Zambia, with a population close to 11.5 million people, lies in the southern region of Africa. Close to 2 million live in the capital Lusaka. Approximately 38% of the population lives in urban areas and 62% in rural areas with 54% of the population being women and about 46% men. The population growth rate is 2.9% per annum. It is estimated that 46 % of the population is between 15 and 64 years of age. The literacy rate in Zambia is about 79%. The life expectancy is 46 years.
Zambia has a land area of 752,614 square Km. It is landlocked and surrounded by eight neighboring countries. These include, Congo DR, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Angola. Zambia is endowed with rich mineral resources, electricity, wildlife, and agriculture products. However, the country has remained a predominantly mining economy since achieving its independence on October 24, 1961. Despite its great potential and rich resource base, Zambia has not made significant strides to diversify the economy. The dependence on a single commodity, copper, explains to a large extent Zambia’s economic malaise.
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