Big investment in schools

At independence, Zambia had an extremely poor education system. Less than 0.5% of the population completed primary education. Since then, the country has invested heavily in schools.

Compulsory education begins at seven years of age and carries on for seven years. Three-quarters of young people (aged 15-24) are literate.

Nearly 100% of children are enrolled at primary school, although attendance rates are lower at around 80%.

At the end of primary school, children sit an exam to enter secondary education divided into two phases: the first lasting two years and the second lasting three years.

50% of boys and just over 40% of girls enrol at secondary school.

Mining sector key for jobs

Many jobs in the country revolve around the mining sector. The two public universities offer five-year courses in engineering and subjects such as natural sciences and ‘mines and mineral studies’.

Agriculture is also an important economic activity in Zambia, as is fishing along the country’s rivers and lakes.

In the man-made lake created by the dam at Kariba, kapenta (small sardine-like fish) were introduced on commercial grounds and fishing at Lake Kariba is now a local industry.

The Chinese factor

Zambia was the first African country to establish diplomatic ties with China. The Chinese have supported the building of new infrastructure (for example, the TAZARA railway) to help connect landlocked Zambia to ports such as Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Such investment by the Chinese has allowed Zambia to export its mineral wealth more easily. It has also brought many Chinese workers and their families to the country.

However, China's involvement in Zambia has brought controversy in recent years. Differences in culture, language and working practices also bring challenges where Chinese and Zambian people work together.