Zambia
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 23
Currency
💱 Zambian kwacha
Languages
🗣️ English
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 36 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Zambia
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Zambian
Independence
894
Top-Level Domain
.zm
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+260
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Lusaka
ISO Alpha-2
ZM
ISO Alpha-3
ZMB
UN Code
ZM
Geographic Coordinates
-15,30
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
752,612#39 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
23,003,214#60 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
27.88
Highest Point (m)
2,329
Lowest Point (m)
329
Land Use
Agricultural land: 47.3%; Forest: 52.8%.
Irrigated Land
1,140 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (November to April).
Natural Resources
Copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Angola, Botswana, DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe
Major Rivers
Zambezi River, Kafue River, Luangwa River.
Major Lakes
Lake Kariba, Lake Mweru, Lake Bangweulu.
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
10 provinces.
Legal System
Based on English common law and customary law.
Chief of State
President
Head of Government
President
Cabinet
Appointed by the President.
Elections
Presidential and parliamentary elections.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, High Court, subordinate courts.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly.
Major Political Parties
Patriotic Front (PF), United Party for National Development (UPND).
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Zambian kwacha
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
28.88#117 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
95.97#104 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,317.88#185 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.11
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
35.33
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
57.03
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
13.91#17 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8,011,366
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
5.92#78 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026
71.41
Budget
The Zambian government's budget varies annually; consult the Ministry of Finance.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.85#116 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.97#129 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Approximately $3 billion (2023 est.)
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates can be found at major banks or online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services, agriculture, and mining.
Major Industries
Mining (copper), agriculture, tourism.
Major Export Partners
Switzerland, China, South Africa.
Major Import Partners
South Africa, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
71.77#135 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
32.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.2
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -1 per 1,000 population (2023 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 18 years (2023 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
45.92#157 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 3% annual rate of change (2023 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
66.5#178 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 11% among adults (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
5.98
Ethnic Groups
Primarily composed of various Bantu ethnic groups.
Religions
Primarily Christianity, with some traditional beliefs.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English
Education
Education System
Zambia's education system follows a structure of 7 years of primary, 5 years of secondary, and then higher education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (1990)Checked September 29, 2026
7.5
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education is a significant portion of the national budget, but funding levels can fluctuate.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Zambia (UNZA) and Copperbelt University (CBU).
Culture
Cultural Overview
Zambian culture is diverse, with influences from numerous ethnic groups and traditions, expressed through music, dance, and art.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- International Women's Day (2026-03-09)
- Youth Day (2026-03-12)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Saturday (2026-04-04)
- Easter Sunday (2026-04-05)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Kenneth Kaunda's Birthday (2026-04-28)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Africa Freedom Day (2026-05-25)
- Heroes' Day (2026-07-06)
- Unity Day (2026-07-07)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include Zambian Hip Hop (Zambianized Hip Hop), Kalindula, and gospel music.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include Nshima (a maize meal staple) with various relishes like vegetables, meat, or fish.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, followed by boxing.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Kuomboka ceremony and the Nc'wala traditional ceremony.
Famous People
Notable Zambians include musicians like K'Millian and novelists like Namwali Serpell.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Zambia has numerous cultural heritage sites, including historical villages and ancient rock art sites.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Victoria Falls.
Annual Tourist Visits
Around 1 million annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Wildlife safaris and Victoria Falls are major attractions. Tourism sector is developing.
Top Tourist Attractions
Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park, and wildlife safaris.
Famous Cities
Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, Livingstone.
National Parks
Significant number of national parks, including Kafue, South Luangwa, and Lower Zambezi.
Protected Areas
Sizable portion of land under protection for conservation.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary by nationality; check specific requirements.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution due to crime and potential health risks.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index for Zambia varies; consult recent WHO reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and location.
Number of Hospitals
Zambia has a network of hospitals and clinics; numbers vary.
Universal Healthcare
Zambia's healthcare system provides both public and private services, but access and quality vary significantly, particularly in rural areas.
Medical Services Overview
Zambia has both public and private healthcare facilities.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in urban areas; access can be limited in rural areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 999.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 999.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 999.
Crime Rate
Crime rates vary, with some areas experiencing higher levels of petty theft and property crime.
Safety Index
The safety index fluctuates, but the country is generally considered safe for tourists, though petty crime can be a concern.
Military Expenditure
Military spending represents a portion of the national budget, supporting defense and security.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, but response times can be slow due to resource limitations and logistical challenges.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Zambia's military consists of the Army, Air Force, and Zambia National Service.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Access to electricity is increasing, but availability is still limited in many rural areas.
Water Access
Access to clean water is variable, with higher availability in urban areas compared to rural areas.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access, including toilets and waste management, presents challenges, especially in rural areas.
Railways
Zambia has a railway system, mainly used for freight transport, connecting major cities.
Roadways
Zambia has a road network, but the quality varies, and improvements are ongoing.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes road, rail, and air networks.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN), Mfuwe International Airport (MFU), Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA), Kalumbila Airport (UMB), Kasompe Airport (CGJ)
Ports
This landlocked country has no seaports.
Public Transit
Public transit options primarily include buses and minibuses, particularly in urban areas.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
17.1#199 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approximately 77 per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Limited, but growing tech startup ecosystem.
Innovation Index
Generally low, needs development.
ICT Development Index
Below average, with room for improvement.
TV Broadcast Stations
Several television stations available.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio stations across the country.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.54#158 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality is a concern in urban areas, with high levels of particulate matter.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a significant issue due to industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Renewable energy usage is increasing, particularly hydropower.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution are major environmental issues.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, and occasional earthquakes are the main natural hazards.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is inadequate, leading to open dumping and pollution.
Environmental Agreements
Participates in international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, African Union
Major Treaties
Part of major international treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Zambian citizens can travel visa-free to a number of countries.