Lusaka, Zambia
Capital city · Population 2.2M
Lusaka is the capital and the largest city in Zambia with a population of approximately 2,212,301 people as of 2026. This makes it the 175th largest city in the world, accounting for 10.38% of Zambia's total population of 21.3M. Lusaka is classified as a major city and operates in the Africa/Lusaka timezone. The average annual temperature is 21.6°C with 527 mm of rainfall per year. The city sits at an elevation of 1,277 meters above sea level.
Population
2,212,301
Global Rank
#175
Country Rank
#1
% of Zambia
10.38%
Avg Temperature
21.6°C
Annual Rainfall
527 mm
Elevation
1,277 m
Timezone
Africa/Lusaka
Lusaka on the Map
Climate in Lusaka
Lusaka's warmest month is Dec and the coldest is Jun. The wettest month is Jan with 229 mm of rainfall.
Average Monthly Temperature
Monthly Rainfall
Zambia at a Glance
Country Population
21,314,956
Capital
Lusaka
Region
Eastern Africa
Major Cities
18
GDP per Capita
$1,187
Life Expectancy
66.3 years
Urban Population
45.5%
Growth Rate
0.03%
Other Major Cities in Zambia
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Lusaka with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Chunga | 115,539 | 10 km |
| Kafue | 104,174 | 42 km |
| Mazabuka | 104,412 | 76 km |
| Kabwe | 288,598 | 108 km |
| Luanshya | 193,293 | 253 km |
| Ndola | 627,503 | 275 km |
| Kalulushi | 104,046 | 286 km |
| Kitwe | 665,961 | 290 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lusaka?
The population of Lusaka, Zambia is approximately 2,212,301 people, making it the 175th largest city in the world and the 1st largest in Zambia.
Is Lusaka the capital of Zambia?
Yes, Lusaka is the capital of Zambia.
What is the climate like in Lusaka?
Lusaka has an average annual temperature of 21.6°C and receives 527 mm of rainfall per year. The warmest month is Dec and the coldest is Jun.
What timezone is Lusaka in?
Lusaka is in the Africa/Lusaka timezone.