Country Profile: Zambia

Last reviewed: 22 October 2008

Country information

Map of Zambia

Area: total area 752,614 sq km
Population: 11.8m (2006)
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 (in the north and the Copperbelt), the Tonga (south) and Lozi(west).
Languages: There are 7 official languages. English is the language of government.
Religion(s): Christianity. A few Muslims and Hindus (most from South Asia). Indigenous beliefs retain influence.
Currency: Kwacha Exchange rate: September 2008 – Kwacha K5,981 - £1
Major Political Parties: Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), United National Independence Party (UNIP), United Party for National Development (UPND), Patriotic Front (PF), Heritage Party (HP) and Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD).
Head of State: Acting President Rupiah Banda, after the death of President Mwanawasa on 19 August 2008.
Foreign Minister: Kabinga Pande
Membership of international organisations: African Union (AU), Commonwealth, Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).