Comparisons
Southern vs. the other two most closely populated regions in Zambia: Central and Northern
Southern in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Southern followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase. To get a sense of how street development has changed in Southern, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Livingstone, Choma and Mazabuka. Out of the three cities, Livingstone and Choma do not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Livingstone peaked in 1976-1990. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Choma peaked in 1976-1990.
How do development practices in Southern fare in comparison to others in Zambia? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in Southern was the 2nd-most disconnected out of the 10 regions in Zambia. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other regions in Zambia, street construction in Southern has become more connected. Southern ranked 1st in 1975, 1st in 1976-1990, 1st in 1991-2005 and 2nd in 2006-2020.
Southern in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in Southern is Choma with an SNDi of 2.37, which is well-connected. Conversely, the most connected city is Livingstone with an SNDi of 2.0, which is well-connected. See trends for these cities: Livingstone, Choma
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Southern rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in Southern, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Livingstone, Choma and Mazabuka. Out of the three cities, Livingstone and Choma do not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Livingstone peaked in 1991-2005. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Choma peaked in 1991-2005.
To date, Southern is the 2nd-most disconnected out of the 10 regions in Zambia. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other regions in Zambia, the street network in Southern has become more connected. Southern ranked 1st in 1975, 1st in 1976-1990, 1st in 1991-2005 and 2nd in 2006-2020.