Zambia

Basic Indicators

Source: UNICEF: The State of the World's Children Report

Population: 12,935,000 (2009)
National language: English, African languages
Per capita income: US$ 970/year (2009)
Life expectancy: 46 (2009)
% of population using
improved drinking water sources: 60% (2008)
% of population using
adequate sanitation facilities: 49% (2008)
Under 5 Mortality Rate: 141/1,000 live births (2009)

Zambia has the distinction of being one of Africa’s most urbanized countries, with nearly half the population living in cities.

Slightly larger than Texas, Zambia is located in Southern Africa to the north of Zimbabwe. The urbanized nature of Zambia’s population means that rural areas are frequently overlooked by the government, resulting in a lack of basic infrastructure and services.

Much of Zambia’s wealth comes from the copper industry, which seems to be on an upswing since reaching a low point in 2003. The government has also tried to diversify into agriculture and, after several bad years due to drought, Zambian crops are doing fairly well. Nearly 85 percent of the population is employed in farming, both for food and income generation.

Plan works in Zambia with more than 400,000 people in 44,000 households, focusing on food security, improving farming techniques, and providing clean water and other sanitation needs. Except in emergency situations, Plan does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children

An essential part of Plan's work is empowering children to discuss the issues that matter to them and to take part in decisions that affect their lives. To help you learn about these issues, the children in Plan communities have put together a series of publications called "See Our World": Read what the children have to say about their lives.