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Zambia is located in South Central Africa, covering an area of approximately 752,614 square kilometers. The country shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Angola, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Zambia has a population of 11.1 million (2004) of which 45 percent reside in the urban centres, making Zambia one of the most highly urbanised countries in Africa . The main urban cities are Lusaka in the Midlands, Ndola and Kitwe on the Copperbelt and Livingstone in Southern Province.
The country's geographical location and high altitude are ideal for the country's sub-tropical vegetation and climate conditions. There are three distinguished seasons; A warm-wet season (Nov-April), a cool dry season, (May-August), and a hot dry season (Sept-October).
Temperatures range from 15-33 degrees Celsius. The average annual rainfall in a normal season is 1000mm with the Northern parts of the country experiencing the highest rainfall averaging more than 1400mm annually.
Facts about Zambia
| Location |
South Central Africa |
| Area |
752,614 Square Kilometers |
| Population |
11.1 million (2004) |
| Population Growth |
3% |
| Literacy Rate |
71.1 |
| Capital City |
Lusaka |
| Official Language |
English |
| Currency |
Zambian Kwacha (1ZK =100 Ngwee) |
| Denomination notes |
K20, K50, K100, K500, K1000, K5000, K10000, K20000, and K50000 |
| Inflation rate |
15.9% (2005) |
| GDP |
(at 1994 Constant Prices): ZK3,154 billion (US$788.5 million)(2005) |
| GDP Growth Rate |
5.2% (2005) |
| GDP Per Capita |
ZK269,000 ( US %55.4) |
| Traditional Exports |
primary agricultural products, Floriculture/Horticultural products, Gemstones, Timber, Electricity, Cement and Textiles |
| Imports |
Major Imports: crude oil, chemicals and medicines, machinery, Iron, Steel and manufactured goods |
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Zambia is a Member of the following International Organisations,
Food And Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
The Commonwealth
United Nations
International Labour Organisation (ILO)
World trade Organisation (WTO)
The World Bank
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Multilateral Investment Guaranty Agency (MIGA)
Zambia holds Membership in the following Regional Institutions;
Southern African Development Community (SADC)
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Organisation of African Unity (OAU)
African Development Bank (ADB)
Economic Potential
Zambia is richly endowed with various minerals such as copper, cobalt, and various precious stones including amethyst, gold, blue stones, emeralds etc. Zambia holds 6 percent of the worlds known copper reserves. Mining and quarry account for a large proportion of Zambia 's merchandise exports and have traditionally contributed the largest proportion of the country's total GDP
Zambia has a large proportion of arable land, forests, woodlands and water resources however, the agricultural sector has great potential for further development since only about 15 % of arable land is currently under cultivation. The government is specifically placing emphasis on the development of the agricultural sector due to the rise in the proportion of non-traditional exports to total exports in the past few years. Agricultural exports have shown great potential for being Zambia 's highest revenue earners.
Enabling Environment
The Government has put in place a sound market oriented economic policies that encourage sustainable economic growth and development. These policies place strong emphasis on private sector development from both domestic and international investors.
Among the measures put in place by government to encourage private sector participation are:-
Removal of all forms of consumer subsidies
Removal of price controls
Deregulation of interest and foreign exchange rates
Strengthening of the financial markets through the stock exchange
Abolition of foreign exchange controls
Reduction of tariffs from 0-25 percent
Zero tariffs on exports to COMESA FTA member countries
Repatriation of up to 100% after tax profits by foreign investors
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