Zambia

The Republic of Zambia is a landlocked nation in southern Africa, bordered by Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. Renowned for its vast natural resources—especially copper—and its iconic natural landmarks such as Victoria Falls, Zambia combines rich cultural traditions with a complex postcolonial political history. Despite economic inequality and developmental challenges, it remains one of Africa’s most politically stable democracies.

Historical background

The area now known as Zambia has been inhabited for millennia, with early Bantu-speaking communities migrating from the Luba and Lunda Kingdoms in the Congo Basin and from the Great Lakes region around A.D. 300. These settlers displaced or assimilated indigenous groups, forming a network of chieftaincies and trade routes across central Africa.
By the 14th century, the Mutapa Empire, which succeeded Great Zimbabwe, extended its authority into parts of Zambia, flourishing through trade in gold, ivory, and iron. Portuguese incursions and the rise of the slave trade in the 17th century disrupted local systems and power structures.
The 19th century witnessed further upheaval, driven by migration and conflict resulting from the expansion of the Zulu Kingdom to the south. European commercial interests, particularly those associated with Cecil Rhodes’s British South Africa Company, advanced into the region during the 1880s, obtaining land concessions from local rulers. By 1911, the territory became known as Northern Rhodesia, under company administration, and was later transferred to British Crown control in 1924.
The discovery of copper transformed the Copperbelt into an economic powerhouse, but profits largely benefited foreign enterprises. Rising African nationalism after the Second World War inspired movements for independence, led by figures such as Kenneth Kaunda, whose United National Independence Party (UNIP) mobilised broad support. Zambia achieved independence on 24 October 1964, with Kaunda becoming its first president.
Under Kaunda’s one-party socialist state, Zambia nationalised major industries and promoted pan-African solidarity, supporting liberation struggles in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Namibia, and South Africa. However, declining copper prices in the 1970s, drought, and external debt led to economic decline.
In 1991, Zambia peacefully transitioned to multi-party democracy when the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), led by Frederick Chiluba, won national elections, ending Kaunda’s 27-year rule. Since then, successive administrations—including Levy Mwanawasa (2002–2008), Rupiah Banda (2008–2011), Michael Sata (2011–2014), Edgar Lungu (2015–2021), and Hakainde Hichilema (since 2021)—have reflected Zambia’s evolving democratic maturity amid continuing challenges of governance, debt, and inequality.

Geography and environment

Zambia covers 752,618 square kilometres, slightly larger than Texas (USA). The country occupies a high plateau averaging 1,138 metres above sea level, interspersed with hills and valleys. Its highest point is Mafinga Central (2,330 m) and its lowest point, the Zambezi River (329 m).
The Zambezi River, forming the southern boundary with Zimbabwe, features Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), one of the world’s largest waterfalls and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Zambia is also home to Lake Tanganyika, Lake Mweru, and Lake Bangweulu, which support rich biodiversity.
Climate: Tropical, moderated by altitude. Rainy season: October–April.Natural resources: Copper, cobalt, coal, zinc, lead, emeralds, gold, uranium, and hydropower potential.Land use: Forests 59.8%, agriculture 32%, arable land 5.1%.
Environmental challenges include deforestation, soil erosion, periodic droughts, and pollution from mining activities. Zambia participates in international environmental accords such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

People and society

Zambia’s estimated population of 20.8 million (2024) is growing at 2.8% annually, among the world’s fastest rates. The median age (18.4 years) indicates a youthful population, with 42% under 15.
Ethnic composition: Over 70 ethnic groups, predominantly Bantu-speaking.

• Bemba – 21%
• Tonga – 13.6%
• Chewa – 7.4%

Languages: English (official); Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, and Lozi widely spoken.Religion: Christianity 95% (Protestant 75%, Catholic 20%); Islam, Hinduism, and Baha’i <3%.
The constitution defines Zambia as a Christian nation, while guaranteeing freedom of religion.
Demographic indicators (2024):

• Life expectancy: 66.9 years
• Fertility rate: 4.4 children per woman
• Infant mortality: 35.6 per 1,000 live births
• Maternal mortality: 85 per 100,000 live births
• Literacy: 71% (male 82%, female 62%)

Urbanisation stands at 46%, with Lusaka (3.18 million) and Kitwe (763,000) as leading cities. While healthcare access and education have expanded, rural disparities persist—especially in sanitation and water access.

Government and politics

Zambia operates as a presidential republic under the 1991 Constitution, amended multiple times to reinforce political participation and decentralisation.

• President: Hakainde Hichilema (since 2021)
• Vice President: Mutale Nalumango
• Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly (167 seats: 156 elected, 8 appointed)
• Judiciary: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and subordinate courts

The president, elected by popular vote for a five-year term, serves as both head of state and government. Women occupy about 15% of parliamentary seats, reflecting modest gains in representation.
Zambia’s legal system is based on English common law combined with customary law. The country is divided into 10 provinces, including Lusaka, Copperbelt, Eastern, and Southern provinces.
National symbols:

• Flag: Green with red, black, and orange bands, featuring an African fish eagle
• Motto: “One Zambia, One Nation”
• Independence Day: 24 October (from the United Kingdom, 1964)

Economy

Zambia’s lower-middle-income economy relies heavily on mining, which contributes over 70% of export earnings, primarily through copper. Despite abundant resources, poverty (60%) and income inequality (Gini 51.5) remain significant.
Economic indicators (2024):

• GDP (PPP): $79.2 billion
• Growth rate: 4%
• GDP per capita (PPP): $3,700
• Inflation: 15%
• Debt-to-GDP ratio: 71.4% (2021)

Sectoral distribution:

• Industry – 37.5%
• Services – 55.1%
• Agriculture – 1.8%

Key exports: Copper, gold, gemstones, electricityMain partners: Switzerland, China, India, UAE, DRCMain imports: Petroleum, fertilizers, vehicles, machinery (mainly from South Africa and China)
Zambia’s government is working with the IMF and World Bank on debt restructuring and economic diversification—particularly in agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. Hydropower generates 88% of electricity, though only 48% of the population has access to power, with rural electrification lagging at 14.5%.

Infrastructure and communications

Zambia’s infrastructure links urban and mining centres to regional markets. The Tanzania–Zambia Railway (TAZARA) connects Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces to the Port of Dar es Salaam, facilitating trade with East Africa.
Air transport: 120 airports (4 international).Telecommunications: 21 million mobile subscriptions (99 per 100 people); 33% internet penetration.
The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) remains the main state broadcaster, complemented by private and community stations that foster diverse but politically monitored media.

Military and security

The Zambia Defence Force (ZDF) comprises the Army, Air Force, and National Service, totalling approximately 16,000 active personnel. Defence spending equals 1.3% of GDP.
Zambia plays an active role in UN peacekeeping, notably in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and participates in Southern African Development Community (SADC) security initiatives. The military has historically maintained neutrality in domestic politics, contributing to Zambia’s record of peaceful governance.

Society, culture, and heritage

Zambia’s cultural identity draws from its Bantu heritage, colonial legacy, and Christian traditions. Music, dance, and oral storytelling play central roles in social and spiritual life. Prominent cultural events include the Kuomboka Ceremony of the Lozi people and the Nc’wala Festival of the Ngoni, which celebrate history, kingship, and harvest cycles.