Zambia has experienced steady population growth over the past several decades, with its population increasing from about 7 million in 1980 to over 20 million in 2024. This growth is driven by a high fertility rate, which remains above four children per woman, and a relatively young population, with a median age of around 17 years. Urbanization is also accelerating, as more people move to cities like Lusaka and Ndola in search of economic opportunities. Despite improvements in healthcare and a declining mortality rate, Zambia faces challenges related to rapid population growth, such as pressure on infrastructure, education, and healthcare services. If current trends continue, Zambia’s population is projected to double by 2050, making effective planning and investment in human capital increasingly important.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 2,553,000 | 3.4 |
| 1955 | 2,869,000 | 3.9 |
| 1960 | 3,254,000 | 4.4 |
| 1965 | 3,694,000 | 5 |
| 1970 | 4,240,661 | 5.7 |
| 1975 | 4,848,130 | 6.5 |
| 1980 | 5,540,358 | 7.5 |
| 1985 | 6,546,694 | 8.8 |
| 1990 | 7,637,438 | 10.3 |
| 1995 | 8,808,320 | 11.8 |
| 2000 | 10,194,331 | 13.7 |
| 2005 | 11,721,238 | 15.8 |
| 2010 | 13,646,916 | 18.4 |
| 2015 | 15,914,626 | 21.4 |
| 2020 | 18,523,385 | 24.9 |
| 2022 | 19,642,123 | 26.4 |
| 2023 | 20,216,029 | 27.2 |
| 2024 | 20,799,116 | 28 |
| 2025 | 21,390,969 | 28.8 |
| 2030 | 24,493,818 | 32.9 |
| 2035 | 27,807,418 | 37.4 |
| 2040 | 31,280,029 | 42.1 |
| 2045 | 34,852,418 | 46.9 |
| 2050 | 38,476,482 | 51.8 |
| 2055 | 42,124,057 | 56.7 |
| 2060 | 45,770,141 | 61.6 |
| 2065 | 49,382,895 | 66.4 |
| 2070 | 52,927,941 | 71.2 |
| 2075 | 56,372,985 | 75.8 |
| 2080 | 59,688,603 | 80.3 |
| 2085 | 62,849,293 | 84.5 |
| 2090 | 65,831,090 | 88.6 |
| 2095 | 68,614,401 | 92.3 |
| 2100 | 71,185,684 | 95.8 |
Data from US Census International Database