Topic: Photos of Comoros

Topic: Introduction
Background: The archipelago of the Comoros in the Indian Ocean, composed of the islands of Mayotte, Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore declared independence from France on 6 July 1975. Residents of Mayotte voted to remain in France, and France now has classified it as a department of France. Since independence, Comoros has endured political instability through realized and attempted coups. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI Assoumani seized power of the entire government in a bloodless coup; he initiated the 2000 Fomboni Accords, a power-sharing agreement in which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and each island maintains its local government. AZALI won the 2002 federal presidential election as president of the Union of the Comoros from Grande Comore Island, which held the first four-year term. AZALI stepped down in 2006 and President Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed SAMBI was elected to office as president from Anjouan. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's de-facto secession from the Union of the Comoros, refusing to step down when Comoros' other islands held legitimate elections in July. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis by applying sanctions and a naval blockade to Anjouan, but in March 2008 the AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The island's inhabitants generally welcomed the move. In 2009, the Comorian population approved a constitutional referendum extending the term of the president from four years to five years. In May 2011, Ikililou DHOININE won the presidency in peaceful elections widely deemed to be free and fair. In closely contested elections in 2016, former President AZALI Assoumani won a second term, when the rotating presidency returned to Grande Comore. A new July 2018 constitution removed the presidential term limits and the requirement for the presidency to rotate between the three main islands. In August 2018, President AZALI formed a new government and subsequently ran and was elected president in March 2019.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique
Geographic coordinates: 12 10 S, 44 15 E
Map references: Africa
Area: total: 2,235 sq km

land: 2,235 sq km

water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 340 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)
Terrain: volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills
Elevation: highest point: Karthala 2,360 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use: agricultural land: 84.4% (2018 est.)

arable land: 46.7% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 29.6% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 8.1% (2018 est.)

forest: 1.4% (2018 est.)

other: 14.2% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 1.3 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: the capital city of Maroni, located on the western side of the island of Grande Comore, is the country's largest city; however, of the three islands that comprise Comoros, it is Anjouan that is the most densely populated as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards: cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); volcanic activity on Grand Comorevolcanism: Karthala (2,361 m) on Grand Comore Island last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to be evacuated and produced a large ash cloudcyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); volcanic activity on Grand Comorevolcanism: Karthala (2,361 m) on Grand Comore Island last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to be evacuated and produced a large ash cloud
Geography - note: important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel; the only Arab League country that lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere
Map description: Comoros map showing the three major islands that make up the country in the Indian Ocean.Comoros map showing the three major islands that make up the country in the Indian Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 876,437 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Comoran(s)

adjective: Comoran
Ethnic groups: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (official; a blend of Swahili and Arabic) (Comorian)
Religions: Sunni Muslim 98%, other (including Shia Muslim, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant) 2%

note: Sunni Islam is the state religion
Demographic profile: Comoros’ population is a melange of Arabs, Persians, Indonesians, Africans, and Indians, and the much smaller number of Europeans that settled on the islands between the 8th and 19th centuries, when they served as a regional trade hub. The Arab and Persian influence is most evident in the islands’ overwhelmingly Muslim majority – about 98% of Comorans are Sunni Muslims. The country is densely populated, averaging nearly 350 people per square mile, although this varies widely among the islands, with Anjouan being the most densely populated.Given the large share of land dedicated to agriculture and Comoros’ growing population, habitable land is becoming increasingly crowded. The combination of increasing population pressure on limited land and resources, widespread poverty, and poor job prospects motivates thousands of Comorans each year to attempt to illegally migrate using small fishing boats to the neighboring island of Mayotte, which is a French territory. The majority of legal Comoran migration to France came after Comoros’ independence from France in 1975, with the flow peaking in the mid-1980s.At least 150,000 to 200,000 people of Comoran citizenship or descent live abroad, mainly in France, where they have gone seeking a better quality of life, job opportunities, higher education (Comoros has no universities), advanced health care, and to finance elaborate traditional wedding ceremonies (aada). Remittances from the diaspora are an economic mainstay, in 2013 representing approximately 25% of Comoros’ GDP and significantly more than the value of its exports of goods and services (only 15% of GDP). Grand Comore, Comoros’ most populous island, is both the primary source of emigrants and the main recipient of remittances. Most remittances are spent on private consumption, but this often goes toward luxury goods and the aada and does not contribute to economic development or poverty reduction. Although the majority of the diaspora is now French-born with more distant ties to Comoros, it is unclear whether they will sustain the current level of remittances.Comoros’ population is a melange of Arabs, Persians, Indonesians, Africans, and Indians, and the much smaller number of Europeans that settled on the islands between the 8th and 19th centuries, when they served as a regional trade hub. The Arab and Persian influence is most evident in the islands’ overwhelmingly Muslim majority – about 98% of Comorans are Sunni Muslims. The country is densely populated, averaging nearly 350 people per square mile, although this varies widely among the islands, with Anjouan being the most densely populated.Given the large share of land dedicated to agriculture and Comoros’ growing population, habitable land is becoming increasingly crowded. The combination of increasing population pressure on limited land and resources, widespread poverty, and poor job prospects motivates thousands of Comorans each year to attempt to illegally migrate using small fishing boats to the neighboring island of Mayotte, which is a French territory. The majority of legal Comoran migration to France came after Comoros’ independence from France in 1975, with the flow peaking in the mid-1980s.At least 150,000 to 200,000 people of Comoran citizenship or descent live abroad, mainly in France, where they have gone seeking a better quality of life, job opportunities, higher education (Comoros has no universities), advanced health care, and to finance elaborate traditional wedding ceremonies (aada). Remittances from the diaspora are an economic mainstay, in 2013 representing approximately 25% of Comoros’ GDP and significantly more than the value of its exports of goods and services (only 15% of GDP). Grand Comore, Comoros’ most populous island, is both the primary source of emigrants and the main recipient of remittances. Most remittances are spent on private consumption, but this often goes toward luxury goods and the aada and does not contribute to economic development or poverty reduction. Although the majority of the diaspora is now French-born with more distant ties to Comoros, it is unclear whether they will sustain the current level of remittances.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 36.68% (male 154,853/female 155,602)

15-24 years: 20.75% (male 85,208/female 90,422)

25-54 years: 33.99% (male 136,484/female 151,178)

55-64 years: 4.49% (male 17,237/female 20,781)

65 years and over: 4.08% (2020 est.) (male 15,437/female 19,079)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 75.5

youth dependency ratio: 67.4

elderly dependency ratio: 5.4

potential support ratio: 18.6 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 20.9 years

male: 20.2 years

female: 21.5 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.37% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 22.52 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 6.55 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -2.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: the capital city of Maroni, located on the western side of the island of Grande Comore, is the country's largest city; however, of the three islands that comprise Comoros, it is Anjouan that is the most densely populated as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization: urban population: 29.9% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.97% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 62,000 MORONI (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 23 years (2012 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio: 273 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 57.1 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 67.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 46.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.2 years

male: 64.93 years

female: 69.54 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.78 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 19.4% (2012)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 97.4% of population

rural: 88.5% of population

total: 91% of population

unimproved: urban: 2.6% of population

rural: 11.5% of population

total: 8.9% of population (2017 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 5.2% (2019)
Physicians density: 0.27 physicians/1,000 population (2016)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 62.4% of population

rural: 43.6% of population

total: 49% of population

unimproved: urban: 37.6% of population

rural: 56.4% of population

total: 51% of population (2017 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1%
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2020 est.) <200
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 7.8% (2016)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 16.9% (2012)
Education expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2015)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 58.8%

male: 64.6%

female: 53% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 11 years (2014)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.5%

male: 20%

female: 18.8% (2014)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil degradation and erosion results from forest loss and from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; marine biodiversity affected as soil erosion leads to the silting of coral reefs
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 18.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.2 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.19 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)
Land use: agricultural land: 84.4% (2018 est.)

arable land: 46.7% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 29.6% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 8.1% (2018 est.)

forest: 1.4% (2018 est.)

other: 14.2% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 29.9% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.97% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 1.39% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 91,013 tons (2015 est.)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 4.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 500,000 cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 4.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 1.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Union of the Comoros

conventional short form: Comoros

local long form: Udzima wa Komori (Comorian), Union des Comores (French), Al Ittihad al Qumuri (Arabic)

local short form: Komori (Comorian), Les Comores (French), Juzur al Qamar (Arabic)

former: Comorian State, Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros

etymology: name derives from the Arabic designation "Juzur al Qamar" meaning "Islands of the Moon"
Government type: federal presidential republic
Capital: name: Moroni

geographic coordinates: 11 42 S, 43 14 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: Moroni derives from "mroni," which means "at the river" in Shingazidja, the Comorian language spoken on Grande Comore (N'gazidja)
Administrative divisions: 3 islands; Anjouan (Ndzuwani), Grande Comore (N'gazidja), Moheli (Mwali)
Independence: 6 July 1975 (from France)
National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1975)
Constitution: history: previous 1996, 2001; newest adopted 30 July 2018

amendments: proposed by the president of the union or supported by at least one third of the Assembly of the Union membership; adoption requires approval by at three-quarters majority of the total Assembly membership or approval in a referendum

note: a referendum held on 30 July 2018 - boycotted by the opposition - overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that allows for 2 consecutive 5-year presidential terms and revises the rotating presidency within the islands
Legal system: mixed legal system of Islamic religious law, the French civil code of 1975, and customary law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Comoros

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; note - AZALI takes oath of office 2 June 2019 after 24 March 2019 reelection (2019)

head of government: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote in 2 rounds for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 March 2019 (next to be held in 2024)

election results: AZALI Assoumani (CRC) elected president in first round; with a 59% of the vote; - AZALI Assoumani (CRC) 60.8%, Ahamada MAHAMOUDOU (PJ) 14.6%, and Mouigni Baraka Said SOILIHI (Independent) 5.6%
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly of the Union (33 seats; 24 members directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed and 9 members indirectly elected by the 3 island assemblies; members serve 5-year terms) (2017)

elections: last held on 19 January 2020 with a runoff on 23 February 2020 (next to be held in 2025) (2020)

election results: seats by party -1st round - Boycotting parties 16, Independent 3, CRC 2, RDC 2, RADHI 1, Orange party 0; note -  9 additional seats filled by the 3 island assemblies; 2nd round - CRC 20, Orange Party 2, Independents 2; composition for elected members as of 2022 - men 20, women 4, percent of women 16.7%
   (2019)
 :
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of 7 judges)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges - selection and term of office NA

subordinate courts: Court of Appeals (in Moroni); Tribunal de premiere instance; island village (community) courts; religious courts

Political parties and leaders: Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros or CRC [AZALI Assoumani]
Democratic Rally of the Comoros or RDC [Mouigni BARAKA]
Independent Party [N/A]
Juwa Party or PJ [[Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI, Mahamoudou AHAMADA]
Orange Party [Mohamed DAOUDOU]
Party for the Comorian Agreement (Partie Pour l'Entente Commorienne) or PEC [Fahmi Said IBRAHIM]
Rally for an Alternative of Harmonious and Integrated Development or RADHI [Mohamed AHMED]
Rally with a Development Initiative for Enlightened Youth or RIDJA [Said LARIFOU]
Union for the Development of the Comoros or UPDC [Mohamed HALIFA] (2018)
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AMF, AOSIS, AU, CAEU (candidates), COMESA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Issimail CHANFI (since 23 December 2020)

chancery: Mission to the UN, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 495, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 750-1637

FAX: [1] (212) 750-1657

email address and website:
comoros@un.int

https://www.un.int/comoros/
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the US Ambassador to Madagascar is accredited to Comoros
Flag description: four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and blue, with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered within the triangle is a vertical white crescent moon with the convex side facing the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, N'gazidja, Ndzuwani, and Mahore (Mayotte - department of France, but claimed by Comoros)

note: the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam
National symbol(s): four five-pointed stars and crescent moon; national colors: green, white
National anthem: name: "Udzima wa ya Masiwa" (The Union of the Great Islands)

lyrics/music: Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE/Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE and Kamildine ABDALLAH

note: adopted 1978

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: One of the world's poorest and smallest economies, the Comoros is made up of three islands that are hampered by inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, accounts for about 50% of GDP, employs a majority of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla, cloves, and ylang ylang (perfume essence); and the Comoros' export earnings are easily disrupted by disasters such as fires and extreme weather. Despite agriculture’s importance to the economy, the country imports roughly 70% of its food; rice, the main staple, and other dried vegetables account for more than 25% of imports. Remittances from about 300,000 Comorans contribute about 25% of the country’s GDP. France, Comoros’s colonial power, remains a key trading partner and bilateral donor.   Comoros faces an education system in need of upgrades, limited opportunities for private commercial and industrial enterprises, poor health services, limited exports, and a high population growth rate. Recurring political instability, sometimes initiated from outside the country, and an ongoing electricity crisis have inhibited growth. The government, elected in mid-2016, has moved to improve revenue mobilization, reduce expenditures, and improve electricity access, although the public sector wage bill remains one of the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. In mid-2017, Comoros joined the Southern African Development Community with 15 other regional member states.One of the world's poorest and smallest economies, the Comoros is made up of three islands that are hampered by inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, accounts for about 50% of GDP, employs a majority of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla, cloves, and ylang ylang (perfume essence); and the Comoros' export earnings are easily disrupted by disasters such as fires and extreme weather. Despite agriculture’s importance to the economy, the country imports roughly 70% of its food; rice, the main staple, and other dried vegetables account for more than 25% of imports. Remittances from about 300,000 Comorans contribute about 25% of the country’s GDP. France, Comoros’s colonial power, remains a key trading partner and bilateral donor. Comoros faces an education system in need of upgrades, limited opportunities for private commercial and industrial enterprises, poor health services, limited exports, and a high population growth rate. Recurring political instability, sometimes initiated from outside the country, and an ongoing electricity crisis have inhibited growth. The government, elected in mid-2016, has moved to improve revenue mobilization, reduce expenditures, and improve electricity access, although the public sector wage bill remains one of the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. In mid-2017, Comoros joined the Southern African Development Community with 15 other regional member states.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2.73 billion (2020 est.)

$2.6 billion (2019 est.)

$2.55 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 2.7% (2017 est.)

2.2% (2016 est.)

1% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $3,100 (2020 est.)

$3,100 (2019 est.)

$3,100 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $1.186 billion (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1% (2017 est.)

1.8% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 47.7% (2017 est.)

industry: 11.8% (2017 est.)

services: 40.5% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 92.6% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 20.4% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 20% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: -3.1% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 17.2% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -47.1% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: coconuts, cassava, rice, bananas, pulses nes, milk, taro, sweet potatoes, maize, cloves
Industries: fishing, tourism, perfume distillation
Industrial production growth rate: 1% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 278,500 (2016 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 80%

industry: 20% (1996 est.)

industry and services: 20% (1996 est.)
Unemployment rate: 6.5% (2014 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.5%

male: 20%

female: 18.8% (2014)
Population below poverty line: 42.4% (2013 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 45.3 (2014 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.9%

highest 10%: 55.2% (2004)
Budget: revenues: 165.2 million (2017 est.)

expenditures: 207.3 million (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -6.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 32.4% of GDP (2017 est.)

27.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 25.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: -$27 million (2017 est.)

-$45 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $140 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$150 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: France 32%, India 23%, Germany 10%, Turkey 9%, Madagascar 7% (2019)
Exports - commodities: cloves, essential oils, vacuum flask, vanilla, scrap vessels (2019)
Imports: $350 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$360 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: China 22%, United Arab Emirates 16%, France 11%, Pakistan 9%, India 6% (2019)
Imports - commodities: rice, chicken products, refined petroleum, cement, cars (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $208 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$159.5 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $199.8 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$132 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar -

458.2 (2017 est.)

444.76 (2016 est.)

444.76 (2015 est.)

443.6 (2014 est.)

370.81 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 70% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 89% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 62% (2019)
Electricity - production: 42 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 39.06 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 27,000 kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 96% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 4% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 1,300 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 1,241 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 7,573 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 781,579 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 90 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Qatar launched a special program for the construction of a wireless network to inter connect the 3 islands of the archipelago; telephone service limited to the islands' few towns (2020)

domestic: fixed-line connections less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage about 54 per 100 persons; 2 companies provide domestic and international mobile service and wireless data (2020)

international: country code - 269; landing point for the EASSy, Comoros Domestic Cable System, Avassa, and FLY-LION3 fiber-optic submarine cable system connecting East Africa with Europe; HF radiotelephone communications to Madagascar and Reunion (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: national state-owned TV station and a TV station run by Anjouan regional government; national state-owned radio; regional governments on the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan each operate a radio station; a few independent and small community radio stations operate on the islands of Grande Comore and Moheli, and these two islands have access to Mayotte Radio and French TV
Internet country code: .km
Internet users: total: 69,568 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 8% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,066 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.12 (2020 est.) less than 1

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 9
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: D6
Airports: total: 4 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2021)
Roadways: total: 880 km (2002)

paved: 673 km (2002)

unpaved: 207 km (2002)
Merchant marine: total: 236

by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 7, general cargo 112, oil tanker 31, other 78 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Moroni, Moutsamoudou

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: National Army for Development (l'Armee Nationale de Developpement, AND): Comoran Security Force (also called Comoran Defense Force (Force Comorienne de Defense, FCD), includes Gendarmerie); Ministry of Interior: Coast Guard, Federal Police, National Directorate of Territorial Safety (2021)

note - when the Gendarmerie serves as the judicial police, it reports to the Minister of Justice
Military and security service personnel strengths: Comoran Defense Force has an estimated 600 personnel; est. 500 Comoran Federal Police (2021)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the defense forces are lightly armed with a mix of mostly older equipment from a variety of countries, including France, Italy, Russia, and the US (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for 2-year voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (2021)
Military - note: the AND is limited in capabilities to performing search and rescue operations and maintaining internal security; a defense treaty with France provides naval resources for protection of territorial waters, training of Comoran military personnel, and air surveillance; France maintains a small maritime base and a Foreign Legion contingent on neighboring Mayotte (2022)

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: claims French-administered Mayotte and challenges France's and Madagascar's claims to Banc du Geyser, a drying reef in the Mozambique Channel; in May 2008, African Union forces assisted the Comoros military recapture Anjouan Island from rebels who seized it in 2001claims French-administered Mayotte and challenges France's and Madagascar's claims to Banc du Geyser, a drying reef in the Mozambique Channel; in May 2008, African Union forces assisted the Comoros military recapture Anjouan Island from rebels who seized it in 2001
Trafficking in persons: current situation: human traffickers may exploit domestic and foreign victims in Comoros and Comorians abroad; some Comorian and Malagasy women are subject to forced labor in the Middle East; adults and children may be forced to work in agriculture, construction, or as domestics in Mayotte; children abandoned by parents who left to seek jobs abroad are vulnerable to exploitation in domestic service, vending, baking, fishing, and agriculture; children from poor families whose parents place them with a relative or acquaintance for educational opportunities are vulnerable to domestic servitude and physical and sexual abuse; some children in Koranic schools may experience forced labor in agriculture or domestic servitude; inadequate border controls; government corruption, and international crime networks leave Comorians vulnerable to international trafficking

tier rating: Tier 3 — Comoros does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking is not making significant efforts to do so; the Anti-Trafficking Task Force met for the first time since 2017 and began drafting a national action plan for combatting trafficking; the government took steps to ratify the 2000 UN TIP Protocol and supported centers that identify and provide care to victims of crime, would include trafficking victims; however, authorities continued to lack an understanding of trafficking and did not make any anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts; the government did not investigate, prosecute, or convict any alleged traffickers or officials suspected of complicity in trafficking; the government did not develop any standing operating procedures for identifying trafficking victims and referring them to limited care providers; no public awareness campaigns were conducted (2020)


US State Dept Travel Advisory: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: A foreign national or alien entering the US is generally required to present a passport and valid visa issued by a US Consular Official, unless they are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or are a lawful permanent resident of the US or a citizen of Canada. The VWP allows foreign nationals from certain countries to be admitted to the US under limited conditions and for a limited time without obtaining a visa. The foreign national must arrive on an approved carrier (if coming by air or sea), stay no more than 90 days (for pleasure, medical purposes, and/or business), and be able to prove they are not inadmissible. The foreign national is still required to have a passport. To obtain a list of VWP-eligible countries and VWP passport requirements, please visit https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program. Note: all travelers transiting the US are subject to US customs and/or immigration laws.
US Embassy/Consulate: N/A
Telephone Code: 787, 939
Local Emergency Phone: 911
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
Currency (Code): US $ (USD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages: Spanish, English
Major Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%
Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Yes
International Driving Permit: Suggested for non-US citizens.
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: El Yunque National Rainforest; Old San Juan & El Morro Castle; Cabo Roho Lighthouse; Coamo Thermal Hot Springs; Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay; Fort San Cristobal
Major Sports: Baseball, boxing, basketball, volleyball
Cultural Practices: Puerto Ricans believe that directness is rude and will attempt to use euphemisms to avoid it.
Tipping Guidelines: Tipping 15-20% of the total bill for restaurant staff is appropriate.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Thursday, April 07, 2022


Topic: SummaryThe World Factbook is privileged to work with a team of highly talented graphic designers and cartographers. Each year, The World Factbook cover design is assigned to a new graphic designer who is asked to provide a unique and innovative visual concept that captures the spirit of The World Factbook. The Gallery of Covers displays the evolution and diversity of our cover designs since 1981.In 2017, the Government Printing Office discontinued printing The World Factbook.All editions of the Factbook from 2000 onward can be accessed on The World Factbook Archives page.


This entry refers to the economic profits, expressed as a percentage of a country's GDP, from the extraction of coal. These profits equal coal gross revenues minus cost(s) to extract the coal. Other sources may refer to this field as coal rents.

Topic: Afghanistancoal revenues: 0.45% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Albaniacoal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Algeriacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: American Samoacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Angolacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Antigua and Barbudacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Argentinacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Armeniacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Australiacoal revenues: 0.78% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Austriacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Azerbaijancoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Bahamas, Thecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Bahraincoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Bangladeshcoal revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Barbadoscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Belaruscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Belgiumcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Belizecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Benincoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Bhutancoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Boliviacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinacoal revenues: 0.34% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Botswanacoal revenues: 0.45% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Brazilcoal revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Bruneicoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Bulgariacoal revenues: 0.14% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Burkina Fasocoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Burmacoal revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Burundicoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Cabo Verdecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Cambodiacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Camerooncoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Canadacoal revenues: 0.08% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Cayman Islandscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Central African Republiccoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Chadcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Chilecoal revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Chinacoal revenues: 0.57% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Colombiacoal revenues: 0.75% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Comoroscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Congo, Republic of thecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Costa Ricacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoirecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Croatiacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Cubacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Curacaocoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Cypruscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Czechiacoal revenues: 0.14% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Denmarkcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Djibouticoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Dominicacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Dominican Republiccoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Ecuadorcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: El Salvadorcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Equatorial Guineacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Estoniacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Eswatinicoal revenues: 0.1% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Ethiopiacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: European Unioncoal revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Fijicoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Finlandcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Francecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Gaboncoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Gambia, Thecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Georgiacoal revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Germanycoal revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Ghanacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Greececoal revenues: 0.04% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Greenlandcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Grenadacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Guamcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Guatemalacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Guineacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Guinea-Bissaucoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Guyanacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Haiticoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Hondurascoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Hong Kongcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Hungarycoal revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Icelandcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Indiacoal revenues: 1.15% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Indonesiacoal revenues: 1.06% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Irancoal revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2017 est.)

Topic: Iraqcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Irelandcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Israelcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Italycoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Jamaicacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Japancoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Jordancoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Kazakhstancoal revenues: 0.99% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Kenyacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Kiribaticoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Korea, Southcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Kosovocoal revenues: 0.31% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Kuwaitcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Kyrgyzstancoal revenues: 0.21% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Latviacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Lebanoncoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Lesothocoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Liberiacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Libyacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Lithuaniacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Luxembourgcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Macaucoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Madagascarcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Malawicoal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Malaysiacoal revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Maldivescoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Malicoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Maltacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Mauritaniacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Mauritiuscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Mexicocoal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Moldovacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Mongoliacoal revenues: 8.62% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Montenegrocoal revenues: 0.12% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Moroccocoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Mozambiquecoal revenues: 4.17% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Namibiacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Nepalcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Netherlandscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: New Zealandcoal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Nicaraguacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Nigercoal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Nigeriacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: North Macedoniacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Norwaycoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Omancoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Pakistancoal revenues: 0.06% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Panamacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Papua New Guineacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Paraguaycoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Perucoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Philippinescoal revenues: 0.07% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Polandcoal revenues: 0.27% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Portugalcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Puerto Ricocoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Qatarcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Romaniacoal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Russiacoal revenues: 0.53% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Rwandacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Neviscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Saint Luciacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinescoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Samoacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Saudi Arabiacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Senegalcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Serbiacoal revenues: 0.25% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Seychellescoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Sierra Leonecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Singaporecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Slovakiacoal revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Sloveniacoal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Solomon Islandscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: South Africacoal revenues: 2.4% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Spaincoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Sri Lankacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Sudancoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Surinamecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Swedencoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Switzerlandcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Tajikistancoal revenues: 0.54% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Tanzaniacoal revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Thailandcoal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Timor-Lestecoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Togocoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Tongacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagocoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Tunisiacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Turkeycoal revenues: 0.05% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Turkmenistancoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandscoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Ugandacoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Ukrainecoal revenues: 0.42% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: United Arab Emiratescoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: United Kingdomcoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: United Statescoal revenues: 0.2% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Uruguaycoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Uzbekistancoal revenues: 0.06% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Vanuatucoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Vietnamcoal revenues: 0.35% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Yemencoal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Zambiacoal revenues: 0.04% of GDP (2018 est.)

Topic: Zimbabwecoal revenues: 0.4% of GDP (2018 est.)


Topic: Photos of Zambia

Topic: Introduction
Background: Multiple waves of Bantu-speaking groups moved into and through what is now Zambia over the past thousand years. In the 1880s, the British began securing mineral and other economic concessions from various local leaders and the territory that is now Zambia eventually came under the control of the former British South Africa Company and was incorporated as the protectorate of Northern Rhodesia in 1911. Administrative control was taken over by the UK in 1924. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development and immigration.

The name was changed to Zambia upon independence in 1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices, economic mismanagement, and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to one-party rule and propelled the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) to government. The subsequent vote in 1996, however, saw increasing harassment of opposition parties and abuse of state media and other resources. The election in 2001 was marked by administrative problems, with three parties filing a legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA. MWANAWASA was reelected in 2006 in an election that was deemed free and fair. Upon his death in August 2008, he was succeeded by his vice president, Rupiah BANDA, who won a special presidential byelection later that year. The MMD and BANDA lost to the Patriotic Front (PF) and Michael SATA in the 2011 general elections. SATA, however, presided over a period of haphazard economic management and attempted to silence opposition to PF policies. SATA died in October 2014 and was succeeded by his vice president, Guy SCOTT, who served as interim president until January 2015, when Edgar LUNGU won the presidential byelection and completed SATA's term. LUNGU then won a full term in August 2016 presidential elections. Hakainde HICHILEMA was elected president in August 2021.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Southern Africa, east of Angola, south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Geographic coordinates: 15 00 S, 30 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area: total: 752,618 sq km

land: 743,398 sq km

water: 9,220 sq km
Area - comparative: almost five times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Texas
Land boundaries: total: 6,043.15 km

border countries (8): Angola 1,065 km; Botswana 0.15 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,332 km; Malawi 847 km; Mozambique 439 km; Namibia 244 km; Tanzania 353 km; Zimbabwe 763 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)
Terrain: mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains
Elevation: highest point: Mafinga Central 2,330 m

lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m

mean elevation: 1,138 m
Natural resources: copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower
Land use: agricultural land: 31.7% (2018 est.)

arable land: 4.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 26.9% (2018 est.)

forest: 66.3% (2018 est.)

other: 2% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 1,560 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Tanganyika (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi) - 32,000 sq km; Lake Mweru (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo) - 4,350 sq km; Lake Bangweulu - 4,000-15,000 sq km seasonal variation
Major rivers (by length in km): Congo river source (shared with Angola, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 4,700 km; Zambezi river source (shared with Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouthCongo river source (shared with Angola, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 4,700 km; Zambezi river source (shared with Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Major aquifers: Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin
Population distribution: one of the highest levels of urbanization in Africa; high density in the central area, particularly around the cities of Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Mufulira as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards: periodic drought; tropical storms (November to April)
Geography - note: landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with Zimbabwe; Lake Kariba on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border forms the world's largest reservoir by volume (180 cu km; 43 cu mi)
Map description: Zambia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries.Zambia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 19,642,123 (2022 est.)

note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
Nationality: noun: Zambian(s)

adjective: Zambian
Ethnic groups: Bemba 21%, Tonga 13.6%, Chewa 7.4%, Lozi 5.7%, Nsenga 5.3%, Tumbuka 4.4%, Ngoni 4%, Lala 3.1%, Kaonde 2.9%, Namwanga 2.8%, Lunda (north Western) 2.6%, Mambwe 2.5%, Luvale 2.2%, Lamba 2.1%, Ushi 1.9%, Lenje 1.6%, Bisa 1.6%, Mbunda 1.2%, other 13.8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.)
Languages: Bemba 33.4%, Nyanja 14.7%, Tonga 11.4%, Lozi 5.5%, Chewa 4.5%, Nsenga 2.9%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda (North Western) 1.9%, Kaonde 1.8%, Lala 1.8%, Lamba 1.8%, English (official) 1.7%, Luvale 1.5%, Mambwe 1.3%, Namwanga 1.2%, Lenje 1.1%, Bisa 1%, other 9.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2010 est.)

note: Zambia is said to have over 70 languages, although many of these may be considered dialects; all of Zambia's major languages are members of the Bantu family; Chewa and Nyanja are mutually intelligible dialects
Religions: Protestant 75.3%, Roman Catholic 20.2%, other 2.7% (includes Muslim Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha'i), none 1.8% (2010 est.)
Demographic profile: Zambia’s poor, youthful population consists primarily of Bantu-speaking people representing nearly 70 different ethnicities. Zambia’s high fertility rate continues to drive rapid population growth, averaging almost 3 percent annually between 2000 and 2010. The country’s total fertility rate has fallen by less than 1.5 children per woman during the last 30 years and still averages among the world’s highest, almost 6 children per woman, largely because of the country’s lack of access to family planning services, education for girls, and employment for women. Zambia also exhibits wide fertility disparities based on rural or urban location, education, and income. Poor, uneducated women from rural areas are more likely to marry young, to give birth early, and to have more children, viewing children as a sign of prestige and recognizing that not all of their children will live to adulthood. HIV/AIDS is prevalent in Zambia and contributes to its low life expectancy.Zambian emigration is low compared to many other African countries and is comprised predominantly of the well-educated. The small amount of brain drain, however, has a major impact in Zambia because of its limited human capital and lack of educational infrastructure for developing skilled professionals in key fields. For example, Zambia has few schools for training doctors, nurses, and other health care workers. Its spending on education is low compared to other Sub-Saharan countries.Zambia’s poor, youthful population consists primarily of Bantu-speaking people representing nearly 70 different ethnicities. Zambia’s high fertility rate continues to drive rapid population growth, averaging almost 3 percent annually between 2000 and 2010. The country’s total fertility rate has fallen by less than 1.5 children per woman during the last 30 years and still averages among the world’s highest, almost 6 children per woman, largely because of the country’s lack of access to family planning services, education for girls, and employment for women. Zambia also exhibits wide fertility disparities based on rural or urban location, education, and income. Poor, uneducated women from rural areas are more likely to marry young, to give birth early, and to have more children, viewing children as a sign of prestige and recognizing that not all of their children will live to adulthood. HIV/AIDS is prevalent in Zambia and contributes to its low life expectancy.Zambian emigration is low compared to many other African countries and is comprised predominantly of the well-educated. The small amount of brain drain, however, has a major impact in Zambia because of its limited human capital and lack of educational infrastructure for developing skilled professionals in key fields. For example, Zambia has few schools for training doctors, nurses, and other health care workers. Its spending on education is low compared to other Sub-Saharan countries.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 45.74% (male 4,005,134/female 3,964,969)

15-24 years: 20.03% (male 1,744,843/female 1,746,561)

25-54 years: 28.96% (male 2,539,697/female 2,506,724)

55-64 years: 3.01% (male 242,993/female 280,804)

65 years and over: 2.27% (2020 est.) (male 173,582/female 221,316)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 85.7

youth dependency ratio: 81.7

elderly dependency ratio: 4

potential support ratio: 25.3 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 16.9 years

male: 16.7 years

female: 17 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.9% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 34.86 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 6.12 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 0.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: one of the highest levels of urbanization in Africa; high density in the central area, particularly around the cities of Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Mufulira as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization: urban population: 45.8% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 4.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 3.042 million LUSAKA (capital) (2022)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.2 years (2018 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 20-49
Maternal mortality ratio: 213 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 37.11 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 40.57 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 33.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.26 years

male: 64.52 years

female: 68.06 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.56 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 49.6% (2018)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 90.2% of population

rural: 56.6% of population

total: 71.6% of population

unimproved: urban: 9.8% of population

rural: 43.4% of population

total: 28.4% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 5.3% (2019)
Physicians density: 1.19 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Hospital bed density: 2 beds/1,000 population
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 76.3% of population

rural: 31.9% of population

total: 51.7% of population

unimproved: urban: 23.7% of population

rural: 68.1% of population

total: 48.3% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 11.1% (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1.5 million (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 24,000 (2020 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 8.1% (2016)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 11.8% (2018/19)
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 5.2% (2018)

women married by age 18: 29% (2018)

men married by age 18: 2.8% (2018 est.)
Education expenditures: 4.5% of GDP (2019)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write English

total population: 86.7%

male: 90.6%

female: 83.1% (2018)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 30.1%

male: 32.1%

female: 27.6% (2019 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region; chemical runoff into watersheds; loss of biodiversity; poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros, elephant, antelope, and large cat populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 24.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 5.14 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 14.1 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)
Land use: agricultural land: 31.7% (2018 est.)

arable land: 4.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 26.9% (2018 est.)

forest: 66.3% (2018 est.)

other: 2% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 45.8% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 4.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 4.45% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.04% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever

water contact diseases: schistosomiasis

animal contact diseases: rabies
Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to reduced incomes and localized shortfalls in cereal production - an estimated 1.58 million people are projected to need humanitarian assistance at least up until March 2022, down from 2 million assessed to be food insecure in the corresponding period in 2020/21; the overall large national agricultural output in 2021 helped to reduce the prevalence of food insecurity in early 2022, however, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have constrained households’ economic access to food as well as localized shortfalls in crop production, have limited a larger improvement (2022)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 2,608,268 tons (2002 est.)
Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Tanganyika (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi) - 32,000 sq km; Lake Mweru (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo) - 4,350 sq km; Lake Bangweulu - 4,000-15,000 sq km seasonal variation
Major rivers (by length in km): Congo river source (shared with Angola, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 4,700 km; Zambezi river source (shared with Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouthCongo river source (shared with Angola, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 4,700 km; Zambezi river source (shared with Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Major aquifers: Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 290 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 130 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 1.152 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 104.8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Zambia

conventional short form: Zambia

former: Northern Rhodesia

etymology: name derived from the Zambezi River, which flows through the western part of the country and forms its southern border with neighboring Zimbabwe
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Lusaka; note - a proposal to build a new capital city in Ngabwe was announced in May 2017

geographic coordinates: 15 25 S, 28 17 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: named after a village called Lusaka, located at Manda Hill, near where Zambia's National Assembly building currently stands; the village was named after a headman (chief) Lusakasa
Administrative divisions: 10 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Muchinga, Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western
Independence: 24 October 1964 (from the UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 24 October (1964)
Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 24 August 1991, promulgated 30 August 1991

amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly in two separate readings at least 30 days apart; passage of amendments affecting fundamental rights and freedoms requires approval by at least one half of votes cast in a referendum prior to consideration and voting by the Assembly; amended 1996, 2015, 2016; note - in late 2020, an amendment which would have altered the structure of the constitution was defeated in the National Assembly
Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law and customary law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: only if at least one parent is a citizen of Zambia

citizenship by descent only: yes, if at least one parent was a citizen of Zambia

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years for those with an ancestor who was a citizen of Zambia, otherwise 10 years residency is required
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Hakainde HICHILEMA (since 24 August 2021); Vice President Mutale NALUMANGO (since 24 August 2021); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Hakainde HICHILEMA (since 24 August 2021); Vice President Mutale NALUMANGO (since 24 August 2021)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president from among members of the National Assembly

elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last held on 12 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026)

election results:
2021: Hakainde HICHILEMA elected president; percent of the vote -   Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 57.9%, Edgar LUNGU (PF) 37.3%, other 4.8%

2016: Edgar LUNGU re-elected president; percent of vote - Edgar LUNGU (PF) 50.4%, Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 47.6%, other 2%
Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly (167 seats; 156 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote in 2 rounds if needed, and up to 8 appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms); 3 ex-officio members elected by National Assembly membership

elections: last held on 12 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026)

election results: percent of vote by party - UPND 53.9%, PF 38.1%, PNUP 0.6%, independent 7.4%; seats by party - UPND 82, PF 62, PNUP 1, independent 11; composition - men 136, women 20, percent of women 13.5%; 156 seats filled;
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, deputy chief justice, and at least 11 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 11 judges); note - the Constitutional Court began operation in June 2016

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the advice of the 9-member Judicial Service Commission, which is headed by the chief justice, and ratified by the National Assembly; judges normally serve until age 65

subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Industrial Relations Court; subordinate courts (3 levels, based on upper limit of money involved); Small Claims Court; local courts (2 grades, based on upper limit of money involved)
Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Democracy and Development or ADD [Charles MILUPI]
Forum for Democracy and Development or FDD [Edith NAWAKWI]
Movement for Multiparty Democracy or MMD [Felix MUTATI]
National Democratic Congress or NDC [Chishimba KAMBWILI]
Patriotic Front or PF [Edgar LUNGU]
United Party for National Development or UPND [Hakainde HICHILEMA]
Party of National Unity and Progress or PNUP [Highvie HAMUDUDU]
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lazarous KAPAMBWE (since 8 April 2020)

chancery: 2200 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-4009

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826

email address and website:
info@zambiaembassy.org

https://www.zambiaembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires David J. YOUNG (since 2 March 2020)

embassy: Eastern end of Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka

mailing address: 2310 Lusaka Place, Washington DC 20521-2310

telephone: [260] (0) 211-357-000

FAX: [260]  (0) 211-357-224

email address and website:
ACSLusaka@state.gov

https://zm.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: green field with a panel of three vertical bands of red (hoist side), black, and orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the outer edge of the flag; green stands for the country's natural resources and vegetation, red symbolizes the struggle for freedom, black the people of Zambia, and orange the country's mineral wealth; the eagle represents the people's ability to rise above the nation's problems
National symbol(s): African fish eagle; national colors: green, red, black, orange
National anthem: name: "Lumbanyeni Zambia" (Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free)

lyrics/music: multiple/Enoch Mankayi SONTONGA

note: adopted 1964; the melody, from the popular song "God Bless Africa," is the same as that of Tanzania but with different lyrics; the melody is also incorporated into South Africa's anthem
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Zambia had one of the world’s fastest growing economies for the ten years up to 2014, with real GDP growth averaging roughly 6.7% per annum, though growth slowed during the period 2015 to 2017, due to falling copper prices, reduced power generation, and depreciation of the kwacha. Zambia’s lack of economic diversification and dependency on copper as its sole major export makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the world commodities market and prices turned downward in 2015 due to declining demand from China; Zambia was overtaken by the Democratic Republic of Congo as Africa’s largest copper producer. GDP growth picked up in 2017 as mineral prices rose.   Despite recent strong economic growth and its status as a lower middle-income country, widespread and extreme rural poverty and high unemployment levels remain significant problems, made worse by a high birth rate, a relatively high HIV/AIDS burden, by market-distorting agricultural and energy policies, and growing government debt. Zambia raised $7 billion from international investors by issuing separate sovereign bonds in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Concurrently, it issued over $4 billion in domestic debt and agreed to Chinese-financed infrastructure projects, significantly increasing the country’s public debt burden to more than 60% of GDP. The government has considered refinancing $3 billion worth of Eurobonds and significant Chinese loans to cut debt servicing costs.Zambia had one of the world’s fastest growing economies for the ten years up to 2014, with real GDP growth averaging roughly 6.7% per annum, though growth slowed during the period 2015 to 2017, due to falling copper prices, reduced power generation, and depreciation of the kwacha. Zambia’s lack of economic diversification and dependency on copper as its sole major export makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the world commodities market and prices turned downward in 2015 due to declining demand from China; Zambia was overtaken by the Democratic Republic of Congo as Africa’s largest copper producer. GDP growth picked up in 2017 as mineral prices rose. Despite recent strong economic growth and its status as a lower middle-income country, widespread and extreme rural poverty and high unemployment levels remain significant problems, made worse by a high birth rate, a relatively high HIV/AIDS burden, by market-distorting agricultural and energy policies, and growing government debt. Zambia raised $7 billion from international investors by issuing separate sovereign bonds in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Concurrently, it issued over $4 billion in domestic debt and agreed to Chinese-financed infrastructure projects, significantly increasing the country’s public debt burden to more than 60% of GDP. The government has considered refinancing $3 billion worth of Eurobonds and significant Chinese loans to cut debt servicing costs.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $60.12 billion (2020 est.)

$61.99 billion (2019 est.)

$61.1 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 3.4% (2017 est.)

3.8% (2016 est.)

2.9% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $3,300 (2020 est.)

$3,500 (2019 est.)

$3,500 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $25.71 billion (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.1% (2019 est.)

7.4% (2018 est.)

6.5% (2017 est.)
Credit ratings: Fitch rating: RD (2020)

Moody's rating: Ca (2020)

Standard & Poors rating: SD (2020)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 7.5% (2017 est.)

industry: 35.3% (2017 est.)

services: 57% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 52.6% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 21% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 27.1% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.2% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 43% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -44.9% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: sugar cane, cassava, maize, milk, vegetables, soybeans, beef, tobacco, wheat, groundnuts
Industries: copper mining and processing, emerald mining, construction, foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture
Industrial production growth rate: 4.7% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 6.898 million (2017 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 54.8%

industry: 9.9%

services: 35.3% (2017 est.)
Unemployment rate: 15% (2008 est.)

50% (2000 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 30.1%

male: 32.1%

female: 27.6% (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line: 54.4% (2015 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 57.1 (2015 est.)

50.8 (2004)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.5%

highest 10%: 47.4% (2010)
Budget: revenues: 4.473 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 6.357 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -7.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 63.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

60.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 17.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: -$1.006 billion (2017 est.)

-$934 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $8.55 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$8.26 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$9.98 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Switzerland 29%, China 16%, Namibia 12%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 9%, Singapore 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: copper, gold, gemstones, sulfuric acid, raw sugar, tobacco (2019)
Imports: $5.92 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$8.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$10.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: South Africa 29%, China 14%, United Arab Emirates 12%, India 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, crude petroleum, delivery trucks, gold, fertilizers (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.082 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$2.353 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $11.66 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$9.562 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: Zambian kwacha (ZMK) per US dollar -

21.065 (2020 est.)

15.3736 (2019 est.)

11.855 (2018 est.)

8.6 (2014 est.)

6.2 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 37% (2019)

electrification - urban areas: 76% (2019)

electrification - rural areas: 6% (2019)
Electricity - production: 11.55 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 11.04 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 1.176 billion kWh (2015 est.)
Electricity - imports: 2.185 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 2.573 million kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 5% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 93% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 2% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 12,860 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 13,120 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 23,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 371 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 10,150 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 71,844 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 17,220,600 (2019)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 96.41 (2019)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: service is among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa; regulator promotes competition and is a partner to private sector service providers, offering mobile voice and Internet at some of the lowest prices in the region; investment made in data centers, education centers, and computer assembly training plants; operators invest in 3G and LTE-based services; Chinese company Huawei is helping to upgrade state-owned mobile infrastructure for 5G services; operators focused on improvements to towers (2020)

domestic: fiber optic connections are available between most larger towns and cities with microwave radio relays serving more rural areas; 3G and LTE with FttX in limited urban areas and private Ku or Ka band VSAT terminals in remote locations; fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 104 per 100 (2020)

international: country code - 260; multiple providers operate overland fiber optic routes via Zimbabwe/South Africa, Botswana/Namibia and Tanzania provide access to the major undersea cables

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: according to the Independent Broadcast Authority, there are 137 radio stations and 47 television stations in Zambia; out of the 137 radio stations, 133 are private (categorized as either commercial or community radio stations), while 4 are public-owned; state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) operates 2 television channels and 3 radio stations; ZNBC owns 75% shares in GoTV, 40% in MultiChoice, and 40% in TopStar Communications Company, all of which operate in-country (2019)according to the Independent Broadcast Authority, there are 137 radio stations and 47 television stations in Zambia; out of the 137 radio stations, 133 are private (categorized as either commercial or community radio stations), while 4 are public-owned; state-owned Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) operates 2 television channels and 3 radio stations; ZNBC owns 75% shares in GoTV, 40% in MultiChoice, and 40% in TopStar Communications Company, all of which operate in-country
Internet country code: .zm
Internet users: total: 3,676,791 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 20% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 82,317 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.5 (2020 est.) less than 1

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 8,904 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 75.08 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9J
Airports: total: 88 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 8

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 80

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 53

under 914 m: 21 (2021)
Pipelines: 771 km oil (2013)
Railways: total: 3,126 km (2014)

narrow gauge: 3,126 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge

note: includes 1,860 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA)
Roadways: total: 67,671 km (2018)

paved: 14,888 km (2018)

unpaved: 52,783 km (2018)
Waterways: 2,250 km (2010) (includes Lake Tanganyika and the Zambezi and Luapula Rivers)
Merchant marine: total: 2

by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1 (2021)
Ports and terminals: river port(s): Mpulungu (Zambezi)

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Zambia Defense Force (ZDF): Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, Zambia National Service (support organization that also does public work projects); Defense Force Medical Service; Ministry of Home Affairs: Zambia Police (includes a paramilitary battalion) (2021)
Military expenditures: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)

1.3% of GDP (2020 est.)

1.3% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $450 million)

1.4% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $470 million)

1.3% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $420 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: the Zambia Defense Force (ZDF) has approximately 17,000 active troops (15,000 Army; 2,000 Air) (2021)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the ZDF's inventory is largely comprised of Chinese, Russian, and Soviet-era armaments; since 2010, China is the leading supplier of arms to Zambia (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (16 with parental consent); no conscription; 12-year enlistment period (7 years active, 5 in the Reserves) (2021)
Military deployments: 925 Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (Feb 2022)
Military - note: the Zambian Defense Force (ZDF) traces its roots to the Northern Rhodesia Regiment, which was raised by the British colonial government to fight in World War II; the ZDF was established in 1964 from units of the dissolved Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland armed forces; it participated in a number of regional conflicts during the 1970s and 1980s; Zambia actively supported independence movements such as the Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA), the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), and the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO)the Zambian Defense Force (ZDF) traces its roots to the Northern Rhodesia Regiment, which was raised by the British colonial government to fight in World War II; the ZDF was established in 1964 from units of the dissolved Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland armed forces; it participated in a number of regional conflicts during the 1970s and 1980s; Zambia actively supported independence movements such as the Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA), the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), and the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO)

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Zambia-Angola: because the straight-line segments along the left bank (Zambian side) of the Cuando/Kwando River do not conform with the physical alignment of the unstable shoreline, Zambian residents in some areas have settled illegally on sections of shoreline that fall on the Angolan side of the boundary

Zambia-Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC): boundary commission continues discussions over Congolese-administered triangle of land on the right bank of the Lunkinda River claimed by Zambia near the DRC village of Pweto

Zambia-Zimbabwe: in 2004, Zimbabwe dropped objections to plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the riverZambia-Angola: because the straight-line segments along the left bank (Zambian side) of the Cuando/Kwando River do not conform with the physical alignment of the unstable shoreline, Zambian residents in some areas have settled illegally on sections of shoreline that fall on the Angolan side of the boundary

Zambia-Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC): boundary commission continues discussions over Congolese-administered triangle of land on the right bank of the Lunkinda River claimed by Zambia near the DRC village of Pweto

Zambia-Zimbabwe: in 2004, Zimbabwe dropped objections to plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 66,675 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (refugees and asylum seekers), 8,240 (Burundi) (2022)
Trafficking in persons: current situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Zambia and Zambians abroad; most trafficking occurs within Zambia’s borders, with traffickers exploiting women and children from rural areas in cities in domestic servitude or forced labor in agriculture, textile production, mining, construction, small businesses, such as bakeries, and forced begging; Jerabo gangs force Zambian children into illegal mining operations, such as loading stolen copper or crushing rocks; truck drivers exploit Zambian boys and girls in sex trafficking in towns along the Zimbabwean and Tanzanian borders, and miners exploit them in Solwezi; Zambian boys are exploited for sex trafficking in Zimbabwe and women and girls in South Africa; traffickers exploit victims from Tanzania and Malawi in the Zambian timber industry

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Zambia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making efforts to do so; efforts included increasing law enforcement training, establishing two fast-track human trafficking courts, conducting awareness campaigns about human trafficking, slightly increasing prosecutions and convictions, and strengthening prison sentences given to traffickers; however; investigations of trafficking crimes and funding to shelters and other victim assistance programs decreased; authorities did not proactively screen for trafficking among vulnerable populations, including foreign nationals and those involved in commercial sex; authorities detained and deported potential trafficking victims involved in smuggling; the national inter-ministerial committee is weak in overseeing national anti-trafficking efforts and trends (2020)
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for moderate amounts of methaqualone, small amounts of heroin, and cocaine bound for southern Africa and possibly Europe; a poorly developed financial infrastructure coupled with a government commitment to combating money laundering make it an unattractive venue for money launderers; major consumer of cannabis


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Singapore. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [65] 6476-9100; US Embassy Singapore, 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508; singaporeusembassy@state.gov;

https://sg.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 65
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 995; Fire: 995; Police: 999
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - northeastern monsoon (December to March) and southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms
Currency (Code): Singapore dollars (SGD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages: English, Mandarin, other Chinese dialects, Malay, Tamil
Major Religions: Buddhist 31.1%, Christian 18.9%, Muslim 15.6%, Taoist 8.8%, Hindu 5%
Time Difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Yes
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Left
Tourist Destinations: Marina Bay Sands; Gardens by the Bay; Singapore Botanic Gardens; Singapore Zoo; Orchard Road; Singapore Flyer; Jurong Bird Park; Raffles Hotel; Tooth Relic Temple; National Orchid Gardens
Major Sports: Soccer, badminton, rugby, cricket, swimming, basketball
Cultural Practices: Do not be surprised if gifts are initially refused. It is common to turn down a gift out of modesty up to three times.
Tipping Guidelines: Despite restaurants including a service charge, it is standard to tip 10%. Hand wait staff cash directly while thanking them for their service. Round up taxi fares. Tip bellhops 1-2 Singapore dollars per bag.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, May 10, 2022