promulgated 30 August 1991
amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly in two separate readings at least 30 days apart; passage of amendments affecting fundamental rights and freedoms requires approval by at least one half of votes cast in a referendum prior to consideration and voting by the Assembly
Reference: 1991amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly in two separate readings at least 30 days apart; passage of amendments affecting fundamental rights and freedoms requires approval by at least one half of votes cast in a referendum prior to consideration and voting by the Assembly
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: only if at least one parent is a citizen of Zambia
citizenship by descent only: yes, if at least one parent was a citizen of Zambia
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years for those with an ancestor who was a citizen of Zambia, otherwise 10 years residency is required
citizenship by descent only: yes, if at least one parent was a citizen of Zambia
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years for those with an ancestor who was a citizen of Zambia, otherwise 10 years residency is required
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Hakainde HICHILEMA (since 24 August 2021)
head of government: President Hakainde HICHILEMA (since 24 August 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president from among members of the National Assembly
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 12 August 2021
election results: 2021: Hakainde HICHILEMA elected president; percent of the vote - Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 57.9%, Edgar LUNGU (PF) 37.3%, other 4.8%
2016: Edgar LUNGU reelected president; percent of vote - Edgar LUNGU (PF) 50.4%, Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 47.6%, other 2%; note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
expected date of next election: 2026
Reference: 2026, 2021, 2016head of government: President Hakainde HICHILEMA (since 24 August 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president from among members of the National Assembly
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 12 August 2021
election results: 2021: Hakainde HICHILEMA elected president; percent of the vote - Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 57.9%, Edgar LUNGU (PF) 37.3%, other 4.8%
2016: Edgar LUNGU reelected president; percent of vote - Edgar LUNGU (PF) 50.4%, Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 47.6%, other 2%; note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
expected date of next election: 2026
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Assembly
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 167 (156 directly elected; 8 appointed)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 44420
parties elected and seats per party: United Party for National Development (UPND) (82); Patriotic Front (PF) (60); Independents (13); Other (1)
percentage of women in chamber: 15%
expected date of next election: August 2026
Reference: 2026legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 167 (156 directly elected; 8 appointed)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 44420
parties elected and seats per party: United Party for National Development (UPND) (82); Patriotic Front (PF) (60); Independents (13); Other (1)
percentage of women in chamber: 15%
expected date of next election: August 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, deputy chief justice, and at least 11 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 11 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the advice of the 9-member Judicial Service Commission, which is headed by the chief justice, and ratified by the National Assembly; judges normally serve until age 65
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Industrial Relations Court; subordinate courts (3 levels, based on upper limit of money involved); Small Claims Court; local courts (2 grades, based on upper limit of money involved)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the advice of the 9-member Judicial Service Commission, which is headed by the chief justice, and ratified by the National Assembly; judges normally serve until age 65
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Industrial Relations Court; subordinate courts (3 levels, based on upper limit of money involved); Small Claims Court; local courts (2 grades, based on upper limit of money involved)
Political parties
Alliance for Democracy and Development or ADD
Forum for Democracy and Development or FDD
Movement for Multiparty Democracy or MMD
Party of National Unity and Progress or PNUP
Patriotic Front or PF
United Party for National Development or UPND
Forum for Democracy and Development or FDD
Movement for Multiparty Democracy or MMD
Party of National Unity and Progress or PNUP
Patriotic Front or PF
United Party for National Development or UPND
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Chibamba KANYAMA (since 30 June 2023)
chancery: 2200 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4009
FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826
email address and website: info@zambiaembassy.org
https://www.zambiaembassy.org/
Reference: 2023chancery: 2200 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4009
FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826
email address and website: info@zambiaembassy.org
https://www.zambiaembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael C. GONZALES (since 16 September 2022)
embassy: Eastern end of Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka
mailing address: 2310 Lusaka Place, Washington DC 20521-2310
telephone: [260] (0) 211-357-000
FAX: [260] (0) 211-357-224
email address and website: ACSLusaka@state.gov
https://zm.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2022embassy: Eastern end of Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka
mailing address: 2310 Lusaka Place, Washington DC 20521-2310
telephone: [260] (0) 211-357-000
FAX: [260] (0) 211-357-224
email address and website: ACSLusaka@state.gov
https://zm.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
24 October 1964 (from the UK)
Reference: 1964National holiday
Independence Day, 24 October (1964)
Reference: 1964Flag
description: green field with a soaring orange eagle in the upper-right corner; a panel of three vertical bands is under the eagle, in red (left side), black, and orange
meaning: green stands for the country's natural resources and vegetation, red for the struggle for freedom, black for the people, and orange for the country's mineral wealth; the eagle represents the people's ability to rise above the nation's problems
meaning: green stands for the country's natural resources and vegetation, red for the struggle for freedom, black for the people, and orange for the country's mineral wealth; the eagle represents the people's ability to rise above the nation's problems
National symbol(s)
African fish eagle
National color(s)
green, red, black, orange
National anthem(s)
title: "Lumbanyeni Zambia" (Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free)
lyrics/music: multiple/Enoch Mankayi SONTONGA
history: adopted 1964; the melody, which comes from the popular song "God Bless Africa," a popular song and anthem in southern Africa
Reference: 1964lyrics/music: multiple/Enoch Mankayi SONTONGA
history: adopted 1964; the melody, which comes from the popular song "God Bless Africa," a popular song and anthem in southern Africa
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls
selected World Heritage Site locales: Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | — | 166 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
lower-middle-income sub-Saharan economy; regional hydroelectricity producer; trade ties and infrastructure investments from China; IMF assistance to restructure debt burden; one of youngest and fastest-growing labor forces; systemic corruption; extreme rural poverty
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $79.207 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $76.129 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $72.251 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $76.129 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $72.251 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $3,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $3,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $3,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $3,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $3,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.8% (2024 est.)
industry: 37.5% (2024 est.)
services: 55.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 37.5% (2024 est.)
services: 55.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 47.1% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 13.3% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 26.4% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 5% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 40.8% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -37.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 13.3% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 26.4% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 5% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 40.8% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -37.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, cassava, maize, soybeans, milk, vegetables, wheat, groundnuts, sweet potatoes, beef (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
copper mining and processing, emerald mining, construction, foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture
Industrial production growth rate
3.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
7.407 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 9.9% (2024 est.)
male: 10.1% (2024 est.)
female: 9.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 10.1% (2024 est.)
female: 9.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
60% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 51.5 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.5% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 39.1% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 39.1% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 0.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $5.388 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $6.19 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2021expenditures: $6.19 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2021: 71.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2021note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
16.8% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2021note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$582.715 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $1.093 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $2.63 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: $1.093 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $2.63 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $11.454 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $12.444 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.728 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $12.444 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.728 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 27%, China 15%, India 13%, UAE 12%, DRC 10% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
raw copper, refined copper, gold, precious stones, electricity (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $10.854 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.022 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $7.691 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $10.022 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $7.691 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 25%, China 15%, UAE 10%, India 5%, Japan 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fertilizers, trucks, sulphur, tractors (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $3.173 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $2.968 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $2.754 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $2.968 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $2.754 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $16.597 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Zambian kwacha (ZMK) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 26.166 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 20.212 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.938 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 20.018 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 18.344 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 26.166 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 20.212 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.938 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 20.018 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 18.344 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$582.715 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $1.093 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $2.63 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: $1.093 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $2.63 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $11.454 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $12.444 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.728 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $12.444 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.728 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 27%, China 15%, India 13%, UAE 12%, DRC 10% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
raw copper, refined copper, gold, precious stones, electricity (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $10.854 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.022 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $7.691 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $10.022 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $7.691 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 25%, China 15%, UAE 10%, India 5%, Japan 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fertilizers, trucks, sulphur, tractors (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 3.986 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 14.399 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 3 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 180 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 2.229 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 14.399 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 3 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 180 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 2.229 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 11% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 87.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 87.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 2.091 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 2.081 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 15,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 103,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 945 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 2.081 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 15,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 103,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 945 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 34,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 8.265 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 81,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
85 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.32 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Obesity - adult prevalence rate
8.1% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 11.7% (2025 est.)
male: 21.4% (2025 est.)
female: 2.4% (2025 est.)
male: 21.4% (2025 est.)
female: 2.4% (2025 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, deputy chief justice, and at least 11 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 11 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the advice of the 9-member Judicial Service Commission, which is headed by the chief justice, and ratified by the National Assembly; judges normally serve until age 65
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Industrial Relations Court; subordinate courts (3 levels, based on upper limit of money involved); Small Claims Court; local courts (2 grades, based on upper limit of money involved)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the advice of the 9-member Judicial Service Commission, which is headed by the chief justice, and ratified by the National Assembly; judges normally serve until age 65
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Industrial Relations Court; subordinate courts (3 levels, based on upper limit of money involved); Small Claims Court; local courts (2 grades, based on upper limit of money involved)
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Zambia Defense Force (ZDF): Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, Zambia National Service
Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security: Zambia Police (2025)
note: note 1: the Zambia National Service is a support organization that also does public work projects; its main objectives revolve around land development, agriculture, industries, youth skills training as well as arts, sports and culture; the ZDF also includes a Defense Force Medical Service
note 2: the Zambia Army comprises the Regular Force, the Home Guard, and the Territorial Reserve
Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security: Zambia Police (2025)
note: note 1: the Zambia National Service is a support organization that also does public work projects; its main objectives revolve around land development, agriculture, industries, youth skills training as well as arts, sports and culture; the ZDF also includes a Defense Force Medical Service
note 2: the Zambia Army comprises the Regular Force, the Home Guard, and the Territorial Reserve
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 16,000 active Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the ZDF's inventory is largely comprised of Chinese, Russian, and Soviet-era weapons and equipment along with smaller quantities of items--particularly aircraft--from such suppliers as Israel and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age (17 with parental consent) for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription; 12-year enlistment period (7 years active, 5 in the Reserves) (2023)
note: note: Zambia had military conscription from 1975-1980
Reference: 2023, 1980, 1975note: note: Zambia had military conscription from 1975-1980
Military deployments
930 Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the Zambia Defense Forces (ZDF) are responsible for territorial defense, border security, and providing support to African and UN peacekeeping operations; it also has some domestic security responsibilities in cases of national emergency and is involved in socio-economic support; in recent years, ZDF has been directed to assist in agricultural production; the ZDF is part of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Standby Force and participates in multinational training exercises; it has received training assistance from China and the US
the ZDF traces its roots to the Northern Rhodesia Regiment, which was raised by the British colonial government to fight in World War II; the ZDF was established in 1964 from units of the dissolved Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland armed forces; it participated in a number of regional conflicts during the 1970s and 1980s; Zambia actively supported independence movements such as the Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA), the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), and the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1964the ZDF traces its roots to the Northern Rhodesia Regiment, which was raised by the British colonial government to fight in World War II; the ZDF was established in 1964 from units of the dissolved Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland armed forces; it participated in a number of regional conflicts during the 1970s and 1980s; Zambia actively supported independence movements such as the Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA), the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), and the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Chibamba KANYAMA (since 30 June 2023)
chancery: 2200 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4009
FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826
email address and website: info@zambiaembassy.org
https://www.zambiaembassy.org/
Reference: 2023chancery: 2200 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4009
FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826
email address and website: info@zambiaembassy.org
https://www.zambiaembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael C. GONZALES (since 16 September 2022)
embassy: Eastern end of Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka
mailing address: 2310 Lusaka Place, Washington DC 20521-2310
telephone: [260] (0) 211-357-000
FAX: [260] (0) 211-357-224
email address and website: ACSLusaka@state.gov
https://zm.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2022embassy: Eastern end of Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka
mailing address: 2310 Lusaka Place, Washington DC 20521-2310
telephone: [260] (0) 211-357-000
FAX: [260] (0) 211-357-224
email address and website: ACSLusaka@state.gov
https://zm.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1964-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1964-12-01 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 88,918 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 131,349 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 131,349 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9J
Airports
120 (2025)
Heliports
4 (2025)
Railways
total: 3,126 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 3,126 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
note: note: includes 1,860 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA)
Reference: 2014narrow gauge: 3,126 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
note: note: includes 1,860 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA)
Merchant marine
total: 2 (2023)
by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1
Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution and acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region; chemical runoff into watersheds; loss of biodiversity; poaching; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water treatment
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)
Land use
agricultural land: 32.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 26.9% (2023 est.)
forest: 60.6% (2023 est.)
other: 7.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 26.9% (2023 est.)
forest: 60.6% (2023 est.)
other: 7.3% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 46.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 4.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 4.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 9.877 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 4.835 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 5.042 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 4.835 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 5.042 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
16.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.608 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.6% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.6% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 290 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 130 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.152 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 130 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.152 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
104.8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 81,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Broadcast media
47 state-controlled and private TV stations; state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has 2 TV channels, controls 1, and owns shares in 2 more; 137 radio stations, with 133 private and 4 state-owned (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.zm
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 16,914,423 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 17,441,320 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 17,973,569 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 18,513,839 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 19,059,395 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 19,603,607 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 20,152,938 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 20,723,965 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 21,314,956 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 21,913,874 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $20,958,412,538 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $25,873,601,261 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $26,311,507,274 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $23,308,667,781 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $18,137,764,931 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $22,096,416,932 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $29,163,782,140 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $27,577,956,471 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $25,303,185,342 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $28,879,806,220 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 187,955 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 249,205 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 73,861 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 116,003 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 125,019 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 133,582 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 134,473 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 128,590 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 122,981 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 122,793 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 25,860 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 25,789 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 18,431 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 18,385 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 8,156 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 8,143 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -8,566 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 9,521 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 7,381 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 6,562 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,913,874 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 22,521,916 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 19,610,769 | 2022 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 249,205 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 1.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 122,793 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 6,562 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 346 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 545 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.778 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.665 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.356 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.747 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.895 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.615 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.215 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Illegal since 17 August 1911 (as part of the British South Africa Company rule of Rhodesia); Penalty: 14 years to life imprisonment. (repeal proposed) | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes / No Limited protections. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $28,879,806,220 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $1,318 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 13.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 5.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 66.5 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 4.0 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 45.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 17.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 35.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 27.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 62.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 71.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 56.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 4.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 53.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 727 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 83.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 6.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 34.6 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 59.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 108.7 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.8 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 81 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -15.3982° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 28.2937° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -14.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 28.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00, Africa/Lusaka | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | presidential system, representative democracy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:33