Country Profile: Zambia

Zambia, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, is located east of Angola and south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has a diverse geography featuring a high plateau, the Zambezi River, and significant natural resources, including copper and emeralds. The country is home to a population of approximately 20.8 million people, with a youthful demographic structure and a significant urbanization rate. Zambia's economy is characterized as a lower-middle-income economy, heavily reliant on mining and agriculture, but faces challenges such as systemic corruption and extreme rural poverty. Governed as a presidential republic, Zambia has experienced a dynamic political landscape since gaining independence from the UK in 1964.

Geography

Zambia occupies a total area of 752,618 sq km, with a majority of its land being a high plateau. It is bordered by eight countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe, and has no coastline due to its landlocked status. The climate is predominantly tropical, modified by altitude, with a rainy season from October to April.

Highest Point: Mafinga Central at 2,330 m.
Major Lakes: Lake Tanganyika (32,000 sq km) and Lake Mweru (4,350 sq km).
Natural Resources: Notable resources include copper, cobalt, and hydropower.
Urbanization: One of the highest levels of urbanization in Africa, predominantly in cities like Lusaka and Ndola.
Natural Hazards: Subject to periodic droughts and tropical storms.

People and Society

Zambia has an estimated population of 20,799,116. The nation is culturally rich, with over 70 languages spoken, though the major languages include Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga. The population is predominantly young, with a median age of 18.4 years, and much of it adheres to Christianity, particularly Protestantism.

Urban Population: Approximately 46.3% of the total population lives in urban areas.
Ethnic Diversity: Major ethnic groups include Bemba (21%) and Tonga (13.6%).
Life Expectancy: The average life expectancy is 66.9 years.
Birth Rate: Estimated at 34.1 births per 1,000 population.
Literacy Rate: Approximately 71.1% of the total population is literate (2018 est.).

Economy

Zambia's economy is classified as lower-middle-income, heavily reliant on copper mining and agriculture, particularly maize and soybeans. The country faces systemic economic challenges but benefits from substantial trade relations, particularly with China. As of 2024, Zambia's GDP (PPP) is estimated at $79.207 billion with an annual growth rate of 4%.

GDP per Capita: Approximately $3,700 (2024 est.).
Unemployment Rate: Steady at 6% (2024 est.).
Population Below Poverty Line: Roughly 60% (2022 est.).
Exports: Total exports valued at $11.454 billion (2023 est.).
Inflation Rate: Expected at 15% for 2024.

Government

Zambia operates as a presidential republic with Hakainde Hichilema serving as president since August 24, 2021. The government is characterized by a mixed legal system of English common law and customary law, and the National Assembly holds the legislative power.

Administrative Divisions: Composed of 10 provinces.
Recent Election: The most recent presidential election occurred on August 12, 2021.
Voting Age: Citizens can vote at 18 years of age.
Judicial Branch: Includes the Supreme Court and a Constitutional Court.
Independence: Gained on October 24, 1964.

Military and Security

The Zambian Defense Force (ZDF) includes the Army, Air Force, and National Service, with approximately 16,000 active personnel. Zambia has low military expenditures relative to GDP, estimated at 1.3% for 2024.

Military Service Age: Voluntary service from ages 18-25.
Active Military Deployments: Approximately 930 personnel are deployed in the Central African Republic.
Military Structure: Comprised mainly of personnel and equipment from China and the former Soviet Union.

Energy

Zambia's energy sector is dominated by hydroelectric power, which accounts for 87.9% of its installed capacity. The country faces challenges with electrification, having only 47.8% of the population connected as of 2022.

Installed Capacity: 3.986 million kW (2023 est.).
Electricity Consumption: 14.399 billion kWh (2023 est.).
Rural Electrification: Only 14.5% of rural areas have access to electricity.
Coal Production: Estimated at 2.091 million metric tons (2023 est.).

Environment

Zambia faces several environmental issues, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution from mining activities. The country is a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements.

Forest Cover: Approximately 59.8% of the land area.
Air Quality: Particulate matter emissions measured at 16.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.).
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 104.8 billion cubic meters (2020 est.).

Transportation

Zambia's transport infrastructure includes 120 airports and an extensive rail network. The country's rail system is largely narrow gauge, connecting to regional trade routes.

Total Railways: 3,126 km of track (2014).
Merchant Marine: Comprises 2 vessels (2023).
Civil Aircraft Registration Code: 9J.

Communications

The telecommunications sector is growing, with a mobile cellular subscription rate of 99 per 100 inhabitants as of 2022. Internet usage is expanding, with 33% of the population using the internet by 2023.

Total Mobile Subscriptions: Around 21.2 million (2023).
Fixed Line Subscriptions: Approximately 81,000 in total (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	20,799,116	2024 estimate
Area	752,618 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$79.207 billion	2024 estimate
GDP per capita	$3,700	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	6%	2024 estimate
Birth rate	34.1 births/1,000 people	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	66.9 years	2024 estimate
Inflation rate	15%	2024 estimate
Electrification (total population)	47.8%	2022 estimate
Military expenditure as % of GDP	1.3%	2024 estimate