Country: Republic of Zambia

Population: 13.2 million (UN, 2010 estimate)

Capital: Lusaka

Area: 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles)

Main languages: English (official), Bantu languages (including Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga)

Main religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, indigenous beliefs

Life expectancy: 48 (WHO, 2009)

Literacy Rate: Adult [15+] 71%, Youth [15-24] 75% (UNESCO, 2009)

Urban population (% of total): 36% (UN, 2009)

Population under 18 years: 6.85 million (UN, 2009)

Child mortality: 141 children in every 1,000 likely to die before 5 years (WHO, 2009)

Child nutrition: 15% of children below 5 years underweight (WHO, 2000-2009)

Number of children (0-17) who have lost one/both parents: 1.3 million (UNICEF, 2009)