Zambia takes its name from the Zambezi River, which forms most of its southern border. Zambia is located in south central Africa. Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia are all neighbours of this land locked state. Zambia became independent in 1964 after it had been a British protectorate called Northern Rhodesia. Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia. The country is well known for the scenic Victoria Falls in the Zambezi River as well as the Kariba Dam, one of the world ‘s largest hydroelectric projects.

THE LAND:
The area of Zambia is 752 618km². Most of Zambia is flat and is covered with trees and bushes. It lies on a plateau about 1200 m above sea level. The possibility of a monotonous landscape is interrupted by the Muchinga Mountains in the northeast. The Zambezi River flows south through western Zambia. Every year it floods a broad sandy plain in the southwest.

THE CLIMATE:
Zambia has a milder climate than might be expected because of its high altitude. The hottest time of year is September to November. During that period midday temperatures range from 27°C to 38°C. From May to August the maximum temperature ranges from 16°C to 27°C. The rainy season is from November to April and violent storms flood the rivers by March. Northern Zambia gets about 1300mm and the south gets 510mm to 760mm annually.

THE PEOPLE:
The population for 2004 was estimated at 11 320 000 and the population density was 15 persons per km². 38% of the population are living in urban areas, while 62% are still living in rural areas. Most Zambians are black Africans who speak African languages. Eight major languages are spoken in Zambia by more than 70 ethnic groups. English is the official language and is spoken by many people. In remote parts of the country, village life goes on as it has been for hundreds of years. Traditional local beliefs still have a strong hold on the rural people although the majority of Zambians are Christians. The use of traditional medicine and old customs is slowly dying out in the towns.

THE ECONOMY:
Copper mining is the most important primary activity and it accounts for about half of Zambia’s export earnings. Cobalt is obtained as a by-product of copper mining. Lead, zinc and coal are also mined. Maize is the most important agricultural product. Other leading products include cassava, coffee, millet, sorghum, sugar cane and tobacco. Whitebait and perch are being fished. The production of copper products is Zambia’s most important manufacturing activity. Cement, flour and wood products are also produced.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
Livingstone and Victoria Falls:
The Victoria Falls is locally known as the “smoke that thunders”. Great clouds of spray rise 400 – 600m in the sky and the falls are a worthwhile site any time of the year. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world and can be viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side. Livingstone is a small town located 300km from Lusaka and is catering for tourists visiting the falls from the Zambian side.
Kafue National Park:
Kafue is the largest and oldest park in Zambia and the second largest national park in the world. The diversity of wildlife is extraordinary and includes mammals such as lions, leopards, rhinos, antelopes, hippos and duikers.
Luangwa Valley and Game Reserve:
One of the best known parks in Africa especially for plentiful game such as elephants and leopards as well as bird watching. Oxbow lakes act as natural water holes. Undertake a walking safari and track wildlife and learn about the bush in Zambia’s premier national park.
Lake Kariba (Kariba Dam):
One of the world’s largest dams, ideal for fishing, boating and house boating.
Lower Zambezi National Park:
Lies on the opposite side of the Mana Pools Reserve (in Zimbabwe) next to the Zambezi River. Established recently.
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage:
Rescues and rehabilitate chimpanzees. Visitors can help “minding” little ones and study older chimps from a special observation platform.