Zambia

Landlocked Zambia, formerly Northern Rhodesia, gained independence in 1964 and initially prospered due to its wealth of copper reserves. The country was ruled for 27 years by Kenneth Kaunda as a one-party state and during this time, Zambia assisted the liberation struggles in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Although many of the population live below the poverty line, the country has made positive steps in addressing HIV/AIDS which currently affects over 15 per cent of the population.

The Facts

• Capital: Lusaka

• Major religions: Christianity, traditional beliefs, Hinduism, Islam

• Main Languages: English, Bemba, Lozi, Nyanja

• Key exports: copper, cobalt, cotton, tobacco, flowers

• Government: Movement for Multi-party Democracy

• President: Rupiah Banda

• Most recent Presidential/National Assembly elections: 2008/2006

• Next scheduled Presidential/National Assembly elections: 2011/2011

The Figures

• HIV prevalence: 15.2% aged 15-49 (UK: 0.2%)

• Adult literacy rate: 68% aged 15 and older (UK: >99%)

• GDP per capita: US$1,497 (UK: US$34,340)

• Life expectancy at birth: 47 years (UK: 80 years)

• Under-five mortality rate: 148 per 1,000 live births (UK: 6 per 1,000 live births)

• 2010 Human Development Index Ranking (out of 169 countries): 150

 

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 Related Links

• Office of the President

• The Post Online

• NGOs' Coordinating Council

• Human Development Report 2010

• DFID's Zambia page

Latest News

• News from Zambia