Country Profile: Zambia
Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is characterized by a tropical climate and an elevation primarily comprising high plateaus. With a population of over 22 million, Zambia showcases a youthful demographic with a high urbanization rate, particularly around its capital city, Lusaka. The economy is primarily based on mining and agriculture, with significant contributions from the copper industry, though it struggles with systemic corruption and rural poverty. Zambia operates as a presidential republic with a multi-party system, facing challenges related to governance and political stability.
Geography
Zambia is located in Southern Africa, bordered by several countries, including Angola to the west and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north. The country has an area of approximately 752,618 square kilometers, making it nearly five times the size of Georgia. As a landlocked nation, it has no coastline and is characterized by a tropical climate, modified by altitude, with a rainy season from October to April.
- Total area: 752,618 sq km
- Highest point: Mafinga Central at 2,330 m
- Natural resources: Includes copper, cobalt, and gold
- Forest cover: 60.6% of total land (2023 est.)
- Major lakes: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Mweru, Lake Bangweulu
People and Society
Zambia's population is estimated at 22 million in 2025, with a diverse ethnic composition predominantly comprised of Bemba, Tonga, and Chewa groups. A substantial percentage of the population adheres to Protestant Christianity, and Zambians are known for their linguistic diversity, with over 70 languages spoken. The country has a young demographic structure, with a median age of 19 years and a significant proportion of the population residing in urban areas.
- Urban population: 46.3% (2023)
- Population growth rate: 2.51% (2025)
- Literacy rate: 71.1% (2018)
- Total fertility rate: 3.67 children born/woman (2025)
- Life expectancy: 66.9 years (2024)
Economy
Zambia has a lower-middle-income economy that is heavily reliant on copper mining, contributing significantly to its GDP. Despite being a regional producer of hydroelectricity, the country faces economic challenges such as high poverty rates and systemic corruption. The GDP per capita is projected at $3,700 for 2024, and the economy has shown signs of recovery, with a real GDP growth rate of 4% expected in the same year.
- GDP (PPP): $79.207 billion (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 6% (2024 est.)
- Poverty rate: 60% below the national poverty line (2022 est.)
- Exports: $11.454 billion (2023 est.)
- Imports: $10.854 billion (2023 est.)
- Public debt: 71.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Government
Zambia operates as a presidential republic, with the President serving as both Chief of State and head of government. The current President, Hakainde Hichilema, assumed office in August 2021. The political landscape is marked by a multi-party system, and the Zambian National Assembly consists of 167 seats. The judiciary is independent, with the Supreme Court being the highest court in the country.
- Independence: Achieved on 24 October 1964
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
- Next election date: 2026
- Administrative divisions: 10 provinces
Military and Security
The Zambia Defense Force (ZDF) comprises the army, air force, and national service, playing a crucial role in both national defense and regional peacekeeping efforts. The military budget is approximately 1.3% of GDP for 2024, reflecting a commitment to maintain operational readiness. ZDF personnel are involved in humanitarian assistance as well as internal security operations.
- Active military personnel: 16,000 (2025)
- Military service age: 18-25 years
- Peacekeeping deployments: 930 troops in the Central African Republic (2025)
Energy
Zambia is a notable producer of hydroelectric power, with about 87.9% of its electricity generated from this source. The electricity access is reported at 47.8% of the total population, with significant disparities between urban (87%) and rural (14.5%) areas. The government is working towards improving energy access and infrastructure.
- Installed capacity: 3.986 million kW (2023)
- Electricity consumption: 14.399 billion kWh (2023)
- Electricity exports: 3 billion kWh (2023)
Environment
Zambia faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution associated with mining activities. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements, aiming to address climate change and biodiversity issues.
- Forest cover: 60.6% of land area (2023 est.)
- CO2 emissions: 9.877 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Waste recycling rate: 12.6% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
Transportation
Zambia's transportation infrastructure includes an extensive network of roads and railways, though the latter is primarily narrow gauge. The country has 120 airports and a small merchant marine fleet, reflecting a diversified transportation system.
- Total railways: 3,126 km (2014)
- Airports: 120 (2025)
Communications
Zambia has seen growth in mobile telecommunications, with a high penetration rate. Approximately 33% of the population uses the internet, and there are various broadcasting media present in the country.
- Mobile subscriptions: 23.2 million (2024 est.)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 81,000 (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,021,971 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 752,618 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $79.207 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Per Capita GDP (PPP) | $3,700 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Urban Population | 46.3% | Total population (2023) |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 8.265 million Btu/person | Estimated for 2023 |
| Life Expectancy | 66.9 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 29.6 births/1,000 population | Estimated for 2025 |
| Literacy Rate | 71.1% | Estimated for 2018 |
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