Human development index (see definition below)

• Zambia is classified as having low human development (23rd of 42 such countries)
• It is ranked 150 from 169 countries in 2010 (in the bottom 11%)
• While the HDI increased between 2008 and 2010, Zambia is one of only 3 countries with a lower HDI today than in 1970
• During the 1990’s all three dimensions of the Index – health, knowledge and income – deteriorated but since 2000, all three have improved

Comparing 1980 and 2010

• Life expectancy at birth decreased by almost 5 years
• Mean years of schooling increased by over 3 years and expected years of schooling decreased by less than 1 year
• Gross National Income per person decreased by 11%
• While the HDI increased between 2008 and 2010, Zambia is one of only 3 countries with a lower HDI today than in 1970
• According to the UNDP, most Zambian households lack basic conditions such as safe drinking water, basic health or clean energy sources and half of the time, these deprivations are severe

Life expectancy at birth

• 44.5 years in 2007 (44 years for men and 45 years for women)

Adult literacy rate

• In 2007, 70.6% of Zambians aged 15+ were literate (men 80.8%, women 60.7%)

GNI per capita 2008

• $1,359 (estimated earned income for men $1,740, women $980)

Population not using improved water – 42%

Children under weight for age

• 25% aged under 5 (2000 – 2006)

Population below income poverty line

• At a poverty line of 1.25 per day or less – 64.3%
• At a poverty line of $2 per day or less – 81.5%

Distribution of wealth

• Poorest 10% shared 1.3%
• Richest 10% shared 38.9%

Public expenditure on health and education, 2006

• $29 per person equal to 10.8% of budget spending on health
• $55 per person equal to 14.8% of budget spending on education

Under five mortality rate

• 192 per 1000 in lowest quintile and 92 in the highest