Country Risk Profile · Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index

Zambia

Country Profile

Population

21,314,956

Global avg: 41.5M

Area

752,610 km²

Global avg: 714,913 km²

Population Density

28 /km²

World: 58 /km²

GDP (Nominal)

$26.3B

Global avg: $569.2B

GDP per Capita

$1,235

World: $13,684

Sustainable Competitiveness

Overall GSCI Rank

#140

of 193 countries

Overall Score

41.4

66% of best score · 28th percentile

vs. Global Average

-4.0 lower

Global average: 45.4

2026 Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index Performance

Overall competitiveness score (high score → lower risk)

Rank 140 / 193
025507510041.4Zambia62.9Global best45.4Global average(Sweden)

10-year change (2015–2025)

-0.8

vs global trend

10-year outlook (projection)

+0.1

Sustainable Competitiveness Dimensions for Zambia

How Zambia compares to the global best and global average across the six GSCI dimensions.

Natural Capital

Rank 32 / 193
025507510056.7Zambia66.4Global best49.9Global average

Resource Efficiency

Rank 53 / 193
025507510051.2Zambia60.8Global best46.6Global average

Social Capital

Rank 170 / 193
025507510037.1Zambia62.0Global best45.0Global average

Intellectual Capital

Rank 150 / 193
025507510026.9Zambia79.7Global best40.4Global average

Economic Sustainability

Rank 158 / 193
025507510035.2Zambia61.2Global best42.0Global average

Governance

Rank 137 / 193
025507510041.2Zambia75.1Global best48.3Global average
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Key figures and GSCI 2026 results for Zambia

Zambia ranks 140th of 193 countries in the GSCI 2026, with a score of 41.4. This is 66% of the best score (Sweden, 62.9) and places Zambia in the 28th percentile, 4.0 points below the global average of 45.4.
Zambia performs best in Natural Capital (32nd) and Resource Efficiency (53rd), and weakest in Social Capital (170th) and Economic Sustainability (158th). Its ranks in the other dimensions: Governance 137th, Intellectual Capital 150th.
Zambia's GSCI score has declined by 0.8 points over the past ten years (2015–2025). Based on recent trends, the 10-year outlook is positive (+0.1 points).
Zambia has a population of 21.3 million, 49% below the average country (41.5 million), and a population density of 28 people per km², 51% below the world average (58). Its GDP is $26.3 billion, 4.6% of the average country ($569.2 billion).
Zambia's GDP per capita is $1,235, 9% of the world average of $13,684.
The Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI) measures the sustainable competitiveness of 193 countries across six dimensions: Natural Capital, Resource Efficiency, Social Capital, Intellectual Capital, Economic Sustainability and Governance. It is based on 296 quantitative indicators from sources such as the World Bank, UN agencies and the IMF, with no surveys or opinions.

Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index

Browse the full GSCI: 193 countries ranked across six structural dimensions of sustainable competitiveness, built on 296 quantitative indicators from the World Bank, UN, IMF, IEA, and other recognised data providers.

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About the GSCI methodology

The Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index ranks 193 countries across six structural dimensions. Scores are derived from 200+ quantitative indicators sourced from the World Bank, UN, IMF, IEA, and other recognised data providers.

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