Zambia
Country statistics · 1990–present
Zambia at a Glance
Zambia is home to 21.3 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing very rapidly. At a GDP per capita of $2,120, it is a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Life expectancy at birth stands at 66.5 years, below the global average.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 21.3 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 32.7 and a death rate of 5.2 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 27.6 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 587,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Zambia is a smaller economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $52 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $2,120 per person, it is classified as a low-income economy — reflecting an economy where significant development opportunity remains. Real GDP growth is projected at 5.3% in 2029, representing solid growth.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 66.5 years (2024), below the global average. Current health expenditure per person is $80 (2023), representing very low per-capita healthcare spending, a common constraint in lower-income economies. The adult literacy rate stands at 71.8% (2024), reflecting literacy rates that remain a key development focus. 17.1% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating limited internet penetration, with significant scope for digital expansion.