Zambia · Africa
How many people die in Zambia every day?
In Zambia, about 384 people die every day, roughly one death every 4 minutes. That is about 140,000 deaths a year, 0.2% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 65th highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 61.2 years and the leading cause of death is hiv/aids. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
384
Deaths per year
140,000
Life expectancy
61.2 years
Population
20,569,737
Death rate
6.8 per 1,000
Top cause of death
HIV/AIDS
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
Zambia
61.2
World avg
72.8
-11.6 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
Zambia
6.8
World avg
7.7
Deaths in Zambia by time period
| Per hour | 16 |
| Per day | 384 |
| Per week | 2,685 |
| Per month | 11,667 |
| Per year | 140,000 |
What people die of in Zambia
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in Zambia in 2023 was HIV/AIDS, which accounted for 14.9% of all deaths, about 47 a day. It was followed by pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections and malaria.
Deaths from heart disease (ischaemic) have risen by 80% since 2000, from about 2,434 to 4,387 a year. Deaths from diarrhoeal diseases have fallen by 75% since 2000, from about 16,841 to 4,292 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HIV/AIDS | 17,323 | 47 | 14.9% | -68% |
| 2 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 8,597 | 24 | 7.4% | -30% |
| 3 | Malaria | 8,525 | 23 | 7.3% | -41% |
| 4 | Stroke | 6,721 | 18 | 5.8% | +32% |
| 5 | Preterm birth complications | 5,689 | 16 | 4.9% | +22% |
| 6 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 4,387 | 12 | 3.8% | +80% |
| 7 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 4,292 | 12 | 3.7% | -75% |
| 8 | Birth asphyxia and birth trauma | 3,595 | 9.8 | 3.1% | -18% |
| 9 | Road injuries | 3,388 | 9.3 | 2.9% | +70% |
| 10 | Cirrhosis of the liver | 2,802 | 7.7 | 2.4% | +22% |
Deaths in Zambia since 2000
WHO estimates that about 116,318 people died in Zambia in 2023, 27% fewer than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 159,334 deaths |
| 2010 | 116,851 deaths |
| 2019 | 116,351 deaths |
| 2023 | 116,318 deaths |
Life expectancy in Zambia since 1950
A baby born in Zambia in 1950 could expect to live about 46.8 years. By 2023 that had risen to 66.3, a gain of 19.5 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 46.8 years |
| 1980 | 55.5 years |
| 2000 | 46.6 years |
| 2010 | 56.9 years |
| 2019 | 62.9 years |
| 2023 | 66.3 years |
Zambia compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, Zambia ranks 29th for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zambia | 384 | 61.2 | HIV/AIDS |
| Malawi | 329 | 62.9 | HIV/AIDS |
| Burkina Faso | 438 | 59.3 | Malaria |
| Chad | 466 | 52.5 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Mali | 521 | 58.9 | Malaria |
| Somalia | 411 | 55.4 | Lower respiratory infections |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in Zambia every day?
In Zambia, about 384 people die every day, or roughly one death every 4 minutes. That adds up to about 140,000 deaths a year, 0.2% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in Zambia?
HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in Zambia. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put HIV/AIDS first in 2023, with 14.9% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in Zambia?
Life expectancy at birth in Zambia is 61.2 years, 11.6 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 173rd of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in Zambia high?
Zambia records about 6.8 deaths per 1,000 people each year, below the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.