Zambia Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Zambia, state of southern East Africa; 753,000 km², 17.4 million residents (2019).Zambia borders in the north to Tanzania, in the east to Malawi and Mozambique, in the southeast to Zimbabwe, in the south to Botswana and Namibia, in the west to Angola and in the northwest to the Congo (Kinshasa). The capital is Lusaka (2.5 million residents in 2018).

Country facts

Republic of Zambia / Republic of Zambia
Country abbreviation: ZM
Area: 753 000 km²
Population (2019): 17.4 million residents
Capital: Lusaka
Main languages: English and several bantu languages
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: Edgar Lungu (President)
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 1,540
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 1,430
Coin unit: 1 kwacha = 100 ngwee
Currency code: ZMK
Country number (telephony): 260
Internet domain name: zm
Time difference compared to Sweden: +1
National Day: October 24 (Independence Day, 1964)

Nature

Land use: forest (43%), agricultural land (7%), other (50%)
Highest mountain: Makutu mountains (2 301 m asl)
Largest lake: Lake Bangweulus (5,000 km² )

Population

Population density (2019): 23 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 3.0%; birth rate 37 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (46%), 15-64 (52%), 65- (2%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 60 years, women 66 years
Infant mortality (2019): 42 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 39 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.588 (place 144 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 44%
Most populous cities (2018): Lusaka (2.5 million residents), Kitwe (692,100), Ndola (563,100)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (8%), industry (35%), service (57%)
Exports (2017): US $ 8,216 million
Main export products: copper, cobalt, electricity
Main exporting countries: Switzerland, China, Congo (Kinshasa)
Imports (2017): US $ 7,852 million
Main import products: machinery, means of transport, fossil fuels
Main importing countries: South Africa, Congo (Kinshasa), China
Railway network (2014): 3 100 km

Geography of Zambia

Location

Zambia is a landlocked country located in the central and southern part of Africa. It is bordered by eight countries: to the north by the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the northeast by Tanzania, to the east by Malawi, to the south by Mozambique, to the southwest by Zimbabwe, to the west by Botswana and Namibia, and to the northwest by Angola. Zambia’s central position on the African continent places it within a key region for both trade and political interactions across southern and central Africa. The country spans an area of about 752,612 square kilometers (290,586 square miles), making it the 39th largest country in the world.

Topography

Zambia’s landscape is predominantly made up of plateaus, interspersed with mountains, valleys, and river systems. The country’s central plateau, which covers much of the nation, has an elevation between 1,000 and 1,600 meters (3,280 and 5,250 feet) above sea level. This plateau is also home to most of Zambia’s cities and towns, including the capital, Lusaka. The northern regions of Zambia are dominated by mountains, including the Muchinga Mountains and the Luangwa River valley, while the southern part of the country is lower and is characterized by extensive dry areas.

Zambia’s river systems are also key to its geography, particularly the Zambezi and the Luangwa Rivers. The Zambezi River, which forms part of the country’s southern border with Zimbabwe, is the fourth-largest river in Africa. The country is also home to several notable waterfalls, the most famous being the Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River along the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. Additionally, Zambia has numerous lakes, such as Lake Tanganyika, Lake Kariba, and Lake Mweru, which provide important resources for fishing and transportation.

Natural Resources

Zambia is rich in natural resources, including a wealth of minerals, forests, and wildlife. The country is one of the world’s leading producers of copper, a resource that is crucial to its economy. Copper mining is a major industry in Zambia, particularly in the Copperbelt region, which spans the northern and central parts of the country. Other minerals found in Zambia include cobalt, gemstones, and uranium. In addition to its mineral wealth, Zambia has extensive forests and wildlife that support the timber and tourism industries.

Climate of Zambia

General Climate

Zambia has a tropical climate, but due to its elevation, it experiences a range of weather conditions. The country is divided into three climatic regions: the highlands, the plateau, and the lowland areas. The highlands, which are found in the east and north, experience cooler temperatures, while the central plateau has a moderate climate. The southern part of Zambia is characterized by more arid and semi-arid conditions, especially in regions like the Kalahari Desert.

The rainy season in Zambia generally lasts from November to April, with the heaviest rains falling between December and March. The dry season spans from May to October, with the hottest months being October and November. During the dry season, temperatures can reach over 30°C (86°F) in many parts of the country, while the cooler rainy months see temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The climate conditions vary depending on the region, with the southern areas being drier and more prone to droughts, while the northern and central parts of Zambia receive more regular rainfall.

Rainfall Patterns

Rainfall in Zambia is largely influenced by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which brings rains during the wet season. Northern Zambia, especially areas near Lake Tanganyika and the Congo Basin, receives significant rainfall throughout the year. The southern regions of Zambia, especially the southwestern areas, are drier and often experience periods of drought. The country’s rainfall can also be erratic, with some years seeing excess rainfall while others face drought conditions, affecting agricultural production and water availability.

People of Zambia

Population and Ethnic Composition

Zambia’s population is estimated to be over 19 million people. The country is ethnically diverse, with over 70 different ethnic groups. The Bemba people are the largest ethnic group, making up around 30% of the population, followed by the Tonga, Chewa, Lozi, and Ngoni people. Other smaller ethnic groups include the Lunda, Luvale, and Nyanja, as well as people of European and Asian descent.

The ethnic composition of Zambia has contributed to its rich cultural diversity, though the country’s multiple groups often coexist peacefully despite their differences. The major ethnic groups often have distinct languages, customs, and traditions that enrich Zambia’s cultural landscape. The Bemba, for example, are known for their farming and traditional governance systems, while the Lozi in the western part of Zambia have a monarchy and a rich tradition of royal authority.

Language

Zambia has a diverse linguistic landscape, with over 70 languages spoken across the country. English is the official language and is used in government, education, and business. However, most Zambians speak one of the indigenous languages at home. Bemba is the most widely spoken language in the country, especially in the northern and central parts, while Nyanja and Tonga are spoken in the eastern and southern regions, respectively. Other languages, such as Lozi, Chewa, and Luvale, are also significant in their respective regions. Despite the multiplicity of languages, Zambia has a culture of multilingualism, with many citizens able to speak several local languages in addition to English.

Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion in Zambia, with approximately 85% of the population identifying as Christian. The country is home to various Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal, and Evangelical churches. Christianity plays a central role in the lives of many Zambians, influencing cultural practices, education, and social life.

In addition to Christianity, there are small populations of Muslims, Hindus, and people practicing indigenous African religions. These indigenous religions often involve belief in ancestral spirits, as well as rituals and ceremonies associated with nature. These practices are especially prominent in rural areas, where traditional beliefs are passed down through generations.

Economy of Zambia

Agriculture

Agriculture plays a significant role in Zambia’s economy, employing a large proportion of the population, particularly in rural areas. The country’s favorable climatic conditions and fertile soils make it suitable for growing a variety of crops, with maize being the staple food. Other important agricultural products include tobacco, cotton, wheat, and sugarcane. Zambia is also a major producer of vegetables, fruits, and legumes, and has a growing horticultural industry.

However, the agricultural sector faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, low investment in technology, and vulnerability to climatic variations, particularly droughts. Despite these challenges, agriculture remains vital for food security and employment in Zambia.

Mining

Zambia is one of the world’s leading copper producers, and mining is the cornerstone of the country’s economy. The Copperbelt region, which stretches across northern Zambia, is rich in copper and cobalt deposits, and the mining industry has been the largest contributor to the country’s export revenues. Copper accounts for more than 70% of Zambia’s exports and is a major source of foreign currency.

Zambia also has significant reserves of other minerals, including gold, gemstones, and coal, which contribute to the mining sector’s diversity. However, the mining industry has faced challenges such as fluctuating global commodity prices, environmental concerns, and the need for greater investment in infrastructure.

Manufacturing and Industry

Manufacturing in Zambia is less developed than agriculture and mining, but it has seen growth over the past few decades. The manufacturing sector is primarily centered around food processing, cement production, textiles, and chemicals. The government has implemented various policies to boost industrialization and increase the country’s competitiveness in regional and international markets. However, the manufacturing sector still faces challenges such as high energy costs, poor infrastructure, and limited access to finance.

Services and Tourism

The service sector in Zambia is growing, particularly in finance, retail, and tourism. Zambia is known for its rich natural resources, including its national parks, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. The country is home to several well-known tourist attractions, such as the Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi National Park, and South Luangwa National Park. Tourism has the potential to be a major contributor to the economy, attracting both regional and international visitors.

However, Zambia’s tourism industry still faces obstacles, including poor infrastructure, limited international marketing, and competition from other tourist destinations in southern Africa. Nevertheless, the government has been working to expand tourism by improving transport networks and conservation efforts in its national parks.

Government of Zambia

Political System

Zambia is a democratic republic with a multi-party political system. The country’s political framework is based on a presidential system, where the President is both the head of state and the head of government. The President is elected for a five-year term and can serve a maximum of two terms in office. The National Assembly consists of 156 members, who are elected through a mixture of direct and proportional representation.

Zambia’s political history is shaped by the rule of its first President, Kenneth Kaunda, who led the country from independence in 1964 until 1991. Kaunda’s government was a one-party state, but in 1991, Zambia transitioned to a multi-party democracy. Since then, Zambia has held regular elections, although the political landscape has been marked by tension between the ruling party and opposition groups.

Political History

Zambia gained independence from British colonial rule in 1964, and Kenneth Kaunda became the country’s first president. Under Kaunda, Zambia adopted a socialist-oriented economic and political system. After Kaunda’s government implemented one-party rule, political opposition was suppressed. In 1991, following economic challenges and pressure for democratic reform, Zambia transitioned to a multi-party political system, and President Kaunda lost power to the opposition, led by Frederick Chiluba.

In the years since independence, Zambia has seen a variety of political shifts, with different political parties coming to power. The country’s political system has largely remained stable, although it has faced challenges such as corruption, electoral fraud, and political polarization. Zambia’s commitment to democracy, peace, and human rights has earned it a reputation as one of the more stable countries in the region.

Culture of Zambia

Traditional Music and Dance

Music and dance are integral to Zambian culture, playing a crucial role in ceremonies, celebrations, and social life. Traditional Zambian music is often performed using instruments such as drums, rattles, and stringed instruments like the likembe and marimba. Many Zambian ethnic groups have their own distinct styles of music and dance, which are used in rituals, weddings, and other community events.

The Bemba people, for instance, are known for their energetic and rhythmic dance styles, while the Lozi people have traditional dances that reflect their royal heritage. In recent years, popular music genres such as Zambian pop (also known as Zed Music) and hip-hop have gained popularity, especially in urban areas.

Art and Craft

Zambia has a rich tradition of craftsmanship, with local artisans producing beautifully crafted items such as pottery, beadwork, wood carvings, and basketry. The arts are deeply influenced by the country’s ethnic diversity, with each group contributing unique styles and techniques. Traditional art often depicts themes such as wildlife, spirituality, and daily life.

Contemporary Zambian art is also gaining international recognition, particularly in painting and sculpture. Zambian artists combine traditional themes with modern techniques, creating a unique fusion of old and new in the world of visual arts.

Cuisine

Zambian cuisine is largely based on staple foods such as maize, millet, and cassava, with maize being the most important. The main dish is nshima, a type of thick maize porridge that is served with vegetables, meat, or fish. Other popular dishes include vegetables like okra and pumpkin leaves, and grilled meats like chicken, beef, and goat. Zambian cuisine reflects the country’s agricultural practices, with many dishes being locally grown or sourced.

Festivals and Celebrations

Zambia celebrates a range of cultural and national festivals, including the famous Kuomboka festival, celebrated by the Lozi people in the western region of the country. The festival marks the movement of the Lozi king, or Litunga, from the floodplains to higher ground during the rainy season. Other important events include the Zambian Independence Day, which is celebrated every October 24th, and the National Arts Festival, which showcases music, dance, and drama from around the country. These festivals serve to strengthen community bonds and celebrate Zambia’s rich cultural heritage.