The Republic of Zambia gained independence in 1964 had has enjoyed no civil strife since then. Zambia’s economy has been impacted by a decline in the purchasing power of its copper resources and a decline in per capita income from US$752 in 1965 to US$351 in 2002. [1] Zambia ranks 163 out of 175 on the Human Development Index.[2]

An estimated 73 percent of the population lived below the official poverty line in 1998 compared to 70 percent in the early nineties. [1]

In 2002, 39.5 percent of central government expenditures were financed through foreign grants and loans.[1]

Life expectancy at birth in Zambia is 35.18 years and there is an adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 21.5%. [3] Zambia has been hit hard by HIV/AIDS and the pandemic has further weakened its ability to reduce poverty and over the past decade. [1]

Click here to read more about Zambia’s Health System.

For more information about Zambia, please have a look at the following websites:
CIA World Factbook
UNDP Zambia

References:

1. World Bank. Memorandum of the President of the International Development Association to the Executive Directors on a Country Assistance Strategy for the Republic of Zambia. 2004, World Bank: Washington, D.C.

2. UNDP. Human Development Report 2003, 2003, United Nations Development Programme: New York.

3. CIA World Factbook. Zambia Country Profile, www.cia.gov.

Map from CIA World Factbook: www.cia.gov

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