Overview of Zambia

Profile

Most of the country lies on a plateau around 1,000m elevation, traversed by rich river systems including the Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa Rivers. After independence from British Northern Rhodesia, it remains a member of the Commonwealth with English as the official language. The copper-centered mining industry is the economic pillar, but recent focus has shifted to agriculture, tourism development, and renewable energy. With abundant wildlife and relatively stable security, it is considered "one of the most peaceful countries in Africa."

Official name: Republic of Zambia
Common name: Zambia
Numeric code: 894
Alpha-3 code: ZMB
Alpha-2 code: ZM
Population: 20 million (2023 estimate) (2023)
Population density: 26 people/km2
Primary languages: English, Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi
Major religions: Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)
National anthem: Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free
Calling code: +260
Internet TLD: .zm

History

Gained independence from Northern Rhodesia in 1964, underwent long one-party rule, and transitioned to multi-party democracy in 1991.

The discovery of copper deposits brought it under British control, and in 1953 it became part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Kenneth Kaunda's United National Independence Party led the nationalist movement, achieving independence on October 24, 1964. The Kaunda regime adopted socialist policies and one-party rule, but economic decline followed due to falling copper prices and debt crisis. Frederick Chiluba won the 1991 multi-party elections, advancing democratization. Since the 2000s, foreign investment, especially from China, has flowed in, revitalizing the copper and cobalt industries while also raising debt dependency concerns. In the 2021 election, Hakainde Hichilema became president, pledging fiscal reconstruction and governance strengthening.

Geography & climate

Most of the country lies on the Central African plateau at 1,000-1,400m elevation, with the Zambezi River basin traversing from southwest to southern edge. The northeast is a lake region connected to the Rift Valley, and the central area spreads with miombo woodland and wetlands.

Subtropical highland savanna (distinct dry and rainy seasons)

Area: Africa / 752612 km²
Capital: Lusaka
Largest city: Lusaka
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Mweru, Lake Bangweulu, Lake Kariba (artificial lake)
Bordering countries: Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia

Natural resources

Copper, Cobalt, Emerald, Gold, Uranium, Hydroelectric resources, Timber, Coal, Zinc, Limestone, Wildlife, Fertile black cotton soil

Politics

Government: Constitutional Republic (Presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

GDP (nominal): 298 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 833 hundred million USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi

Time zone: Central Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja/Chewa, Lozi, Lunda, Ngoni, Kaonde, Luvale, Luba, Other minority groups

Life expectancy

63.0

Literacy rate

83.0

National sports

Football, Boxing, Athletics, Rugby, Netball