Country Profile: Zambia

Zambia is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by eight nations, including Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The population is approximately 22 million, comprised of diverse ethnic groups, with significant urbanization in major cities like Lusaka and Kitwe. Zambia's economy is classified as lower-middle-income, heavily reliant on copper mining and hydropower, while governance has evolved from colonial rule to a presidential republic since gaining independence in 1964.

Geography

Zambia is situated in the heart of Southern Africa and is characterized by a tropical climate modified by altitude, with a landscape dominated by a high plateau. The Zambezi River and several major lakes form notable geographical features, contributing to the nation's rich natural resources, including copper and gold.

Area: 752,618 sq km.
Land Boundaries: Zambia shares borders totaling 6,043.15 km with eight countries.
Highest Point: Mafinga Central at 2,330 m.
Natural Resources: Includes copper, cobalt, and hydropower.
Climate: Tropical with a rainy season from October to April.

People and Society

Zambia's population is approximately 22 million, made up of various ethnic groups with Bemba, Tonga, and Chewa being the largest. English is the official language, but over 70 other languages are spoken. The society is predominantly Christian, with 75.3% being Protestant.

Urban Population: 46.3% (2023).
Population Growth Rate: 2.51% (2025).
Life Expectancy: 66.9 years (2024).
Literacy Rate: 71.1% (2018).
Infant Mortality Rate: 30.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025).

Economy

Zambia's economy is classified as lower-middle-income, heavily dependent on mining, especially copper, and hydropower production. Despite possessing abundant natural resources, the country faces challenges such as systemic corruption and rural poverty, with a significant proportion of the population living below the poverty line.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $79.207 billion (2024).
GDP Growth Rate: Projected at 4% (2024).
Unemployment Rate: 6% (2024).
Poverty Rate: 60% of the population below the poverty line (2022).
Major Industries: Copper mining, construction, and agriculture.

Government

Zambia is a presidential republic with a multi-party system, with elections held for the president and the National Assembly. The current president is Hakainde Hichilema, who took office in August 2021. The legal system is a mix of English common law and customary law.

Independence: Achieved on 24 October 1964.
Constitution: Last adopted on 24 August 1991.
Administrative Divisions: 10 provinces.
Voting Age: Universal suffrage at 18 years.
Next Elections: Expected in 2026.

Military and Security

The Zambia Defense Force (ZDF) comprises the Army, Air Force, and National Service, with approximately 16,000 active personnel. The military's primary duties include territorial defense, security, and support for peacekeeping operations. Expenditures are about 1.3% of GDP.

Military Personnel Strength: Approximately 16,000 active members (2025).
Military Expenditures: 1.3% of GDP (2024).
Military Service Age: 18-25 years (voluntary).
Military Deployments: About 930 personnel in Central African Republic.
Military Equipment: Largely consists of Chinese and Russian-made weapons.

Energy

Zambia is a regional producer of hydroelectricity, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from hydropower. Access to electricity remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas.

Installed Capacity: 3.986 million kW (2023).
Electricity Access: 47.8% of the population (2022).
Electricity Generation: 87.9% from hydropower.
Coal Production: 2.091 million metric tons (2023).
Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 8.265 million Btu/person (2023).

Environment

Zambia faces several environmental issues, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution due to mineral extraction processes. The nation's commitment to international environmental agreements reflects its recognition of these challenges.

Major Environmental Issues: Air pollution and loss of biodiversity.
Forest Cover: 60.6% of land (2023).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 9.877 million metric tonnes (2023).
Total Water Withdrawal: Approximately 1.572 billion cubic meters (2022).
International Agreements: Party to multiple climate change agreements.

Transportation

Zambia has a network of roads, railways, and airports facilitating the movement of goods and people. The country features 120 airports and a significant railway system.

Railways: Total of 3,126 km (2014).
Airports: 120 (2025).
Merchant Marine: 2 vessels (2023).
Heliports: 4 (2025).
Civil Aircraft Registration: Prefix 9J.

Communications

Zambia's telecommunications sector is growing, with increasing mobile subscriptions and internet access. Broadcasters include a mix of state and private channels.

Mobile Subscriptions: 23.2 million (2024).
Internet Users: 33% of the population (2023).
Fixed-line Telephones: 81,000 subscriptions.
Broadcast Media: 47 TV stations and 137 radio stations.
Internet Country Code: .zm.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	22,021,971	2025 estimate
Area	752,618 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$79.207 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	6%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	29.6 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	66.9 years	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	47.8%	2022 estimate
Military Expenditures	1.3% of GDP	2024 estimate
Urban Population	46.3%	2023 estimate
Literacy Rate	71.1%	2018 estimate