On
1st July 2025, the Zambia Statistics Agency launched the 2022 National
Analytical Census Report. Below are the
brief highlights of Zambia’s population structure.
The
2022 Census of Population and Housing has revealed that Zambia’s population
stands at 19,693,423, comprising 9,657,260 males and 10,036,163 females. This
reflects a gender imbalance with a deficit of 378,903 males, translating to 96
males per 100 females. However, the sex ratio at birth remains slightly
male-dominated, with 103 males per 100 females.
The increase in population from the 2010
census figure of 13,092,666 indicates that the country has added 6,600,757
people over the past 12 years. This sharp increase in population comes with
policy implications for various sectors of the economy.
The
Census report shows that 55.3 percent of the population is living in rural
areas compared to 44.7 per cent in urban areas. This population composition in
terms of rural-urban distribution also has policy implications, where access to
services and infrastructure remains a challenge.
Between
2010 and 2022, Zambia’s population grew at an average annual rate of 3.5
percent, highlighting a rapid growth trajectory. North Western Province
recorded the highest growth rate at 4.8 percent, likely driven by increased
economic activity, particularly in the mining sector. Meanwhile, Lusaka and
Copperbelt provinces registered the lowest growth rates at 2.9 percent each.
In
terms of population distribution, Lusaka Province recorded the highest
population density at 141.3 persons per square kilometre. In contrast, North
Western Province remains the most sparsely populated, with just 10.2 persons
per square kilometre.
The
report also shows a notable shift in the age structure of the population. The
median age increased to 18.3 years in 2022 from 16.9 years in 2010, suggesting
a gradually ageing population amidst high fertility rates.
The
proportion of the working-age population (15–64 years) rose from 52.0 percent
in 2010 to 55.2 percent in 2022. Economists and development experts are better
placed to explain this increase in the working-age population.
The
2022 Census report offers a comprehensive demographic information of our
country of Zambia, providing valuable data to guide national planning and policy-making
as the country strives toward achieving Vision 2030 and the Sustainable
Development Goals.
Full
Report: Here
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