Country Profile: Zambia

Zambia, located in Southern Africa, is a landlocked nation bordered by eight countries and characterized by a tropical climate influenced by its high altitude. With a population exceeding 22 million, Zambia features a diverse society composed of multiple ethnic groups and languages, primarily within the Bantu family. The economy is classified as lower-middle-income, largely reliant on copper mining and agricultural production, while governance has evolved into a presidential republic since gaining independence from the UK in 1964. Despite socio-economic challenges, such as high poverty rates and systemic corruption, Zambia maintains a youthful and rapidly growing labor force.

Geography

Zambia is situated in Southern Africa, bordered by Angola to the west and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, among others. The country covers an area of 752,618 square kilometers, predominantly a high plateau with some hills and mountains. It is landlocked with no coastline, and features the Zambezi River, which forms a notable boundary with Zimbabwe.

• 752,618 sq km – total area.
• 6,043.15 km – total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
• 2,330 m – highest point at Mafinga Central.
• 60.6% – forest cover as of 2023.
• 32.1% – agricultural land use (2023 estimate).

People and Society

Zambia is home to over 22 million people composed of various ethnic groups, with Bemba and Tonga being the largest. The nation has a young demographic, with a median age of 19 years and a significant urban population of 46.3%, primarily concentrated in cities such as Lusaka. The society is predominantly Christian, with a rich tapestry of languages and cultures.

• 22,021,971 – total population (2025 estimate).
• 75.3% – Protestant majority religion.
• 2.51% – annual population growth rate (2025 estimate).
• 29.6 births/1,000 – birth rate (2025 estimate).
• 66.9 years – life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).

Economy

Zambia's economy is characterized as a lower-middle-income, driven by the mining sector, particularly copper, along with agriculture. Challenges include systemic corruption and high levels of poverty, with approximately 60% of the population living below the national poverty line. The economy is also supported by international investment, notably from China, and the nation relies on IMF assistance for debt restructuring.

• $79.207 billion – real GDP (PPP) in 2024 estimate.
• 6% – unemployment rate (2024 estimate).
• 37.5% – share of industry in GDP (2024 estimate).
• 1.3% – military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 estimate).
• 60% – population below the poverty line (2022 estimate).

Government

Zambia operates as a presidential republic with a multi-party system, and the current President is Hakainde Hichilema, who has been in office since August 2021. The National Assembly serves as the legislative body, and elections occur every five years, with universal suffrage granted at age 18.

• Republic of Zambia – official name.
• 10 provinces – administrative divisions.
• 167 seats – total in the National Assembly.
• President elected directly for a five-year term.
• Independence date: October 24, 1964.

Military and Security

The Zambia Defense Force (ZDF) includes the army, air force, and national service, providing defense and security within the region. The government allocates around 1.3% of GDP to military expenditures, focusing on both domestic duties and regional peacekeeping efforts.

• 16,000 – approximate active military personnel (2025 estimate).
• 930 – troops deployed in the Central African Republic (2025).
• 18-25 years – voluntary military service age.
• 1.3% – military expenditure of GDP (2024 estimate).
• Chinese and Russian military equipment predominates in ZDF inventory.

Energy

Zambia is a regional producer of hydroelectric power, with 87.9% of its electricity generation capacity coming from hydro sources. The country struggles with electricity access, particularly in rural areas, where only 14.5% have access.

• 3.986 million kW – total installed electricity capacity (2023 estimate).
• 14.399 billion kWh – total electricity consumption (2023 estimate).
• 47.8% – total population electrification rate (2022 estimate).
• 2.091 million metric tons – coal production (2023 estimate).
• 34,000 bbl/day – refined petroleum consumption (2023 estimate).

Environment

Zambia faces numerous environmental challenges, including air pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, largely driven by mining activities and agricultural expansion. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements, highlighting its commitment to addressing these issues.

• 104.8 billion cubic meters – total renewable water resources (2022 estimate).
• 290 million cubic meters – municipal water withdrawal (2022 estimate).
• 2.608 million tons – municipal solid waste generated (2024 estimate).
• 12.6% – municipal solid waste recycled (2022 estimate).
• 9.877 million metric tonnes – CO2 emissions (2023 estimate).

Transportation

Zambia has a developing transportation infrastructure, with 120 airports and extensive rail networks primarily for mineral transport. The country is advancing its logistics capabilities, which are vital for economic development.

• 3,126 km – total railway length (2014 estimate).
• 120 – number of airports (2025 estimate).
• 4 – heliports (2025 estimate).
• 2 – merchant marine vessels (2023 estimate).
• 9J – civil aircraft registration prefix.

Communications

Zambia's telecommunication infrastructure reflects a growing mobile-centric approach, with 23.2 million mobile cellular subscriptions and limited fixed-line access. The penetration of internet services is expanding but remains low compared to global standards.

• 33% – internet users as a percentage of the population (2023 estimate).
• 99,000 – total fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 estimate).
• 81,000 – fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 estimate).
• 137 – total radio stations (2019).
• 47 – state-controlled and private TV stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	22,021,971	2025 estimate
Area	752,618 sq km	Total area
GDP	$79.207 billion	Real GDP (PPP) 2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	6%	2024 estimate
Birth rate	29.6 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Life expectancy	66.9 years	2024 estimate
Military expenditure	1.3% of GDP	2024 estimate
Electricity access	47.8% of total population	2022 estimate
Urban population	46.3% of total population	2023 estimate
Forest cover	60.6%	2023 estimate