Capital of Zambia: Lusaka
The capital of Zambia is Lusaka. Zambia sits in Africa, has a population of 20,017,675, and uses the ZMW. Official languages include English.
Quick facts
- Capital: Lusaka
- Continent: Africa
- Population: ~20,017,675
- Area: 752,612 km²
- Population density: 26.6 people per km²
- Official language: English
- Currency: ZMW
- ISO code: ZM
How big is Zambia?
By population, Zambia ranks 63rd in the world, holding roughly 0.25% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 38th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Zambia has 26.6 people per square kilometre, which is about 2.2 times below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Africa, Zambia is the 22th most populous country of 54.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Zambia in population are Romania (19,659,267) and Malawi (20,405,317).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Chile (756,102 km²) and Turkey (783,562 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
English is spoken officially in 58 countries in this dataset, including Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados and Belize, and 52 others.
Zambia uses the ZMW, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Zambia in Africa
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Africa is the block Zambia belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Zambia and a page on the flag of Zambia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Zambia?
The capital of Zambia is Lusaka.
What is the population of Zambia?
About 20,017,675, making it the 63rd most populous country in the world.
How big is Zambia?
752,612 square kilometres, ranking 38th by land area, at a density of 26.6 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Zambia use?
The ZMW, which no other country uses.