Basic State Functions Score in Zambia
Zambia: Basic State Functions Score was 7 in 2025. ▼ Falling
Basic State Functions Score in Zambia, 2005–2025
Source: Bertelsmann Transformation Index (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
Analysis
In 2025, basic state functions score in Zambia stood at 7. That is the lowest value across all 11 years on record.
The figure is down 6.7% over ten years.
Over the whole period, basic state functions score in Zambia peaked at 8 in 2011 and was at its lowest, 7, in 2021.
Zambia ranks 62nd of 128 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
The long-run direction has been consistently falling across the 11 years of available data.
Basic State Functions Score in Zambia, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 7.5 | — |
| 2007 | 7.5 | +0.0% |
| 2009 | 7.5 | +0.0% |
| 2011 | 8 | +6.7% |
| 2013 | 8 | +0.0% |
| 2015 | 7.5 | -6.2% |
| 2017 | 7.5 | +0.0% |
| 2019 | 7.5 | +0.0% |
| 2021 | 7 | -6.7% |
| 2023 | 7 | +0.0% |
| 2025 | 7 | +0.0% |
Zambia compared with similar countries
- Zambia's 7 is above the median for lower middle income countries, which is 6.75, 1.0× the median. (38 countries reporting)
- Zambia's 7 is above the median for Sub-Saharan Africa, which is 6, 1.2× the median. (39 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 3 |
| 2010s | 7.7 | 7.5 | 8 | 5 |
| 2020s | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 |
Countries ranked near Zambia
More reference data data for Zambia
- Exchange rate, new LCU per USD extended backward, period average 18.94 (2026)
- Exchange rate, old LCU per USD extended forward, period average 18.94 (2026)
- Official exchange rate, LCU per USD, period average 18.94 (2026)
- Political opposition, annual growth rate 0 % change on previous year (2025)
- Elected parliament and government, annual growth rate 0 % change on previous year (2025)
- Global number of reported disasters by size, gaps filled 0 events (2025)
- Annual precipitation, annual growth rate 40.84 % change on previous year (2025)
- Free country, gaps filled 1 (2025)
- Civil liberties rating, gaps filled 4 (2025)
- Civil liberties rating, annual growth rate 0 % change on previous year (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is basic state functions score in Zambia?
- Basic state functions score in Zambia was 7 in 2025, according to Bertelsmann Transformation Index (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest basic state functions score recorded in Zambia?
- The highest recorded value was 8 in 2011.
- What is the lowest basic state functions score recorded in Zambia?
- The lowest recorded value was 7 in 2021.
- How does Zambia rank for basic state functions score?
- Zambia ranks 62nd out of 128 countries with data for 2025.
- Is basic state functions score rising or falling in Zambia?
- Over the last ten years it is down 6.7%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.
- Where does this Zambia data come from?
- The figures come from Bertelsmann Transformation Index (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Basic State Functions Score. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
CSV · JSON — 11 observations, free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 (Our World in Data).
About this data
Indicates the extent to which the state has the monopoly on the use of force and provides basic public services across the country. It ranges from 1 to 10 (most functioning).