Discover Fascinating Zambia Facts
Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Zambia.
Zambia
Background
π Zambia has a rich history! πΎ For over a thousand years, several groups speaking Bantu languages have made their way into what we now know as Zambia. ποΈ In the 1880s, the British started to form agreements with local leaders to control minerals and other valuable resources. This led to the territory being known as Northern Rhodesia during the colonial period. π© However, everything changed in 1964, when Zambia proudly gained its independence! π
Years of Bantu migration into Zambia
1000
Year Zambia gained independence
1964
Exports - commodities
In 2022, Zambia had a vibrant export economy, primarily relying on its rich natural resources. π Hereβs a breakdown of the major commodities exported:
- Raw Copper: Zambia is one of the top producers of raw copper in the world, making it a crucial part of the economy. π₯
- Refined Copper: Not only does Zambia export raw copper, but it also processes this valuable mineral into refined copper, enhancing its value. βοΈ
- Gold: This precious metal adds significant value to Zambia's exports. It sparkles with potential! β¨
- Precious Stones: Diamonds and other precious stones from Zambia are sought after globally. π
- Iron Alloys: These are used in various industries, showcasing Zambiaβs diverse export capabilities. π©
These commodities not only boost Zambia's economy but also highlight its role in the global market.
Export commodities in 2022
Raw copper, refined copper, gold, precious stones, iron alloys
Exports - partners
πΊοΈ Zambia has some interesting trade partners for its exports! In 2022, the exports were divided among various countries, and hereβs how it looks:
- Switzerland: 30% π¨π
- China: 18% π¨π³
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): 10% π¨π©
- Pitcairn Islands: 10% ποΈ
- UAE: 7% π¦πͺ
This reveals a strong connection with Switzerland as its top export partner! πβ€
Top Export Partner
Switzerland
Total Percentage of Top 2 Partners
48%
Percentage from Other Partners
52%
Zambia's Export Partners in 2022
Capital
π The capital city of Zambia is Lusaka! It's the largest city in the country and plays a vital role in its economy and culture. With bustling markets and friendly people, Lusaka is a city full of life and opportunities! ποΈ
Imports - commodities
Zambia's imports include a variety of essential commodities that help fuel its economy π. In 2022, the main items that Zambia brought into the country were as follows:
- Fertilizers: These are crucial for agriculture, helping farmers grow the food we eat! π±
- Refined Petroleum: Fuel makes transportation and power generation possible. ππ¨
- Trucks: These heavy vehicles are important for moving goods across the country. π
- Copper Ore: Zambia is famous for its copper mining, and importing copper ore supports the local industry! βοΈ
- Packaged Medicine: Health is important, and imports of medicine help to keep the population healthy. π
These commodities play a big role in Zambia's trade and support various sectors within the country.
Major Imports of Zambia in 2022
Fertilizers, Refined Petroleum, Trucks, Copper Ore, Packaged Medicine
Climate
π§οΈ Zambia has a tropical climate! However, it's not just all sunshine and rain; the climate is also modified by altitude. This means that the temperature and weather can change depending on how high you are above sea level. βοΈ The country experiences a rainy season that lasts from October to April, when the skies open up and bring much-needed water for crops and wildlife. π
Executive branch
In Zambia, the Executive Branch is headed by the President, who serves as both the chief of state and the head of government. π Currently, that role is held by Hakainde Hichilema, who has been in office since August 24, 2021. His leadership is pivotal for the country's direction and governance! π³οΈ
Current President
Hakainde Hichilema
In Office Since
24 August 2021
Legislative branch
The Legislative branch of Zambia is made up of a unicameral National Assembly π, which means it has only one chamber. This assembly has a total of 167 seats! These seats are filled by elected representatives who come together to discuss and make important laws for the country. πβ¨
Total Seats in National Assembly
167
Natural resources
π Zambia is rich in natural resources, making it a treasure trove for various minerals and energy sources! Hereβs a peek at what Zambia has in store:
- Copper: One of the major resources, vital for electrical wiring and construction.
- Cobalt: A key component in rechargeable batteries and alloys.
- Zinc: Used for galvanizing and making brass.
- Lead: Historically used in batteries and shields from radiation.
- Coal: An essential energy source for heating and power generation.
- Emeralds: Zambia is known for beautiful emeralds, a prized gemstone! π
- Gold: This precious metal is always sought after for jewelry and investments.
- Silver: Besides its use in jewelry, silver has many industrial applications.
- Uranium: Used mainly as fuel for nuclear power plants.
- Hydropower: Zambia harnesses the power of water for sustainable energy! π§
Zambiaβs diverse natural resources not only bolster its economy but also position it as a key player in the global market! π
Major Natural Resources in Zambia
10
Economic overview
Zambia is a lower-middle-income country in sub-Saharan Africa. π It's not just any country; it's known for being a regional hydroelectricity producer! π Plus, Zambia enjoys trade ties and infrastructure investments from China, making it a significant player in economic partnerships. π‘ But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The country is currently getting help from the IMF to restructure its debt burden. πΈ
Zambia also boasts one of the youngest and fastest-growing labor forces in the area, which is fantastic for potential economic growth! π Yet, the nation faces challenges like systemic corruption and extreme rural poverty that need to be addressed. π
Economic Status
Lower-middle-income
Labor Force Characteristics
Young and fastest-growing
Debt Assistance
IMF assistance
Challenges
Systemic corruption and extreme rural poverty
Government type
Zambia is a π presidential republic! This means that the country is led by a president who is both the head of state and the head of government. The president is elected by the people and has a lot of power in making decisions for the country. How cool is that? π³οΈ
Ethnic groups
πΏπ² Zambia is a beautiful tapestry of diverse ethnic groups! Hereβs a breakdown of the major ethnic groups by percentage based on the 2010 estimate:
- 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%
Isn't it fascinating how many different cultures are found in one country? π
Total Ethnic Groups Represented
17
Largest Ethnic Group
Bemba (21%)
Smallest Ethnic Group
Unspecified (0.4%)
Ethnic Groups in Zambia
Religions
Religions in Zambia πΏπ²
Zambia has a rich tapestry of beliefs! Let's dive into the major religions that the people practice:
- Protestant: A whopping 75.3% of the population identifies as Protestant! That's like three-quarters of all Zambians! π
- Roman Catholic: Next up is Roman Catholics, making up 20.2% of the religious landscape. βοΈ
- Other: This category, which includes Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Baha'is, accounts for 2.7%. π
- None: Lastly, about 1.8% of people choose not to affiliate with any religion. π€·ββοΈ
This data gives us a clear view of how beliefs shape Zambian culture and community!
Visualizing the Data π
To better understand how these religions compare, we'll use a pie chart showing the percentage break down of each belief system in Zambia.
Percentage of Protestants
75.3%
Percentage of Roman Catholics
20.2%
Percentage of Other religions
2.7%
Percentage of None
1.8%
Religions in Zambia
Languages
Zambia is a vibrant nation with a rich tapestry of languages! πβ¨ The people of Zambia communicate in a variety of languages, with Bemba leading the charge at a whopping 33.4%! π Followed by Nyanja at 14.7% and Tonga at 11.4%. Other languages such as Lozi, Chewa, and Nsenga also contribute to the linguistic diversity, making Zambia a colorful mosaic of voices! π
Here's a detailed breakdown of the 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 languages: 9.7%
- Unspecified: 0.2%
This diversity is not just fascinating; it's a vital part of Zambian identity! πΏπ²π¬
Total Languages Reported
17
Percentage of Main Language (Bemba)
33.4%
Percentage of Official Language (English)
1.7%
Language Distribution in Zambia
Imports - partners
π Zambia has some interesting trading partners when it comes to imports! Here's a fun breakdown of where Zambia gets its imports from in 2022:
- South Africa: 26% πΏπ¦
- Equatorial Guinea: 18% π¬πΆ
- China: 14% π¨π³
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): 7% π¦πͺ
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): 6% π¨π©
These percentages add up to a total of 100%, showing the strong trading relationships Zambia has in the region and beyond! π
Total Percentage of Imports
100%
Zambia's Import Partners in 2022
Population
π Zambia has a vibrant population of 20,799,116 people! This diverse country is bustling with life, culture, and creativity. With such a large number of inhabitants, Zambia certainly has a lot to offer, from its stunning landscapes to its warm and welcoming communities. Let's explore how this population shapes the country! π
Total Population
20,799,116
Area
π Zambia is a vast country in Southern Africa! It covers a total area of 752,618 sq km. Out of this, a great majority of 743,398 sq km is land, while the rest, 9,220 sq km, is made up of beautiful lakes and rivers! ποΈ Let's dive into the numbers:
- Total Area: 752,618 sq km
- Land Area: 743,398 sq km
- Water Area: 9,220 sq km
This means Zambia has a lot of space for its diverse wildlife and habitats! ππΏ
Total Area
752618 sq km
Land Area
743398 sq km
Water Area
9220 sq km
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
π Let's take a look at the Real GDP (purchasing power parity) of Zambia over the past few years! This important measurement helps us understand the country's economic strength by showing how much its economy is producing. Hereβs how it has changed:
- 2021: $68.672 billion
- 2022: $72.277 billion
- 2023: $76.493 billion
It's exciting to see that Zambia's economy has been growing! π The GDP has consistently increased each year, which is a good sign for the country's economic health. Letβs visualize this growth with a bar chart! π
2021 GDP
$68.672 billion
2022 GDP
$72.277 billion
2023 GDP
$76.493 billion
Zambia's Real GDP Growth (PPP)
Real GDP per capita
π Hey there! Let's talk about Zambia's Real GDP per capita, which shows how much money, on average, each person in the country makes. Here's a glance at the numbers from recent years:
- 2021: $3,500
- 2022: $3,600
- 2023: $3,700
We can see that the GDP per capita has been rising steadily! π Every year, it gets a little better, which is good news for Zambia's economy! π
Zambia Real GDP per Capita Over Time
Imports
π Zambia's import journey has been quite impressive over the past few years! Take a look at how much Zambia brought in from other countries:
- 2020: $5.866 billion
- 2021: $7.691 billion
- 2022: $10.022 billion
You can see that Zambia's imports have been steadily increasing! π Let's visualize this growth!
Total Import Value in 2022
$10.022 billion
Total Import Value in 2021
$7.691 billion
Total Import Value in 2020
$5.866 billion
Zambia's Import Growth Over Time
Exports
π’ Let's dive into Zambia's export treasures! In 2022, the estimated exports reached an impressive $12.444 billion! π That's an increase from $11.728 billion in 2021 and a significant jump from $8.558 billion in 2020. π This growth shows how Zambia is making its mark on the world stage with its goods!
Exports in 2022
$12.444 billion
Exports in 2021
$11.728 billion
Exports in 2020
$8.558 billion
Zambia's Exports Over Time
Population growth rate
Zambia is experiencing a significant population growth rate! π In 2024, the estimated growth rate is 2.83%. This means the number of people in Zambia is increasing, which can bring both exciting opportunities and challenges as the country adapts to a growing population. π Let's keep an eye on how this growth shapes Zambia's future!
Estimated Population Growth Rate for 2024
2.83%