Zambia
Republic of Zambia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.70%
Zambia is a Eastern Africa landlocked nation of around 19.7 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. This landlocked territory spans 752,612 km² with a density of 26 people per km². Its capital is Lusaka, and English is the official language, while the Zambian kwacha serves as the national currency.
Population
19,693,423
Area
752,612 km²
Density
26/km²
World Rank
#65
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 33.1 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.2 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 41.5% of the population is under 15, while only 1.9% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Lusaka
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Eastern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- Zambian kwacha (ZK)
- Calling Code
- +260
- Top-Level Domain
- .zm
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 19,693,423
- Land Area
- 752,612 km²
- Population Density
- 26 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.70%
- Annual Growth
- +531,722 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,457 people
- World Population Share
- 0.24%
- Coordinates
- -15.00°, 30.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $1.2k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 5.9%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. A Gini index of 51.5 signals substantial income inequality, suggesting that economic gains are concentrated among a smaller share of the population.
Life Expectancy
66.3 years
GDP per Capita
$1,187
Birth Rate
33.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
45.5%
Fertility Rate
4.10 births/woman
Infant Mortality
30.9 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.9%
Literacy Rate
82.0%
Internet Users
33.0%
Under 15
41.5%
Over 65
1.9%
Health Spending
6.0% GDP
Gini Index
51.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
8.2M
15-64 years
11.1M
65+ years
384K
Urbanization
About 45.5% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Lusaka, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 6562.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
9.0M
45.5%
10.7M
54.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 66.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 30.9 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 82% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Zambia
Zambia has 18 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Zambia is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Zambia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 19,693,423 |
| 2030 | 21,790,237 |
| 2035 | 24,457,735 |
| 2040 | 27,161,879 |
| 2045 | 29,890,705 |
| 2050 | 32,636,223 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Zambia.
Largest Cities in Zambia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Zambia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Zambia?
The population of Zambia is approximately 19.7 million as of 2026, making it #65 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Zambia?
The capital of Zambia is Lusaka.
What languages are spoken in Zambia?
The main languages spoken in Zambia are English.
How big is Zambia?
Zambia covers an area of 752,612 km² with a population density of 26 people per km².
Is Zambia growing or shrinking?
Zambia is growing at a rate of 2.70% per year, adding approximately 531,722 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Zambia?
The average life expectancy in Zambia is 66.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Zambia?
The GDP per capita of Zambia is $1,187.