Road sign indicating directions to Nyimba and Lusaka, with a rural landscape.Stunning aerial view of Chipata, Zambia, surrounded by lush hills and expansive cityscape.Victoria Falls Bridge gracefully arcs over the lush Batoka Gorge in Zimbabwe, showcasing stunning natural beauty.Beautiful river scene with mist, vibrant greenery, and clear blue sky.Aerial cityscape with skyline and river under clear blue sky.

Zambia

Africa · Eastern Africa

High PeaceVery Affordable Cost of Living
Medium DevelopmentHybrid Regime
Population21.9M61st
GDP / Capita$1KLower-mid
PPP / Capita$4KVery Low
Gender Inequality0.526High
Life Expectancy67 yrsLow

Copper belt and Victoria Falls — peaceful democracy, improving but still developing.

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Backpacker

Ideal destination

At a Glance

54
ModerateSafety
80
Very AffordableCost of Living
73
LowWater Access
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Zambia

Zambia is a southern African country centred on the Victoria Falls, which it shares with Zimbabwe and which is one of the great natural spectacles of the world, alongside excellent and relatively uncrowded wildlife in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi valleys. The culture is warm, English-speaking, and deeply communal, making it one of the most accessible countries in the region for independent travel. Those who want serious wildlife alongside genuine local engagement rather than pure luxury will find it outstanding.

  • Victoria Falls — the world's largest waterfall by combined width and height — sits on its border.
  • One of the most urbanised countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 45% city-dwellers.
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Quick Facts

Capital

Lusaka

Language

English

Currency

ZK ZMW

Area

743,390 km²

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Nomad Hub

Fixed Broadband

33Mbps

Slow125th globally
EnglishHigh
PlugType G

GDP / Capita

i

$1K

Low

PPP / Capita

i

$4K

Lower Mid

Inflation

i

13.9%

High

Unemployment

i

5.9%

Low

Innovation (GII)

i

19.6

Low

GNI / Capita

i

$1K

Low

Tax Revenue

i

18.8%

FDI Inflows

i

9.3%

Education Spend

i

4.1%

Cost of Living

i

29.9

Very Affordable

Price Level Index

i

85th pct

Very Affordable

20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast

Income & inflation over time

i
+25% nominal+40% real
$2K$3K$5K5%200620102015202020252028
GDPPPPInflationIMF forecast