Zambia’s dependence on commodity exports is clearly reflected in the available trade statistics, which show a drop in exports and imports between the boom year of 2008 and the global crunch in 2009. Natural resources: Copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower. Exports: $4.957 billion (2008 est.), US$4.375-billion (2009 est.) World ranking as exporter: 106 (between Kenya at 105 and Papua New Guinea at 107) Commodity exports: Copper/cobalt 64%, cobalt, electricity; tobacco, flowers, cotton Imports: $4.555 billion (2008 est.), $3.735 billion (2009 est.) World ranking as importer: 128 (between San Marino on 127 and Nepal on 129. The West Bank, on 126, is a bigger importer than Zambia. Main import categories: Machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, electricity, fertiliser; foodstuffs, clothing. Leading exporters to Zambia: South Africa 52.5%, UAE 8.2%, China 6.9% (2008). Border countries: Angola 1 110 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 1 930 km; Malawi 837 km; Mozambique 419 km; Namibia 233 km; Tanzania 338 km; Zimbabwe 797 km. Size of the market for South African goods South African supermarket groups have established a presence in Zambia, with Pick ‘n Pay being the newest entrant. The market is, however, extremely competitive. Population: 12 056 923 – world’s 71st most populated country. Age breakdown: 0-14 years: 44,8% (male 2 710 947/female 2 685 181) 15-64 years: 52,9% (male 3 199 685/female 3 180 292) 65 years and over: 2,3% (male 113 299/ female 167 519) (2010 est.) Urbanisation: Urban population: 35% of total population (2008) Rate of urbanisation: 2,3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.) Life expectancy at birth: Total population: 38.86 years Country comparison to the world: 223 Male: 38.77 years Female: 38.95 years (2010 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 15.2% (2007 est.) Country world ranking: 7 Literacy: Definition: age 15 and over can read and write English: 80.6% (2003 est.) Labour force: 5,4-million (2009 est.) World ranking: 69 Labour force – by occupation: Agriculture: 85% Industry: 6% Services: 9% (2004) Unemployment rate: 50% (2000 est.) (between Senegal at 191 and Namibia on 193. South Africa is ranked 173, and Zimbabwe 200). Country comparison to the world: 192 Population below poverty line: 86% (1993)
