Rank #211 by World Population
🇿🇲Zambia
Zambia has a population of 20,723,965, ranking #211 in the world. The capital is Lusaka. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa .
World Bank: Lower middle income
20,723,965
Population
#211
World Rank
66.3
Life Expectancy
$1,331
GDP Per Capita
Zambia, #211 by world population
Zambia Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Zambia had a population of 3,153,729 in 1960 and 21,314,956 in 2024, a 6.8× growth over 64 years. The peak was 21,314,956 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 3.03%.
21,314,956
Population (2024)
3,153,729
Population (1960)
21,314,956
Peak (2024)
3.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 3,153,729 |
| 1961 | 3,254,086 |
| 1962 | 3,358,099 |
| 1963 | 3,465,907 |
| 1964 | 3,577,017 |
| 1965 | 3,692,086 |
| 1966 | 3,812,003 |
| 1967 | 3,936,343 |
| 1968 | 4,065,593 |
| 1969 | 4,197,116 |
| 1970 | 4,321,718 |
| 1971 | 4,442,525 |
| 1972 | 4,569,309 |
| 1973 | 4,702,693 |
| 1974 | 4,842,746 |
| 1975 | 4,990,086 |
| 1976 | 5,143,842 |
| 1977 | 5,302,480 |
| 1978 | 5,465,374 |
| 1979 | 5,631,728 |
| 1980 | 5,802,833 |
| 1981 | 5,983,289 |
| 1982 | 6,178,637 |
| 1983 | 6,381,038 |
| 1984 | 6,580,490 |
| 1985 | 6,780,953 |
| 1986 | 6,986,471 |
| 1987 | 7,191,282 |
| 1988 | 7,391,440 |
| 1989 | 7,589,216 |
| 1990 | 7,786,169 |
| 1991 | 7,981,650 |
| 1992 | 8,176,680 |
| 1993 | 8,373,921 |
| 1994 | 8,576,269 |
| 1995 | 8,785,763 |
| 1996 | 9,004,053 |
| 1997 | 9,237,063 |
| 1998 | 9,482,408 |
| 1999 | 9,740,005 |
| 2000 | 10,017,631 |
| 2001 | 10,325,185 |
| 2002 | 10,647,949 |
| 2003 | 10,983,595 |
| 2004 | 11,338,198 |
| 2005 | 11,718,819 |
| 2006 | 12,129,553 |
| 2007 | 12,565,085 |
| 2008 | 13,021,324 |
| 2009 | 13,490,389 |
| 2010 | 13,965,594 |
| 2011 | 14,437,796 |
| 2012 | 14,913,629 |
| 2013 | 15,398,997 |
| 2014 | 15,895,315 |
| 2015 | 16,399,089 |
| 2016 | 16,914,423 |
| 2017 | 17,441,320 |
| 2018 | 17,973,569 |
| 2019 | 18,513,839 |
| 2020 | 19,059,395 |
| 2021 | 19,603,607 |
| 2022 | 20,152,938 |
| 2023 | 20,723,965 |
| 2024 | 21,314,956 |
Demographics
| Population | 20,723,965 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.79% |
| Urban Population | 45.0% |
| Fertility Rate | 4.10 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 66.3 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 35.0 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | 79.9% |
Economy & Trade
$1,331
GDP Per Capita
5.9%
Unemployment Rate
Lower middle income
Income Level
51.5
Gini Index (inequality)
78.2%
Trade (% of GDP)
502,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
6.0%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.32
Physicians per 1,000
4.1%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
79.9%
Literacy Rate
35.0
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
51.1%
Electricity Access
15.0%
Internet Users
103
Mobile Subs per 100
27.9
People per km2
9,521
Net Migration
Environment
59.5%
Forest Area
Zambia Climate
Zambia has an average annual temperature of 20.6°C (69°F) and receives about 823 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is October and the coldest is July. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
20.6°C
Avg Temp
823
Precip (mm/yr)
Oct
Hottest Month
Jul
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22° / 71° | 211 mm |
| February | 22° / 71° | 177 mm |
| March | 21° / 71° | 100 mm |
| April | 20° / 69° | 33 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 5 mm |
| June | 16° / 61° | 0 mm |
| July | 16° / 61° | 0 mm |
| August | 19° / 65° | 0 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 2 mm |
| October | 24° / 76° | 19 mm |
| November | 24° / 74° | 89 mm |
| December | 22° / 71° | 187 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Zambia
The most comfortable months to visit Zambia are typically September, April and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is October (around 31°C high). The coldest is July (near 8°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Zambia in global context
Zambia is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia has a population of 20,723,965, ranking #211 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 2.79%.
Life expectancy in Zambia is 66.3 years. The infant mortality rate is 35.0 per 1,000 live births.
Zambia's GDP per capita is $1,331. It is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.
45.0% of Zambia's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 27.9 people per square kilometer.
The adult literacy rate in Zambia is 79.9%. The country spends 4.1% of GDP on education.
The most comfortable months to visit Zambia are typically September, April and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Zambia has an average annual temperature of 20.6°C and about 823 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically October and the coldest is July.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
Zambia is a country in Sub-Saharan Africa with a population of 20,723,965. The population is expanding fast — roughly 2.8% annually.
GDP per capita is roughly $1,331, placing Zambia among lower-income economies. Life expectancy is 66.3 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 4.1 births per woman, and 45.0% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.