Zambia Population Growth
Annual population growth rate SP.POP.GROW
Zambia's population growth was 2.76% in 2025, ranked 21st globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Zambia's population growth stood at 2.76% in 2025, a decline of +0.06pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.76% by 2025. Zambia ranked 21st globally.
Zambia’s population growth rate has moderated from an early post‑independence high of 3.13 % in 1961 to a 2025 rate of 2.76 %, placing the country 21st globally. The all‑time peak of 3.57 % occurred in 2008, while the trough of 2.38 % was recorded in 1993, illustrating a long‑term downward swing despite occasional rebounds. Over the 65‑year span, the rate has remained above 2 % but has narrowed the gap with regional peers such as Tanzania, whose 2025 growth of 2.84 % is slightly higher, and Cameroon at 2.58 %. The persistent decline reflects declining fertility, expanding access to education and health services, and gradual urbanisation, yet the pace remains robust enough to sustain a youthful demographic profile. Future trajectories will hinge on the extent to which family‑planning initiatives, economic diversification and improvements in female labour participation can further depress fertility, potentially pushing the growth rate below the current level.
Data & projection
| Year | Population Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.71% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.74% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.76% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.76% | −0.06pp | #21 |
| 2024 | 2.81% | +0.02pp | #196 |
| 2023 | 2.79% | +0.03pp | #194 |
| 2022 | 2.76% | −0.05pp | #196 |
| 2021 | 2.82% | −0.09pp | #205 |
| 2020 | 2.90% | −0.06pp | #199 |
| 2019 | 2.96% | −0.04pp | #199 |
| 2018 | 3.01% | −0.06pp | #199 |
| 2017 | 3.07% | −0.03pp | #199 |
| 2016 | 3.09% | −0.03pp | #197 |
| 2015 | 3.12% | −0.05pp | #195 |
| 2014 | 3.17% | −0.03pp | #194 |
| 2013 | 3.20% | −0.04pp | #192 |
| 2012 | 3.24% | −0.08pp | #194 |
| 2011 | 3.33% | −0.14pp | #198 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw population growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's population growth was 2.76% in 2025. Ranked 21st globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from the previous year.
Zambia's population growth peaked at 3.57% in 2008.
The lowest population growth in Zambia was 2.38% in 1993.
Zambia ranks 21st globally in population growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.GROW. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's population growth is projected to reach 2.76% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The population growth of Zambia in 2025 was 2.76%. This ranks 21st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_population-growth,
title = {Zambia Population Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/population-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}