World · permanent entity record · ZA

Zambia

Thirty-second orientation

Zambia at a glance

Capital: Lusaka; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 21,913,874; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 752,618 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Zambian(s); adjective: Zambian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: Bemba 33.4%, Nyanja 14.7%, Tonga 11.4%, Lozi 5.5%, Chewa 4.5%, Nsenga 2.9%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda (North Western) 1.9%, Kaonde 1.8%, Lala 1.8%, Lamba 1.8%, English (official) 1.7%, Luvale 1.5%, Mambwe 1.3%, Namwanga 1.2%, Lenje 1.1%, Bisa 1%, other 9.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2010 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Zambia through time

1964-12-01
Admitted to the United Nations
Zambia became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	21,913,874World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 22,021,971 (2025 est.) male: 11,066,079 female: 10,955,892CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-20

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $28.9 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $1,318; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 66.5 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 45.9%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 53.6%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 17.1%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Lusaka; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 752,618 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 21,913,874; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: Zambian kwacha (ZMK); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: Bemba 33.4%, Nyanja 14.7%, Tonga 11.4%, Lozi 5.5%, Chewa 4.5%, Nsenga 2.9%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda (North Western) 1.9%, Kaonde 1.8%, Lala 1.8%, Lamba 1.8%, English (official) 1.7%, Luvale 1.5%, Mambwe 1.3%, Namwanga 1.2%, Lenje 1.1%, Bisa 1%, other 9.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2010 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Zambian(s); adjective: Zambian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1964-12-01; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Africa.”
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Protestant 75.3%, Roman Catholic 20.2%, other 2.7% (includes Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha'i), none 1.8% (2010 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: green, orange, red, black; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: African fish eagle; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Mafinga Central · 7,644 ft (2,330 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Zambezi river · 1,079 ft (329 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-20 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: Bantu-speaking groups mainly from the Luba and Lunda Kingdoms in the Congo River Basin and from the Great Lakes region in East Africa settled in what is now Zambia beginning around A.D. 300, displacing and mixing with previous population groups in the region. The Mutapa Empire developed after the fall of Great Zimbabwe to the south in the 14th century and ruled the region, including large parts of Zambia, from the 14th to 17th century. The empire collapsed as a result of the growing slave trade and Portuguese incursions in the 16th and 17th centuries. The region was further influenced by migrants from the Zulu Kingdom to the south and the Luba and Lunda Kingdoms to the north, after invading colonial and African powers displaced local residents into the area around the Zambezi River, in what is now Zambia. In the 1880s, British companies began securing mineral and other economic concessions from local leaders. The companies eventually claimed control of the region and incorporated it as the protectorate of Northern Rhodesia in 1911. The UK took over administrative control from the British South Africa Company in 1924. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred British economic ventures and colonial settlement. Northern Rhodesia’s name was changed to Zambia upon independence from the UK in 1964, under independence leader and first President Kenneth KAUNDA. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices, economic mismanagement, and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to one-party rule and propelled the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) into power. The subsequent vote in 1996, however, saw increasing harassment of opposition parties and abuse of state media and other resources. Administrative problems marked the election in 2001, with three parties filing a legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA. MWANAWASA was reelected in 2006 in an election that was deemed free and fair. Upon his death in 2008, he was succeeded by his vice president, Rupiah BANDA, who won a special presidential byelection later that year. BANDA and the MMD lost to Michael SATA and the Patriotic Front (PF) in the 2011 general elections. SATA, however, presided over a period of haphazard economic management and attempted to silence opposition to PF policies. SATA died in 2014 and was succeeded by his vice president, Guy SCOTT, who served as interim president until 2015, when Edgar LUNGU won the presidential byelection and completed SATA's term. LUNGU then won a full term in the 2016 presidential elections. Hakainde HICHILEMA was elected president in 2021.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Geography21 fields

Location: Southern Africa, east of Angola, south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geographic coordinates: 15 00 S, 30 00 E; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Map references: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area: total : 752,618 sq km land: 743,398 sq km water: 9,220 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area - comparative: almost five times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Texas; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land boundaries: total: 6,043.15 km border countries (8): Angola 1,065 km; Botswana 0.15 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,332 km; Malawi 847 km; Mozambique 439 km; Namibia 244 km; Tanzania 353 km; Zimbabwe 763 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maritime claims: none (landlocked); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Terrain: mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Elevation: highest point: Mafinga Central 2,330 m lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m mean elevation: 1,138 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural resources: copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 32.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 26.9% (2023 est.) forest: 60.6% (2023 est.) other: 7.3% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Irrigated land: 1,560 sq km (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major lakes (area sq km): fresh water lake(s): Lake Tanganyika (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi) - 32,000 sq km; Lake Mweru (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo) - 4,350 sq km; Lake Bangweulu - 4,000-15,000 sq km seasonal variation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major rivers (by length in km): Congo river source (shared with Angola, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 4,700 km; Zambezi river source (shared with Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major aquifers: Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: one of the highest levels of urbanization in Africa; high density in the central area, particularly around the cities of Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Mufulira, as shown in this population distribution map; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural hazards: periodic drought; tropical storms (November to April); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geography - note: landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural river boundary with Zimbabwe; Lake Kariba on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border forms the world's largest reservoir by volume (180 cu km; 43 cu mi); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

People and Society34 fields

Population: total: 22,021,971 (2025 est.) male: 11,066,079 female: 10,955,892; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nationality: noun: Zambian(s) adjective: Zambian; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ethnic groups: Bemba 21%, Tonga 13.6%, Chewa 7.4%, Lozi 5.7%, Nsenga 5.3%, Tumbuka 4.4%, Ngoni 4%, Lala 3.1%, Kaonde 2.9%, Namwanga 2.8%, Lunda (north Western) 2.6%, Mambwe 2.5%, Luvale 2.2%, Lamba 2.1%, Ushi 1.9%, Lenje 1.6%, Bisa 1.6%, Mbunda 1.2%, other 13.8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Languages: Bemba 33.4%, Nyanja 14.7%, Tonga 11.4%, Lozi 5.5%, Chewa 4.5%, Nsenga 2.9%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda (North Western) 1.9%, Kaonde 1.8%, Lala 1.8%, Lamba 1.8%, English (official) 1.7%, Luvale 1.5%, Mambwe 1.3%, Namwanga 1.2%, Lenje 1.1%, Bisa 1%, other 9.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2010 est.) note: Zambia is said to have over 70 languages, although many of these may be considered dialects; all of Zambia's major languages are members of the Bantu family; Chewa and Nyanja are mutually intelligible dialects; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Religions: Protestant 75.3%, Roman Catholic 20.2%, other 2.7% (includes Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha'i), none 1.8% (2010 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 42.1% (male 4,418,980/female 4,337,187) 15-64 years: 55.1% (male 5,726,265/female 5,736,732) 65 years and over: 2.8% (2024 est.) (male 262,008/female 317,944); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 75.8 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 71.3 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 4.5 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 22.3 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Median age: total: 19 years (2025 est.) male: 18.2 years female: 18.6 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population growth rate: 2.51% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Birth rate: 29.6 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Death rate: 4.91 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Net migration rate: 0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: one of the highest levels of urbanization in Africa; high density in the central area, particularly around the cities of Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Mufulira, as shown in this population distribution map; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 46.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 4.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major urban areas - population: 3.181 million LUSAKA (capital), 763,000 Kitwe (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.2 years (2018 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 85 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 30.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 38.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 32.1 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.9 years (2024 est.) male: 65.2 years female: 68.7 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total fertility rate: 3.67 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 1.81 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 88.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 51.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 68.2% of population (2022 est.) urban: 11.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 48.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 31.8% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Health expenditure: 6.6% of GDP (2021) 8.9% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Physician density: 0.32 physicians/1,000 population (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 78.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 40.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 57.9% of population (2022 est.) urban: 21.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 59.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 42.1% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 8.1% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 3.82 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 1.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 2.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Tobacco use: total: 11.7% (2025 est.) male: 21.4% (2025 est.) female: 2.4% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 11.8% (2018 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 55.7% (2018 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 5.2% (2018) women married by age 18: 29% (2018) men married by age 18: 2.8% (2018); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Education expenditure: 4.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 14.5% national budget (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Literacy: total population: 71.1% (2018 est.) male: 81.7% (2018 est.) female: 62.2% (2018 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Environment10 fields

Environmental issues: air pollution and acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region; chemical runoff into watersheds; loss of biodiversity; poaching; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water treatment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 32.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 26.9% (2023 est.) forest: 60.6% (2023 est.) other: 7.3% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 46.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 4.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 9.877 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 4.835 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 5.042 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 16.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.608 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.6% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 290 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 130 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 1.152 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total renewable water resources: 104.8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Government23 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Zambia conventional short form: Zambia former: Northern Rhodesia etymology: name is derived from the Zambezi River, which flows through the western part of the country and forms the southern border with Zimbabwe; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Government type: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Capital: name: Lusaka geographic coordinates: 15 25 S, 28 17 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: named after a village with a headman (chief) called LUSAAKAS; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Administrative divisions: 10 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Muchinga, Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legal system: mixed system of English common law and customary law; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 24 August 1991, promulgated 30 August 1991 amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly in two separate readings at least 30 days apart; passage of amendments affecting fundamental rights and freedoms requires approval by at least one half of votes cast in a referendum prior to consideration and voting by the Assembly; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: only if at least one parent is a citizen of Zambia citizenship by descent only: yes, if at least one parent was a citizen of Zambia dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years for those with an ancestor who was a citizen of Zambia, otherwise 10 years residency is required; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: President Hakainde HICHILEMA (since 24 August 2021) head of government: President Hakainde HICHILEMA (since 24 August 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president from among members of the National Assembly election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term) most recent election date: 12 August 2021 election results: 2021: Hakainde HICHILEMA elected president; percent of the vote - Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 57.9%, Edgar LUNGU (PF) 37.3%, other 4.8% 2016: Edgar LUNGU reelected president; percent of vote - Edgar LUNGU (PF) 50.4%, Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 47.6%, other 2%; note - the president is both chief of state and head of government expected date of next election: 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: National Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 167 (156 directly elected; 8 appointed) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 44420 parties elected and seats per party: United Party for National Development (UPND) (82); Patriotic Front (PF) (60); Independents (13); Other (1) percentage of women in chamber: 15% expected date of next election: August 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, deputy chief justice, and at least 11 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 11 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the advice of the 9-member Judicial Service Commission, which is headed by the chief justice, and ratified by the National Assembly; judges normally serve until age 65 subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Industrial Relations Court; subordinate courts (3 levels, based on upper limit of money involved); Small Claims Court; local courts (2 grades, based on upper limit of money involved); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Political parties: Alliance for Democracy and Development or ADD Forum for Democracy and Development or FDD Movement for Multiparty Democracy or MMD Party of National Unity and Progress or PNUP Patriotic Front or PF United Party for National Development or UPND; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Chibamba KANYAMA (since 30 June 2023) chancery: 2200 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-4009 FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826 email address and website: info@zambiaembassy.org https://www.zambiaembassy.org/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael C. GONZALES (since 16 September 2022) embassy: Eastern end of Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka mailing address: 2310 Lusaka Place, Washington DC 20521-2310 telephone: [260] (0) 211-357-000 FAX: [260] (0) 211-357-224 email address and website: ACSLusaka@state.gov https://zm.usembassy.gov/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Independence: 24 October 1964 (from the UK); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National holiday: Independence Day, 24 October (1964); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Flag: description: green field with a soaring orange eagle in the upper-right corner; a panel of three vertical bands is under the eagle, in red (left side), black, and orange meaning: green stands for the country's natural resources and vegetation, red for the struggle for freedom, black for the people, and orange for the country's mineral wealth; the eagle represents the people's ability to rise above the nation's problems; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National symbol(s): African fish eagle; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National color(s): green, red, black, orange; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Lumbanyeni Zambia" (Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free) lyrics/music: multiple/Enoch Mankayi SONTONGA history: adopted 1964; the melody, which comes from the popular song "God Bless Africa," a popular song and anthem in southern Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Economy31 fields

Economic overview: lower-middle-income sub-Saharan economy; regional hydroelectricity producer; trade ties and infrastructure investments from China; IMF assistance to restructure debt burden; one of youngest and fastest-growing labor forces; systemic corruption; extreme rural poverty; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $79.207 billion (2024 est.) $76.129 billion (2023 est.) $72.251 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 4% (2024 est.) 5.4% (2023 est.) 5.2% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP per capita: $3,700 (2024 est.) $3,700 (2023 est.) $3,600 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $26.326 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (2024 est.) 10.9% (2023 est.) 11% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.8% (2024 est.) industry: 37.5% (2024 est.) services: 55.1% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 47.1% (2023 est.) government consumption: 13.3% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 26.4% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: 5% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 40.8% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -37.4% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Agricultural products: sugarcane, cassava, maize, soybeans, milk, vegetables, wheat, groundnuts, sweet potatoes, beef (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industries: copper mining and processing, emerald mining, construction, foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 3.5% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Labor force: 7.407 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Unemployment rate: 6% (2024 est.) 6% (2023 est.) 6% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 9.9% (2024 est.) male: 10.1% (2024 est.) female: 9.6% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population below poverty line: 60% (2022 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 51.5 (2022 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.5% (2022 est.) highest 10%: 39.1% (2022 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Remittances: 0.9% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Budget: revenues: $5.388 billion (2021 est.) expenditures: $6.19 billion (2021 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Public debt: 71.4% of GDP (2021 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 16.8% (of GDP) (2021 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Current account balance: -$582.715 million (2023 est.) $1.093 billion (2022 est.) $2.63 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports: $11.454 billion (2023 est.) $12.444 billion (2022 est.) $11.728 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - partners: Switzerland 27%, China 15%, India 13%, UAE 12%, DRC 10% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - commodities: raw copper, refined copper, gold, precious stones, electricity (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports: $10.854 billion (2023 est.) $10.022 billion (2022 est.) $7.691 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - partners: South Africa 25%, China 15%, UAE 10%, India 5%, Japan 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, fertilizers, trucks, sulphur, tractors (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $3.173 billion (2023 est.) $2.968 billion (2022 est.) $2.754 billion (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Debt - external: $16.597 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exchange rates: Zambian kwacha (ZMK) per US dollar - 26.166 (2024 est.) 20.212 (2023 est.) 16.938 (2022 est.) 20.018 (2021 est.) 18.344 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Energy6 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 47.8% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 87% electrification - rural areas: 14.5%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 3.986 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 14.399 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 3 billion kWh (2023 est.) imports: 180 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.229 billion kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 11% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 87.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coal: production: 2.091 million metric tons (2023 est.) consumption: 2.081 million metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 15,000 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 103,000 metric tons (2023 est.) proven reserves: 945 million metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 34,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 8.265 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 81,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 23.2 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 109 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadcast media: 47 state-controlled and private TV stations; state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has 2 TV channels, controls 1, and owns shares in 2 more; 137 radio stations, with 133 private and 4 state-owned (2019); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet country code: .zm; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 33% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 99,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transportation5 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9J; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Airports: 120 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Heliports: 4 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Railways: total: 3,126 km (2014) narrow gauge: 3,126 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge note: includes 1,860 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Merchant marine: total: 2 (2023) by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Military and Security7 fields

Military and security forces: Zambia Defense Force (ZDF): Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, Zambia National Service Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security: Zambia Police (2025) note 1: the Zambia National Service is a support organization that also does public work projects; its main objectives revolve around land development, agriculture, industries, youth skills training as well as arts, sports and culture; the ZDF also includes a Defense Force Medical Service note 2: the Zambia Army comprises the Regular Force, the Home Guard, and the Territorial Reserve; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military expenditures: 1.3% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 16,000 active Defense Forces (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the ZDF's inventory is largely comprised of Chinese, Russian, and Soviet-era weapons and equipment along with smaller quantities of items from other suppliers such as Israel, South Africa, and the US (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age (17 with parental consent) for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription; initial service of 7 years followed by 5 in the Reserves (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military deployments: 930 Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military - note: the Zambia Defense Forces (ZDF) are responsible for territorial defense, border security, and providing support to African and UN peacekeeping operations; it also has some domestic security responsibilities in cases of national emergency and is involved in socio-economic support; in recent years, ZDF has been directed to assist in agricultural production; the ZDF is part of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Standby Force and participates in multinational training exercises; it has received training assistance from China and the US the ZDF traces its roots to the Northern Rhodesia Regiment, which was raised by the British colonial government to fight in World War II; the ZDF was established in 1964 from units of the dissolved Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland armed forces; it participated in a number of regional conflicts during the 1970s and 1980s; Zambia actively supported independence movements such as the Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA), the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), and the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transnational Issues1 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 88,918 (2024 est.) IDPs: 131,349 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

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Zambia at a glance

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