Zambia Information Guide & Facts

Area: total area 752,614 sq km
Population: 10.28 m (2000 census)
Capital City: Lusaka (population about 1.4m)
People: There are over 73 different ethnic groups among Zambia's indigenous population. Major groups are the Bemba of the north east and the Copperbelt, the Nyanga of the east and Lusaka, the Tonga of the south and Lozi of the west.
Languages: Over 80 languages have been identified, of which 7 are recognised as 'official'. English is the language of government.
Religion(s): The majority is Christian. Muslims and Hindus are the largest other religions represented.
Currency: 1 new Kwacha (Kw) = 100 Ngwee

GEOGRAPHY

The Republic of Zambia is a land-locked country occupying an elevated plateau in south central Africa. Zambia is bordered by 8 other countries: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe. Zambia's shortest route to the sea is via Zimbabwe to Beira in Mozambique.

ECONOMY

Basic Economic Facts

GDP: US$ 3.2bn (2000 estimate)
GDP per capita: US$ 330 (2000 estimate)
Annual Growth: 3% (2002)
Inflation: 26.7% (2002)
Major Industries: Copper, Service Industries, Tourism, Agriculture
Major trading partners: Japan and South Africa
Aid & development: UK Bilateral Aid in 2001 = £40.2m
Exchange rate: Nov 2002 Kwacha 7,200 = £1