Zambia Profile
Overview
Zambia is a landlocked country in south-central Africa. A British protectorate until its independence on 1964, Zambia is headed by a president elected by the people. Most Zambians are of Bantu origin. English is the official language of the country, but Bemba is the most predominately used. More than 70 other languages are spoken, including Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga, especially in the rural areas and villages where almost half of the population lives.
In 2005 statistics from World Vision, 86 percent of people in Zambia live below the poverty line and 50 percent are unemployed. According to the United Nations, 64 percent of people have access to clean water. However, some in-country sources state the number might be as low as 10 percent. Lack of health care is another problem, taking a severe toll on Zambian families. Malaria remains the biggest killer of children under age five. In addition, the HIV/AIDS pandemic is widespread; World Vision figures from 2005 state that 920,000 Zambian people are living with the disease.
Life expectancy in Zambia has markedly decreased among adults. UNICEF statistics show over 630,000 boys and girls have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. This factor, coupled with economic challenges and food shortages, has left half of Zambian children suffering from malnutrition.
WAF, through efforts to equip and empower nationals in education, health care, social work and youth mentoring, seeks to change the outlook for boys and girls in Zambia, offering them hope and a vision of a future that can look very different.
Statistics
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Country Statistics | Zambia |
| Population | 11.4 million | |
| Land Mass | 471,011 sq. miles | |
| Life Expectancy | 38 years | |
| Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000) | 102 | |
| Literacy Rate | 68% | |
| Primary School Enrollment | 68% | |
| Access to Safe Water | 55% | |
| Average Annual Income (GNI per capita) | $450 |
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