Zambia
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Eastern Africa
- Capital
- Lusaka
- Population
- 21.3 million (2024)
- Area
- 752,612 km²
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- Zambian kwacha (ZMW)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +260
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Before you go
Overview
Zambia is a landlocked country located in southern central Africa. The capital city is Lusaka. It is home for The Lusaka National Museum which showcases archaeological findings and modern art. It is also the Freedom Statue that commemorates the country’s struggle for independence.
Zambia was formerly known as Rhodesia. The Northern Rhodesia was controlled by the British from 1889 to 1964 when it gained independence and it was renamed into Zambia with Kenneth Kaunda as the first president who ruled for 27 years. The first multi-party elections were held in 1991 with Frederick taking over as the president. He stepped down in 2001 when President Levy Mwanawasa took over and served until his death. Edgar Lungu was elected as the president in 2015.
The Copperbelt Province and Lusaka are the most populated regions and they are the main economic centre in the country. The highest point in in the country is Mafinga Central on Mafinga Hills at 2,339 meters high.
The Victoria Falls Bridge across the Zambezi River, connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe
The country had a population of 17.35 million as of 2018. It has an area of 752,614 km2.
The country’s official language is English.
The education system comprises of seven years of primary schooling, two years of junior secondary and three years of higher secondary and four years of university level.
The official religion is Christianity.
The popular sports in the country are football, athletics, boxing, netball, volleyball and rugby.
It has a tropical and sub-tropical climate varies with the altitude. There are two seasons; the rainy season begins November to April and the dry season begins May to October. The major crops that are grown there are corn, cotton, soybeans, tobacco, groundnuts, sorghum, wheat and rice. The major industries in the country are copper mining, construction, beverages, textile and horticulture.
Zambia is bordered on the north by DRC, on the northeast by Tanzania, on the east by Malawi, on the southeast by Mozambique, on the south by Zimbabwe and Botswana, on the southwest by Namibia and on the west by Angola.
History
Zambia was the British colony of Northern Rhodesia and became independent in 1964.
Food & culture
Nshima, maize porridge, is eaten with relishes of vegetables, beans or fish.
Wildlife
South Luangwa is famous for walking safaris and leopards, and Lower Zambezi has elephants and wild dogs.
Festivals & events
The Kuomboka ceremony of the Lozi people marks the move to higher ground as the floods rise.
Things to see
Victoria Falls and the Devil's Pool, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue national parks.
Interesting facts
Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world by sheet of falling water.
