The total population in Zambia was estimated at 19.7 million people in 2023, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This dataset provides - Zambia Population - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Population density (people per sq. km of land area) in Zambia was reported at 27.11 sq. Km in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zambia - Population density (people per sq. km) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Zambia ZM: Population Density: Inhabitants per sq km data was reported at 27.110 Person in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 26.370 Person for 2021. Zambia ZM: Population Density: Inhabitants per sq km data is updated yearly, averaging 16.320 Person from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 27.110 Person in 2022 and a record low of 10.470 Person in 1990. Zambia ZM: Population Density: Inhabitants per sq km data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zambia – Table ZM.OECD.GGI: Social: Demography: Non OECD Member: Annual.

Historical dataset showing Zambia population density by year from 1961 to 2022.

People using at least basic drinking water services (% of population) in Zambia was reported at 68.25% in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zambia - People using at least basic drinking water services (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

In 2024, the annual population growth in Zambia remained nearly unchanged at around 2.81 percent. Nevertheless, this was the first time during the observed period that the population growth increased in Zambia. Population growth refers to the annual change in population, and is based on the balance between birth and death rates, as well as migration.Find more key insights for the annual population growth in countries like Somalia and Tanzania.

Zambia Educational Attainment: At Least Bachelor's or Equivalent: Population 25+ Years: % Cumulative: Female data was reported at 2.029 % in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.878 % for 2021. Zambia Educational Attainment: At Least Bachelor's or Equivalent: Population 25+ Years: % Cumulative: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 1.809 % from Dec 2017 (Median) to 2022, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.581 % in 2020 and a record low of 1.005 % in 2017. Zambia Educational Attainment: At Least Bachelor's or Equivalent: Population 25+ Years: % Cumulative: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zambia – Table ZM.World Bank.WDI: Social: Education Statistics. The percentage of population ages 25 and over that attained or completed Bachelor's or equivalent.;UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). UIS.Stat Bulk Data Download Service. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://apiportal.uis.unesco.org/bdds.;;

Zambia ZM: Women: % of Total Population data was reported at 50.510 % in 2023. This stayed constant from the previous number of 50.510 % for 2022. Zambia ZM: Women: % of Total Population data is updated yearly, averaging 51.075 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2023, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 51.770 % in 1996 and a record low of 50.500 % in 2021. Zambia ZM: Women: % of Total Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zambia – Table ZM.OECD.GGI: Social: Demography: Non OECD Member: Annual.

Prevalence of HIV, total (% of population ages 15-49) in Zambia was reported at 10.8 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zambia - Prevalence of HIV, total (% of population ages 15-49) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Zambia ZM: Incidence of HIV: per 1,000 Uninfected Population data was reported at 1.860 Ratio in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.190 Ratio for 2021. Zambia ZM: Incidence of HIV: per 1,000 Uninfected Population data is updated yearly, averaging 7.400 Ratio from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 14.110 Ratio in 1991 and a record low of 1.860 Ratio in 2022. Zambia ZM: Incidence of HIV: per 1,000 Uninfected Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zambia – Table ZM.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Number of new HIV infections among uninfected populations expressed per 1,000 uninfected population in the year before the period.;UNAIDS estimates.;Weighted average;This is the Sustainable Development Goal indicator 3.3.1 [https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/].

People using at least basic sanitation services (% of population) in Zambia was reported at 36.3% in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zambia - People using at least basic sanitation services (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Population density of Zambia went up by 2.80% from 26.4 people per sq. km in 2021 to 27.1 people per sq. km in 2022. Since the 3.30% improve in 2012, population density rocketed by 35.13% in 2022. Population density is midyear population divided by land area in square kilometers.

Abstract

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that assess African citizen's attitudes to democracy and governance, markets, and civil society, among other topics. The surveys have been undertaken at periodic intervals since 1999. The Afrobarometer's coverage has increased over time. Round 1 (1999-2001) initially covered 7 countries and was later extended to 12 countries. Round 2 (2002-2004) surveyed citizens in 16 countries. Round 3 (2005-2006) 18 countries, Round 4 (2008) 20 countries, Round 5 (2011-2013) 34 countries, Round 6 (2014-2015) 36 countries, Round 7 (2016-2018) 34 countries, and Round 8 (2019-2021). The survey covered 39 countries in Round 9 (2021-2023).

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Individual

Universe

Citizens of Zambia who are 18 years and older

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Afrobarometer uses national probability samples designed to meet the following criteria. Samples are designed to generate a sample that is a representative cross-section of all citizens of voting age in a given country. The goal is to give every adult citizen an equal and known chance of being selected for an interview. They achieve this by:

• using random selection methods at every stage of sampling; • sampling at all stages with probability proportionate to population size wherever possible to ensure that larger (i.e., more populated) geographic units have a proportionally greater probability of being chosen into the sample.

The sampling universe normally includes all citizens age 18 and older. As a standard practice, we exclude people living in institutionalized settings, such as students in dormitories, patients in hospitals, and persons in prisons or nursing homes. Occasionally, we must also exclude people living in areas determined to be inaccessible due to conflict or insecurity. Any such exclusion is noted in the technical information report (TIR) that accompanies each data set.

Sample size and design Samples usually include either 1,200 or 2,400 cases. A randomly selected sample of n=1200 cases allows inferences to national adult populations with a margin of sampling error of no more than +/-2.8% with a confidence level of 95 percent. With a sample size of n=2400, the margin of error decreases to +/-2.0% at 95 percent confidence level.

The sample design is a clustered, stratified, multi-stage, area probability sample. Specifically, we first stratify the sample according to the main sub-national unit of government (state, province, region, etc.) and by urban or rural location.

Area stratification reduces the likelihood that distinctive ethnic or language groups are left out of the sample. Afrobarometer occasionally purposely oversamples certain populations that are politically significant within a country to ensure that the size of the sub-sample is large enough to be analysed. Any oversamples is noted in the TIR.

Sample stages Samples are drawn in either four or five stages:

Stage 1: In rural areas only, the first stage is to draw secondary sampling units (SSUs). SSUs are not used in urban areas, and in some countries they are not used in rural areas. See the TIR that accompanies each data set for specific details on the sample in any given country. Stage 2: We randomly select primary sampling units (PSU). Stage 3: We then randomly select sampling start points. Stage 4: Interviewers then randomly select households. Stage 5: Within the household, the interviewer randomly selects an individual respondent. Each interviewer alternates in each household between interviewing a man and interviewing a woman to ensure gender balance in the sample.

Zambia - Sample size: 1,200 - Sample design: Nationally representative, random, clustered, stratified, multi-stage area probability sample - Stratification: Region and urban-rural location - Stages: PSUs (from strata), start points, households, respondents - PSU selection: Probability Proportionate to Population Size (PPPS) - Cluster size: 8 households per PSU - Household selection: Randomly selected start points, followed by walk pattern using 5/10 interval - Respondent selection: Gender quota filled by alternating interviews between men and women; respondents of appropriate gender listed, after which computer randomly selects individual - Weighting: Weighted to account for individual selection probabilities - Sampling frame: 2022 population projections produced by Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing Sampling Frame

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The Round 9 questionnaire has been developed by the Questionnaire Committee after reviewing the findings and feedback obtained in previous Rounds, and securing input on preferred new topics from a host of donors, analysts, and users of the data.

The questionnaire consists of three parts: 1. Part 1 captures the steps for selecting households and respondents, and includes the introduction to the respondent and (pp.1-4). This section should be filled in by the Fieldworker. 2. Part 2 covers the core attitudinal and demographic questions that are asked by the Fieldworker and answered by the Respondent (Q1 – Q100). 3. Part 3 includes contextual questions about the setting and atmosphere of the interview, and collects information on the Fieldworker. This section is completed by the Fieldworker (Q101 – Q123).

Response rate

Response rate was 87%.

Sampling error estimates

The sample size yields country-level results with a margin of error of +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Zambia Access to Electricity: Rural: % of Rural Population data was reported at 17.600 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 14.500 % for 2022. Zambia Access to Electricity: Rural: % of Rural Population data is updated yearly, averaging 6.672 % from Dec 1992 (Median) to 2023, with 31 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.600 % in 2023 and a record low of 0.572 % in 1994. Zambia Access to Electricity: Rural: % of Rural Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zambia – Table ZM.World Bank.WDI: Social: Access to Services. Access to electricity, rural is the percentage of rural population with access to electricity.;IEA, IRENA, UNSD, World Bank, WHO. 2023. Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report. World Bank, Washington DC. © World Bank. License: Creative Commons Attribution—NonCommercial 3.0 IGO (CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO).;Weighted average;

People practicing open defecation (% of population) in Zambia was reported at 6.4112 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zambia - People practicing open defecation (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

People practicing open defecation, rural (% of rural population) in Zambia was reported at 11.16 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zambia - People practicing open defecation, rural (% of rural population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

People using at least basic drinking water services, rural (% of rural population) in Zambia was reported at 51.12% in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zambia - People using at least basic drinking water services, rural (% of rural population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on May of 2025.

People using at least basic sanitation services, rural (% of rural population) in Zambia was reported at 31.53% in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zambia - People using at least basic sanitation services, rural (% of rural population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Zambia Educational Attainment: At Least Master's or Equivalent: Population 25+ Years: % Cumulative data was reported at 0.318 % in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.480 % for 2021. Zambia Educational Attainment: At Least Master's or Equivalent: Population 25+ Years: % Cumulative data is updated yearly, averaging 0.326 % from Dec 2017 (Median) to 2022, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.480 % in 2021 and a record low of 0.217 % in 2018. Zambia Educational Attainment: At Least Master's or Equivalent: Population 25+ Years: % Cumulative data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zambia – Table ZM.World Bank.WDI: Social: Education Statistics. The percentage of population ages 25 and over that attained or completed Master's or equivalent.;UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). UIS.Stat Bulk Data Download Service. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://apiportal.uis.unesco.org/bdds.;;

People using at least basic drinking water services, urban (% of urban population) in Zambia was reported at 88.55% in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Zambia - People using at least basic drinking water services, urban (% of urban population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.