Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the south-east, Zimbabwe to the south, Botswana to the south-west, Namibia to the west, and Angola to the north-west. It has a population of approximately 19 million people and its capital and largest city is Lusaka.

Zambia has a diverse economy with agriculture, mining, and tourism as its main industries. The country is a major producer of copper and cobalt, which are its main export commodities. Other important exports include tobacco, sugar, and cotton. The country also has vast reserves of precious metals and gemstones, such as emeralds.

Zambia is known for its natural beauty and wildlife. The country has 20 national parks and game reserves, including the South Luangwa National Park, which is famous for its walking safaris. Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls, is also located in Zambia, on the border with Zimbabwe.

The official language of Zambia is English, although many Zambians also speak Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, and other local languages. The majority of the population is Christian, with a significant Muslim minority.

Zambia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and has since been a republic with a presidential system of government. It is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community.

Telephone Code
260

Local Emergency Phone
999

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.


Climate
Tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)

Currency (Code)
Zambian kwacha (ZMK)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, G

Major Languages
Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, Chewa, Nsenga, Tumbuka, Lunda, Kaonde, Lala, Lamba, English

Major Religions
Protestant 75.3%, Roman Catholic 20.2%, other 2.7% (includes Muslim Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha'i)

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Victoria Falls; Devil’s Pool; Zambezi River; Kafue National Park; Lusaka National Museum; Siavonga; Blue Lagoon National Park

Major Sports
Soccer, boxing, tennis

Cultural Practices
Beckoning someone with one's index finger is considered very rude, as it is usually reserved for animals.

Tipping Guidelines
Tip 10% in restaurants. Tip guides directly at the end of a tour $5-10 (USD) per person per day.

Souvenirs
Wood and stone carvings, handmade pottery and glassware, basketware, batik fabric and decorative items; wrought iron sculptures and copperware; carved tribal items including masks, drums, and animals; beadwork and handmade jewelry; local gemstones

Traditional Cuisine
Nshima — a dough-like porridge made from ground maize used to scoop up side dishes (ndiwo) such as soups, stews, sauces, or relishes

Geography
Area
total: 752,618 sq km
land: 743,398 sq km
water: 9,220 sq km

Climate
tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)

Natural resources
copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower

People and Society
Population
20,216,029 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Bemba 21%, Tonga 13.6%, Chewa 7.4%, Lozi 5.7%, Nsenga 5.3%, Tumbuka 4.4%, Ngoni 4%, Lala 3.1%, Kaonde 2.9%, Namwanga 2.8%, Lunda (north Western) 2.6%, Mambwe 2.5%, Luvale 2.2%, Lamba 2.1%, Ushi 1.9%, Lenje 1.6%, Bisa 1.6%, Mbunda 1.2%, other 13.8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.)

Languages
Bemba 33.4%, Nyanja 14.7%, Tonga 11.4%, Lozi 5.5%, Chewa 4.5%, Nsenga 2.9%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda (North Western) 1.9%, Kaonde 1.8%, Lala 1.8%, Lamba 1.8%, English (official) 1.7%, Luvale 1.5%, Mambwe 1.3%, Namwanga 1.2%, Lenje 1.1%, Bisa 1%, other 9.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2010 est.)

Religions
Protestant 75.3%, Roman Catholic 20.2%, other 2.7% (includes Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha'i), none 1.8% (2010 est.)

Population growth rate
2.86% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Lusaka; note - a proposal to build a new capital city in Ngabwe was announced in May 2017

Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income Sub-Saharan economy; major copper exporter; high public debt is held mostly by China; systemic corruption; one of youngest and fastest growing labor forces; regional hydroelectricity exporter; extreme rural poverty

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$63.03 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$3,200 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
sugar cane, cassava, maize, milk, vegetables, soybeans, beef, tobacco, wheat, groundnuts

Industries
copper mining and processing, emerald mining, construction, foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture

Exports
$11.716 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Switzerland 32%, China 14%, Namibia 12%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 9%, Singapore 8% (2020)

Exports - commodities
copper, gold, gemstones, tobacco, cement (2020)

Imports
$7.701 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
South Africa 31%, China 16%, United Arab Emirates 9%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6%, India 5% (2020)

Imports - commodities
copper, petroleum, fertilizers, packaged medicines, delivery trucks (2020)