Zambia: Population, Economy & Travel Facts
Essential data for planning your trip to Zambia — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.
Population & Geography
Population
17,351,822
#65 of 197 countries
Area
752,618 km²
#40 of 248 countries
Density
23.1 / km²
#196 of 245 countries
Zambia has a population of 17,351,822 spread across 752,618 km², giving it an average density of 23.1 people per km².
Most Populous Cities
Demographics
Median Age
19.0
Life Expectancy
66.9 yrs
Literacy Rate
71.1%
Government
presidential republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Zambia is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 33% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.
Income Level
Lower middle income
GDP per Capita
$1,331
Cost of Living
33%
of US
Inflation
10.9%
Inequality
51.5
High