Lusaka: population and official figures
What is the population of Lusaka?
Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, had 1,747,152 inhabitants (city proper) on 16 October 2010, according to a complete census (usual residents) reported to the United Nations.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow does Lusaka rank among cities in Zambia?
Of the 10 cities the UN table lists for Zambia (capitals and places of 100,000 or more), it is the largest.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow many women and men live in Lusaka?
Women and girls made up 50.8% of residents (886,728 female, 860,424 male).
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyWho runs Lusaka?
In Zambia, cities and towns are run by districts / local authorities: Mayor or council chairperson and ward councillors directly elected by first-past-the-post for five years; three chiefs' representatives also sit on each council; a district commissioner appointed by the President represents central government. Local services such as markets, water and sanitation in some areas, roads, planning, registration of villages and administration of chiefs' affairs.
How local power works in Zambia
Cities of a similar size in Zambia
Up a level: all cities in Zambia · Zambia · government and power
Sources
- United Nations Statistics Division: Demographic Yearbook 2024, Table 8: Population of capital cities and cities of 100 000 or more inhabitants, latest available year, 2005-2024, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 0c6784df022e…)
- United Nations Statistics Division: Demographic Yearbook 2024, technical notes to Table 8, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 b0d2d6d8ccd6…)
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