Government of Zambia
233 officials listed, each linked to its source.
Zambia, officially the Republic of Zambia, has its capital at Lusaka and a population of 21,913,874 (World Bank, 2025). The CIA World Factbook describes its system of government as a presidential republic. President Hakainde Hichilema (in office since 24 Aug 2021) is head of state; Vice President Mutale Nalumango is the deputy. The legislature is the National Assembly, a unicameral body with 167 seats. The most recent national election, per IFES ElectionGuide, was held on 13 Aug 2026. Elections are run by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). The directory below lists 6 cabinet and ministerial posts with their current holders and sources.

National Assembly
Unicameral. Source: CIA World Factbook
| Chamber | Seats | Last election |
|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | 167 (156 directly elected; 8 appointed) | 44420 |
Zambia National Assembly: list of MPs
Political mix
Seats by party in each chamber of Zambia. One dot is one seat.
National Assembly
As elected, 2026
224 of 227 seats listed. The share of each party is out of the seats listed.
224
National Assembly seats listed of 227
- UPND136(60.7%)
- NRPUP59(26.3%)
- Independent21(9.4%)
- Resolute Party5(2.2%)
- Citizens First2(0.9%)
- Zambia Must Prosper1(0.4%)
- Not yet listed3
Each dot is one seat. Members are placed within their party’s section, not in their real seats.
Members on the chart (224, by party)
UPND (136)
- Percy K. Chato, Bwacha North, Central
- Sydney Mushanga, Bwacha South, Central
- Martin G. Chowa, Chisamba, Central
- Nelson Kabanda, Chitambo, Central
- Chrizoster Halwindi, Kabwe Central, Central
- Davison Matutu, Kapiri Mposhi East, Central
- Stanley Kakubo, Kapiri Mposhi West, Central
- Nkulukusa Mwabashike, Katuba, Central
- Emmanuel Chiminsa, Keembe, Central
- Princess Kasune, Keembe West, Central
- Christopher Chibuye, Luano, Central
- Lewis Chitaila, Lufubu, Central
- Sydney Chisanga, Mkushi South, Central
- Andrew Mpyakula, Muchinga, Central
- Clarence Chisuku, Mumbwa, Central
- Stella B Chilonda, Mumbwa West, Central
- Ferd Shikabwali, Mwembezhi East, Central
- Austin C. Milambo, Mwembezhi West, Central
- Chushi Kasanda, Mwomboshi, Central
- Collins Nzovu, Nangoma, Central
- Emmanuel Banda, Nkundalila, Central
- Friday Katombi, Serenje, Central
- Rashida Mulenga, Chambishi, Copperbelt
- Chipoka Mulenga, Chingola West, Copperbelt
- Eleni E. Grigorakis, Kafulafuta, Copperbelt
- Micheal Zondani Katambo, Kalalangabo, Copperbelt
- Kampamba Mulenga, Kalulushi, Copperbelt
- Lucky Sichone, Konkola, Copperbelt
- Elisha Matambo, Lufwanyama East, Copperbelt
- Kenny Siachisumo, Lufwanyama West, Copperbelt
- Shevy Mukabila, Masaiti, Copperbelt
- Emmanuel Masanga, Mpongwe East, Copperbelt
- Emmanuel Kasambo, Mpongwe West, Copperbelt
- Elijah K. Biyete, Mufulira, Copperbelt
- Joel Chibuye, Roan, Copperbelt
- Yamikani Phiri, Chadiza East, Eastern
- Misheck Nyambose, Chasefu South, Eastern
- Andrew Z. Lubusha, Chipangali East, Eastern
- George Mwanza, Chipata Central, Eastern
- Moses Moyo, Luangeni, Eastern
- Douglas Lungu, Lusangazi Central, Eastern
- Happy D. Mampa, Bangweulu, Luapula
- Favourite Musangu, Chienge, Luapula
- Peter Kapala, Chifunabuli South, Luapula
- Beauty Kaya, Luapula, Luapula
- Lesley Mulwanda, Mweru, Luapula
- Williams Mwenya, Pambashe, Luapula
- Abel Ng'andu, Chawama, Lusaka
- Sipho Hlazo, Chilanga North, Lusaka
- Ngenda Situmbeko, Chilanga South, Lusaka
- Martin L. Chasha, Chongwe West, Lusaka
- Buumba Malambo, Kafue East, Lusaka
- Obvious S. Mwaliteta, Kafue West, Lusaka
- Cleopatra M. Hamaambo, Kanyama, Lusaka
- Msaiwale J. Mlewa, Lusaka Central, Lusaka
- Beene Hachoombwa, Makeni, Lusaka
- Alexander M. Sakala, Matero, Lusaka
- Thomas Sipalo, Munali, Lusaka
- Ross J. Kasikili, Roma, Lusaka
- Sheal S. Mulyata, Rufunsa, Lusaka
- Simon Simwanza, Nakonde, Muchinga
- Victor Lumayi, Chavuma, North-Western
- Davies Mbalau, Dongwe, North-Western
- Paul Masuwa, Ikeleng'i, North-Western
- Ambrose Lufuma, Kabompo East, North-Western
- Hilary Chipango, Kabompo West, North-Western
- Nicholas M. Mukumbi, Kalumbila, North-Western
- Brenda Tambatamba, Kasempa, North-Western
- Mathews Mashimango, Lumwana, North-Western
- Robert Lihefu, Manyinga, North-Western
- Brian Kakonkanya, Mufwashi, North-Western
- Alex Katakwe, Mushindamo, North-Western
- Lualaba J. Mukanzu, Mwinilunga East, North-Western
- Jonathan K. Kapaipi, Mwinilunga West, North-Western
- Stafford Mulusa, Solwezi North, North-Western
- Vumango P. Musumali, Zambezi West, North-Western
- Mathias Chitembo, Chilubi, Northern
- Elvis Nkandu, Kaputa, Northern
- Maxas K. Ng'onga, Kundabwika, Northern
- Katongo Chasaya, Lunte, Northern
- Shadreck Mwansa, Lupososhi, Northern
- Patrick M. Mucheleka, Luwingu Central, Northern
- Wedden Chileshe, Mporokoso, Northern
- Remmy Sikazwe, Saise, Northern
- Kasauta S. Michelo, Bweengwa, Southern
- Jaqueline Sabao, Chikankata, Southern
- Cornelius Mweetwa, Choma Central, Southern
- Trevor S. Mwiinde, Choma South, Southern
- Edgar Sing'ombe, Dundumwenzi, Southern
- Tyson Simuzingili, Gwembe, Southern
- Credo Nanjuwa, Itezhi-Tezhi East, Southern
- Twaambo Mutinta, Itezhi-Tezhi West, Southern
- Harry S. Kamboni, Kalomo Central, Southern
- Edgar Siakacoma, Kalomo South, Southern
- Gift Sialubalo, Kariba, Southern
- Clement Andeleki, Kazungula North, Southern
- Siasiloka Mukuni, Kazungula South, Southern
- Gracious Mayangwa, Livingstone, Southern
- Mweemba Malambo, Magoye East, Southern
- Nachombe Kabunda, Magoye West, Southern
- Emeldah Mushabantu, Mapatizya, Southern
- Yvonne Kabba, Maramba, Southern
- Vincent Lilanda, Mazabuka Central, Southern
- Joseph S. Munsanje, Mbabala, Southern
- Yvonne Shakantu, Monze Central, Southern
- Jacob Mwiimbu, Monze East, Southern
- Fred C. Chaatila, Moomba, Southern
- Olive C. Chiboola, Namwala East, Southern
- Herbert Mapani, Namwala West, Southern
- Obey H. Habeenzu, Pemba, Southern
- Darius Mulunda, Siavonga, Southern
- Nchimunya Siakole, Sinazongwe, Southern
- Akufuna Simushi, Kalabo Central, Western
- Chinga Miyutu, Kalabo South, Western
- Morgan S. Sitwala, Kaoma, Western
- Situmbeko Musokotwane, Liuwa, Western
- Makozo Chikote, Luampa, Western
- Chinyama M. Sachiyenge, Luampa West, Western
- Maliti M. Chimwaso, Luena, Western
- Kahale F. Kahale, Lukulu North, Western
- Christopher K. Kalila, Lukulu South, Western
- Luhamba Mwene, Mangango, Western
- Misheck Mutelo, Mitete, Western
- Makai Makai, Mongu Central, Western
- Christopher M Nawa, Mongu East, Western
- Warren Sibote, Nalikwanda, Western
- Imanga Wamunyima, Nalolo, Western
- Kapelwa Mbangweta, Nkeyema, Western
- Likando M. Mufalali, Senanga, Western
- Brian M. Ndumba, Senanga North, Western
- Romeo Kang'ombe, Sesheke, Western
- Fredrick L. Misebezi, Sesheke West, Western
- Mubika Mubika, Shang’ombo, Western
- Beauty N. Moola, Shangombo North, Western
- Mayungo Simushi, Sikongo, Western
- Kaliye Mandandi, Sioma, Western
NRPUP (59)
- Mabvuto Nyirenda, Mkushi North, Central
- Warren Chisha Mwambazi, Bwana Mkubwa, Copperbelt
- Musenge L. Mwenya, Chimwemwe, Copperbelt
- Michelle Phiri, Chingola Central, Copperbelt
- Ezra Tembo, Dag Hammerskjoeld, Copperbelt
- Tillas T. Sichinga, Kabushi, Copperbelt
- Kelvin Chipili, Kamfinsa, Copperbelt
- Brian Chirambo, Kwacha, Copperbelt
- Golden Mulenga, Luanshya, Copperbelt
- Rosemary Chipoya, Nchanga, Copperbelt
- Alexander Chiteme, Nkana, Copperbelt
- Pavyuma Kalobo, Wusakile, Copperbelt
- Obet Phiri, Chadiza West, Eastern
- Yotam Mtayachalo, Chama Central, Eastern
- Benson Njobvu, Chama North, Eastern
- Jackson Ngoma, Chipata North, Eastern
- Phillimon Twasa, Kasenengwa, Eastern
- Oliver Mwale, Lumezi South, Eastern
- Brenda Nyirenda, Lundazi, Eastern
- Patrick Mwale, Malambo West, Eastern
- Mustapher Banda, Mkaika, Eastern
- Paul Lungu, Nyimba North, Eastern
- Mackson C. Kapantha, Nyimba South, Eastern
- Pauline L. Banda, Petauke Central, Eastern
- Masautso K. Tembo, Sinda, Eastern
- Margaret Miti, Vubwi, Eastern
- Sydney P. Kaweme, Bahati, Luapula
- Kasongo Chomba, Chembe, Luapula
- Julien Nyemba, Chifunabuli North, Luapula
- Christine P. Chipota, Kalungwishi, Luapula
- Danstan Mwansa, Kawambwa, Luapula
- Geoffrey Mulenga, Luongo, Luapula
- Jean N. Chisenga, Mambilima, Luapula
- Webby Simwayi, Mansa East, Luapula
- Gystave Chonde, Milenge, Luapula
- Kabaso Kampampi, Mwansabombwe, Luapula
- David Mabumba, Mwense, Luapula
- Emmanuel Tembo, Feira, Lusaka
- Danny Yenga, Kabwata, Lusaka
- Kelvin Kaunda, Lima, Lusaka
- Kalalwe A. Mukosa, Chilinda, Muchinga
- Mwansa Chanda, Chinsali, Muchinga
- Sichone Malozo, Isoka, Muchinga
- Sampa Muswema, Kanchibiya, Muchinga
- Kanungwe C. Kanyanyamina, Lwitika, Muchinga
- Nicholas Mumbi, Mfuwe, Muchinga
- Francis Kapyanga, Mpika North, Muchinga
- Primose C. Chanda, Mpika South, Muchinga
- Luka Simumba, Mwenzo, Muchinga
- Stephen Kampyongo, Shiwa Ng'andu, Muchinga
- Titus M. Chipili, Chimbamilonga, Northern
- Elasmous Chomba, Kasama Central, Northern
- Justin Mutale, Kasama North, Northern
- George Kingsley Mwamba, Lubansenshi, Northern
- Daniel Bwalya, Lukashya, Northern
- Raphael Chilufya, Mbala, Northern
- Patrick Ndolesha, Mpanda, Northern
- Freedom C. Sikazwe, Mpulungu North, Northern
- Teddy Mutale, Mpulungu South, Northern
Independent (21)
- Kondwani J. Winga, Chifubu, Copperbelt
- Edward Chomba, Kankoyo, Copperbelt
- Jerrix Nkhata, Chama South, Eastern
- Towani R. Chipeta, Chasefu North, Eastern
- Vincent Mwale, Chipangali West, Eastern
- Charles Tembo, Kaumbwe, Eastern
- Faith Lungu, Malambo East, Eastern
- Lumankio Zulu, Milanzi, Eastern
- Amon Mumba, Msanzala, Eastern
- Chitalu Chilufya, Mansa Central, Luapula
- Anita Kamanga, Chongwe East, Lusaka
- Jairo Simbeye, Nkombwa, Muchinga
- Nshamba Muzungu, Mufumbwe, North-Western
- Kawina P. Poho, Solwezi Central, North-Western
- Rapheal K. Ngimbu, Zambezi Central, North-Western
- Jonathan L. Mwendelema, Zambezi East, North-Western
- Vernon B. Bwato, Malole, Northern
- Mukwavi C. Sichula, Senga Hill, Northern
- James K. Mwanja, Chirundu, Southern
- Hastings Sililo, Mulobezi, Western
- Iris Kaingu, Mwandi, Western
Resolute Party (5)
- Nsofwa K. Lupele, Chililabombwe, Copperbelt
- Chanda P. Kabwe, Kantanshi, Copperbelt
- Emmanuel Mulenga, Ndola Central, Copperbelt
- Enock Kaimba, Kapoche, Eastern
- Bwalya M. Kabwe, Nchelenge, Luapula
Citizens First (2)
- Robert Musonda, Chipili, Luapula
- Faith Munthali, Mafinga South, Muchinga
Zambia Must Prosper (1)
- Owen K. Mutambo, Mafinga North, Muchinga
Seats by party (table)
| Party | Seats | Share of listed seats |
|---|---|---|
| UPND | 136 | 60.7% |
| NRPUP | 59 | 26.3% |
| Independent | 21 | 9.4% |
| Resolute Party | 5 | 2.2% |
| Citizens First | 2 | 0.9% |
| Zambia Must Prosper | 1 | 0.4% |
| Seats not yet on our checked list | 3 | - |
As elected: the seats each party won at the 2026 election. It does not follow members who changed party afterwards. 227 seats in the chamber. As of 20 October 2026. Source: National Assembly of Zambia constituency and member pages, and the declared 2026 results by constituency.
Counted from the 224 members listed. Three constituencies had no declared winner when captured (Mandevu, Lumezi North, Solwezi West). The 40 proportional-representation seats and up to 11 nominated members are not included; the full House can reach 280.
This page lists the 224 constituencies whose 2026 result was declared when we captured the record on 20 October 2026. For each seat we take the constituency name, the province, the sitting member and the term start from the National Assembly's own constituency pages, and the declared winner and party from the published seat-by-seat results. Every member page links to the Assembly page it was read from, and the portrait shown is the Assembly's own official photograph, credited under the photograph. The National Assembly is elected from 227 single-member constituencies. The House also contains 40 proportional-representation seats (20 reserved for women, 15 for youth and 5 for persons with disability), up to 11 nominated members, the Vice-President, the Speaker and two deputy speakers, which brings the full House to as many as 280. Those seats are filled by appointment or by party list rather than by the constituency ballot, and the Assembly has not published a list of their occupants, so they are not on this page. The party figures below count the members listed here, not the full House. What this page does not show, and why. Three constituencies had no declared winner when we captured the results: Mandevu, Lumezi North and Solwezi West. They are absent rather than assigned to anyone. For eleven constituencies the Assembly's own seat page carries no 2026 entry, so those members are listed without a term start and their pages are kept out of search: Muchinga, Mwomboshi, Chama Central, Mafinga North, Monze East, Lukulu North, Katuba, Kamfinsa, Mambilima, Mwansabombwe and Feira. Some are shown by the Assembly with their previous term's occupant, which we do not present as the current one. The published results article also summarises its own seat table incorrectly, giving the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity 60 seats and independents 20, where its seat-by-seat table, and the 224 members sworn in, give 59 and 21; we publish the table. Personal contact details that the Assembly prints are held privately for corrections and are not published here.
Cabinet
Sources: Cabinet Office of Zambia (retrieved 11 Oct 2026); Embassy of Zambia in Washington, D.C. (retrieved 11 Oct 2026); UN Protocol and Liaison Service Blue Book (retrieved 25 Oct 2026).
Parliament, courts and independent offices
Sources: Ministry of Justice of Zambia (retrieved 11 Oct 2026); Electoral Commission of Zambia (retrieved 23 Oct 2026).
Zambia election dates 2026, 2027 and 2028
Next national election: Due by 2031, general election.
| Date | Election | Status | Turnout | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Aug 2026 | General election | Held | - | - |
| Due by 2031 | General election | Due | - | - |
Sources: Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) (retrieved 9 Oct 2026).
Economy at a glance
Full economy page- GDP
- US$29bn
- 2025
- GDP growth
- 3.8%
- 2025
- Remittances received
- US$404m
- 2025
- Foreign direct investment
- US$1.3bn
- 2025
Need data we do not publish?
Tell us the question and the country. We design and field the study, and publish the method with the result.
Commission a study in ZambiaMore data for Zambia
- Fuel prices in Zambia
- Minimum wage in Zambia
- Election calendar and results
- Economy of Zambia
- Public holidays in Zambia
- Development jobs in Zambia
- Constitution of Zambia
- Statistics office and surveys in Zambia
- Exams and universities in Zambia
- Research permits and data protection in Zambia
- Paid polls in Zambia: join the waiting list
- Inflation and unemployment in Zambia
- Debt of Zambia: debt to GDP and largest creditors
- Natural resources in Zambia
- Zambia and the rest of East Africa
Population of Zambia
Zambia had 21.9 million people in 2025, 22nd largest of 53 in Africa. The IMF projects 25 million by 2030. African countries by population.
Population (2025)
21.9
22nd largest of 53 in Africa
Population growth since 2015 (2025)
33.6 %
10th fastest-growing of 52 in Africa
Projected population 2030 (2030)
25.0
22nd highest of 52 in Africa
People per sq km (2025)
29
39th most crowded of 53 in Africa
Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Zambia |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 16.4 |
| 2016 | 16.9 |
| 2017 | 17.4 |
| 2018 | 18.0 |
| 2019 | 18.5 |
| 2020 | 19.1 |
| 2021 | 19.6 |
| 2022 | 20.2 |
| 2023 | 20.7 |
| 2024 | 21.3 |
| 2025 | 21.9 |
| 2026 | 22.5 (partial) |
| 2027 | 23.1 (partial) |
| 2028 | 23.8 (partial) |
| 2029 | 24.4 (partial) |
| 2030 | 25.0 (partial) |
Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Inflation and unemployment in Zambia
Prices in Zambia rose 13.9% in 2025, 10th highest of 52 in Africa. The ILO estimates unemployment at 5.9% (2025) and 10.5% among people aged 15 to 24. Zambia's own survey put it at 5.7% in 2024. Inflation in Africa · Unemployment in Africa · Zambia's economy.
Inflation (2025)
13.9 %
43rd lowest of 52 in Africa
Unemployment (2025)
5.9 %
26th lowest of 53 in Africa
Youth unemployment (2025)
10.5 %
27th lowest of 53 in Africa
Unemployment, national survey (2024)
5.7 %
National survey
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Zambia |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8.5 |
| 2011 | 6.4 |
| 2012 | 6.6 |
| 2013 | 7.0 |
| 2014 | 7.8 |
| 2015 | 10.1 |
| 2016 | 17.9 |
| 2017 | 6.6 |
| 2018 | 7.5 |
| 2019 | 9.2 |
| 2020 | 15.7 |
| 2021 | 22.0 |
| 2022 | 11.0 |
| 2023 | 10.9 |
| 2024 | 15.0 |
| 2025 | 13.9 |
| 2026 | Not published |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | ILO modelled estimate | National survey |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| 2011 | 10.6 | Not published |
| 2012 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| 2013 | 7.3 | Not published |
| 2014 | 6.6 | Not published |
| 2015 | 6.0 | 11.9 |
| 2016 | 5.2 | Not published |
| 2017 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| 2018 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 2019 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 2020 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 2021 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| 2022 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 2023 | 5.9 | 5.9 |
| 2024 | 5.9 | 5.7 |
| 2025 | 5.9 | Not published |
| 2026 | Not published | Not published |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Life expectancy and infant mortality in Zambia
A child born in Zambia can expect to live 66.5 years (2024). 48 of every 1,000 children die before age five. Life expectancy in Africa, all countries ranked.
Life expectancy (2024)
66.5
23rd longest of 54 in Africa
Child deaths under five (2024)
48
27th lowest of 54 in Africa
Health spending per person (2023)
80
23rd highest of 54 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Zambia | Middle African country |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 60.1 | 61.8 |
| 2015 | 60.7 | 62.3 |
| 2016 | 61.1 | 62.8 |
| 2017 | 61.6 | 63.1 |
| 2018 | 62.1 | 63.2 |
| 2019 | 62.9 | 63.3 |
| 2020 | 63.4 | 63.7 |
| 2021 | 62.4 | 62.5 |
| 2022 | 65.3 | 64.6 |
| 2023 | 66.3 | 65.6 |
| 2024 | 66.5 | 65.8 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Zambia |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 63 |
| 2015 | 60 |
| 2016 | 57 |
| 2017 | 55 |
| 2018 | 55 |
| 2019 | 54 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2021 | 50 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 48 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Literacy rate in Zambia
71.8% of adults in Zambia can read and write (2024, World Bank). Literacy rate in Africa by country · Universities and exam bodies in Zambia.
Adult literacy (2024)
71.8 %
26th highest of 52 in Africa
Youth literacy (2024)
77.7 %
36th highest of 53 in Africa
Education spending, % of GDP (2023)
4.1 %
22nd highest of 52 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Human development and internet access in Zambia
Zambia's Human Development Index was 0.595 in 2023, 154th of 193 countries in the world (medium human development). Human Development Index in Africa · Tech and internet in Africa · Learn digital skills with SR Academy.
Human Development Index (2023)
0.60
21st highest of 54 in Africa
Internet users (2024)
17.1 %
47th highest of 54 in Africa
Mobile subscriptions (2024)
109
23rd highest of 54 in Africa
Access to electricity (2024)
53.6 %
37th highest of 54 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Zambia | Middle African country |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0.43 | 0.44 |
| 2001 | 0.44 | 0.45 |
| 2002 | 0.45 | 0.45 |
| 2003 | 0.46 | 0.46 |
| 2004 | 0.47 | 0.46 |
| 2005 | 0.48 | 0.47 |
| 2006 | 0.49 | 0.47 |
| 2007 | 0.50 | 0.48 |
| 2008 | 0.51 | 0.49 |
| 2009 | 0.53 | 0.50 |
| 2010 | 0.53 | 0.50 |
| 2011 | 0.54 | 0.51 |
| 2012 | 0.55 | 0.52 |
| 2013 | 0.56 | 0.52 |
| 2014 | 0.56 | 0.52 |
| 2015 | 0.57 | 0.53 |
| 2016 | 0.57 | 0.53 |
| 2017 | 0.57 | 0.54 |
| 2018 | 0.58 | 0.54 |
| 2019 | 0.58 | 0.55 |
| 2020 | 0.58 | 0.55 |
| 2021 | 0.57 | 0.56 |
| 2022 | 0.59 | 0.57 |
| 2023 | 0.60 | 0.57 |
Source: UNDP, Human Development Report, composite indices time series. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Is Zambia safe?
The US State Department rates Zambia at level 1 of 4: exercise normal precautions. The homicide rate is 5.2 per 100,000 people (2015). Safest countries in Africa.
US travel advisory level (2023)
1
1st safest by advisory of 54 in Africa
Homicide rate (2015)
5.2
22nd lowest of 37 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Coups, democracy and stability in Zambia
Zambia has had no successful coup, but 5 failed attempts or plots. Coups in Africa: every country.
- 28 October 1997: Failed coup attempt
- 30 June 1990: Failed coup attempt
- 7 October 1988: Coup plot
- 14 June 1981: Coup plot
- 16 October 1980: Coup plot
Voice and accountability (2025)
52
15th highest of 54 in Africa
Political stability (2025)
65
12th highest of 54 in Africa
Control of corruption (2025)
39
18th highest of 54 in Africa
Source: World Bank, Worldwide Governance Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Zambia's debt
Government debt was 100.6% of GDP in 2025 (IMF). The largest foreign creditor is China, owed 34.4% of public debt abroad (2024). Zambia's debt and creditors in full · Debt in Africa.
Reading on Zambia
Where Zambia ranks in Africa
Its place among the 54 African countries on each of our Africa rankings. Each tile opens the full ranking with its source.
- GDP per person32nd of 53$1,310, 2025Richest countries in Africa
- Size of the economy22nd of 53$28.7 billion, 2025Largest economies in Africa
- Population22nd of 5321.9 million, 2025African countries by population
- Area17th of 54752,612 sq kmLargest countries in Africa
- Life expectancy22nd of 5466.5 years, 2024Life expectancy in Africa
- US travel advisory2nd of 54Level 1, normal precautionsSafest countries in Africa
- President's time in office27th longest of 51Hakainde Hichilema, 5 yearsLongest serving presidents
- President's age18th youngest of 5164 years oldYoungest presidents in Africa
Cite this
PollsAfrica (2026). Government of Zambia. Retrieved 26 Oct 2026 from https://pollsafrica.com/countries/zambia
