Country Profile: Zambia

Zambia is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by Angola to the west and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north. With a population exceeding 22 million, it is characterized by its diverse ethnic groups and urbanization concentrated in cities like Lusaka and Kitwe. The economy is classified as lower-middle-income, heavily reliant on mining and agriculture, and faces challenges such as poverty and corruption. Governed as a presidential republic, Zambia has experienced significant political changes since gaining independence from the UK in 1964.

Geography

Zambia is positioned in southern Africa, east of Angola and south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country features a high plateau with an average elevation of 1,138 m, making it predominantly landlocked with no coastline. It is endowed with various natural resources and significant river systems, including the Zambezi River, which forms part of its southern border.

Total area: 752,618 sq km
Land boundaries: 6,043.15 km
Highest point: Mafinga Central at 2,330 m
Climate: Tropical, influenced by altitude, with a rainy season from October to April.
Natural hazards: Periodic drought and tropical storms.
Urban population: 46.3% of total population (2023).

People and Society

Zambia's population is estimated at 22,021,971 for 2025, with a youthful demographic; approximately 42.1% are aged 0-14 years. The society comprises various ethnic groups, with Bemba and Tonga being the most prominent. English serves as the official language, reflecting Zambia's colonial legacy, while a rich tapestry of local languages is spoken.

Population growth rate: 2.51% (2025 est.)
Urbanization rate: 4.15% annual change (2020-25 est.)
Literacy rate: 71.1% (2018 est.)
Life expectancy: 66.9 years (2024 est.)
Major religions: Protestant (75.3%), Roman Catholic (20.2%).
Birth rate: 29.6 births/1,000 population (2025 est.).

Economy

Zambia's economy is classified as lower-middle-income, heavily reliant on mining (especially copper) and agriculture. The country has experienced fluctuating GDP growth rates and faces systemic issues such as extreme rural poverty and corruption. Despite challenges, it has one of the youngest labor forces in the region.

Real GDP (PPP): $79.207 billion (2024 est.)
GDP growth rate: 4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 6% (2024 est.)
Poverty rate: 60% below the national poverty line (2022 est.)
Major industries: Copper mining, processing, and agriculture.
Gini Index: 51.5 (2022 est.)

Government

Zambia operates as a presidential republic, with the President serving as both head of state and government. The country has a multi-party system and a mixed legal system of English common law and customary law. Hakainde Hichilema has been the President since August 24, 2021, following an electoral victory.

Capital: Lusaka
Suffrage: Universal at age 18.
Legislature: National Assembly with 167 seats.
Constitution: Last amended on August 24, 1991.
Independence: Achieved on October 24, 1964.

Military and Security

The Zambia Defense Force (ZDF) is responsible for national defense, peacekeeping, and public support projects. The military operates with a relatively small personnel strength, with about 16,000 active forces. Zambia has not been involved in internal conflict but participates in peacekeeping missions abroad.

Military expenditures: 1.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military service age: 18-25 years (voluntary).
Active personnel: Approximately 16,000.
Peacekeeping deployment: 930 troops in the Central African Republic (2025).

Energy

Zambia is a significant regional producer of hydroelectricity, with the majority of its electricity generated from hydropower. However, access to electricity remains limited, especially in rural areas. The energy sector faces challenges in infrastructure and consumption efficiency.

Installed capacity: 3.986 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity access: 47.8% (2022 est.) of total population.
Hydroelectric contribution: 87.9% of total capacity (2023 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita: 8.265 million Btu/person (2023 est.).

Environment

Zambia's environment is affected by various issues, including air pollution from mining and loss of biodiversity. The country is part of several international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and protecting natural resources.

Forest cover: 60.6% (2023 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 104.8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 9.877 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Urbanization rate: 46.3% of population (2023).

Transportation

Zambia has a developing transport infrastructure with a substantial number of airports and an extensive railway system. The country is currently enhancing its transportation capabilities to support economic activities and trade.

Total airports: 120 (2025)
Railways: 3,126 km (2014).
Merchant marine: 2 vessels (2023).
Heliports: 4 (2025).

Communications

Telecommunication in Zambia is growing, particularly in mobile subscriptions, with a notable percentage of the population using mobile devices. However, fixed-line subscriptions are low compared to global standards.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 23.2 million (2024 est.)
Internet users: 33% of population (2023 est.)
Broadcast media: 137 radio stations and 47 TV stations.
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 99,000 (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	22,021,971 (2025 est.)
Area	752,618 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$79.207 billion	(2024 est.)
Electricity access	47.8% of population	(2022 est.)
Birth rate	29.6 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Unemployment rate	6%	(2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth	66.9 years	(2024 est.)
Military expenditures	1.3% of GDP	(2024 est.)
Urbanization	46.3% of total population	(2023 est.)