Zambia

Despite the country's high forest cover and potential for renewable energy (often hydro), only just over half (51.100%) of the population has access to electricity. This significant energy poverty acts as a major constraint on industrialization, education, and overall quality of life, especially in rural areas.

Zambia shows moderate success in health indicators, with a life expectancy of 66.35 years, which is above the average for many lower-income countries. The infant mortality rate of 30.900 per 1,000 live births, while still high by global standards, indicates progress compared to historical African averages, suggesting targeted health interventions are having some effect.

Nearly 60% of Zambia's land area (59.524%) is covered by forests. This exceptionally high percentage highlights the country's critical role in regional biodiversity and carbon sequestration, but also underscores the challenge of balancing economic development and resource extraction with environmental preservation.

Zambia reports a high literacy rate of 82.042%, which is commendable and often associated with more developed economies. This suggests a relatively successful investment in foundational education, providing a strong human capital base despite the country's low GDP per capita and significant development challenges.