Country Profile: Zambia

Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is characterized by its diverse geography that includes a high plateau and significant natural resources such as copper and cobalt. With an estimated population of over 22 million, it has one of Africa's youngest and fastest-growing labor forces. The economy is heavily reliant on mining, particularly copper, while the country has also faced challenges such as systemic corruption and extreme rural poverty. Zambia operates as a presidential republic, with a political landscape that has evolved since gaining independence from British rule in 1964.

Geography

Zambia is located in Southern Africa, bordered by Angola to the west, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, and several other nations. The country has a total area of 752,618 sq km, characterized by a mostly high plateau and a tropical climate influenced by altitude, with a rainy season from October to April.

Elevation: The highest point is Mafinga Central at 2,330 m.
Natural resources: Rich in copper, cobalt, uranium, and hydropower.
Land use: 32.1% of land is used for agriculture (2023 est.).
Forests: Cover 60.6% of the total area (2023 est.).
Climate hazards: Vulnerable to periodic droughts and tropical storms.

People and Society

Zambia's population is approximately 22,021,971 (2025 est.), with a youthful median age of 19 years. The society is ethnically diverse, featuring several groups, including Bemba, Tonga, and Chewa. English is the official language, but many local languages are spoken.

Urbanization: 46.3% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
Literacy Rate: Approximately 71.1% of the population is literate (2018 est.).
Religions: Predominantly Protestant (75.3%), with a significant Roman Catholic minority (20.2%).
Birth Rate: 29.6 births/1,000 population (2025 est.).
Life Expectancy: 66.9 years at birth (2024 est.).

Economy

Zambia has a lower-middle-income economy, primarily driven by copper mining. The country has been working on restructuring its debt with assistance from the IMF and has trade ties with China that foster infrastructure investments.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $79.207 billion in 2024.
Real GDP Growth Rate: Projected at 4% in 2024.
Unemployment Rate: Stands at 6% (2024 est.).
Population Below Poverty Line: Approximately 60% (2022 est.).
Gini Index: 51.5 indicating significant income inequality (2022 est.).

Government

Zambia operates as a presidential republic with a mixed legal system of English common law and customary law. The country has a history of political shifts since independence, with the latest election held in 2021 that saw the election of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Capital: Lusaka, located at coordinates 15°25'S, 28°17'E.
Administrative Divisions: The country is divided into 10 provinces.
Suffrage: Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over.
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly with 167 seats.
Independence Day: Celebrated on October 24, marking independence from the UK in 1964.

Military and Security

The Zambia Defense Force comprises the Army, Air Force, and National Service, focusing on both defense and socio-economic support within the country. The military has historical ties to regional conflicts and international peacekeeping efforts.

Military Personnel: Approximately 16,000 active Defense Forces.
Military Expenditures: 1.3% of GDP (2024 est.).
Military Service Age: Voluntary service begins at 18 years.
Deployments: Involved in 930 personnel in peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic (2025).
Equipment: Mainly comprised of Chinese, Russian, and Soviet-era weapons.

Energy

Zambia is a regional producer of hydroelectric energy, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from hydropower sources. However, access to electricity remains limited in rural areas.

Electrification Rate: 47.8% of the total population (2022).
Installed Capacity: Total generating capacity is 3.986 million kW (2023 est.).
Energy Consumption per Capita: 8.265 million Btu/person (2023 est.).
Coal Production: Approximately 2.091 million metric tons (2023 est.).
Hydroelectric Contribution: Accounts for 87.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.).

Environment

Zambia faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution, particularly in areas of mineral extraction. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements focusing on biodiversity and climate change.

Forest Cover: 60.6% of land is forested (2023 est.).
Emission Levels: 9.877 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions reported (2023 est.).
Agricultural Land Use: 32.1% of total land (2023 est.).
Waste Management: Only 12.6% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022 est.).
Climate Change Agreements: Participates in multiple global agreements including the Paris Agreement.

Transportation

Zambia's transportation infrastructure includes roads, railways, and air travel, although it is limited by its landlocked status.

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

Communications

The telecommunications sector is expanding, with increasing mobile phone subscriptions and internet usage among the population.

Mobile Subscriptions: Approximately 23.2 million (2024 est.).
Internet Users: Represents 33% of the population (2023 est.).
Fixed-line Subscriptions: Fewer than 1 per 100 inhabitants (2023).
Broadband Access: Very limited with 99,000 fixed subscriptions reported (2023).

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
Unemployment Rate	6%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	29.6 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	66.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption per Capita	8.265 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Military Expenditures	1.3% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	46.3%	Of total population (2023)
Literacy Rate	71.1%	Estimated for 2018