Everything you need to know about Zambia: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Zambia: African Country Home to the Victoria Falls

Formerly Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia and the administration of the territory was under the British South African Company in the year 1891 followed by the rule of British Monarch in the year 1923. And from this year onwards Zambia experienced progress in the mining sector leading to some large-scale immigration. Thereafter, it gained its present name of Zaire in 1964 and also achieved its independence in the same year.

Zambia Fast Facts:

· National Name: Republic of Zambia
· National Capital: Lusaka
· Total Area: 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles)
· Total Population: 12.2 million (UN, 2008)
· Ethnic races: African 98.7%, European 1.1%, other 0.2%
· Religions: Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous beliefs 1%
· Currency: Kwacha
· GDP per capita (PPP): $1,500 (2008 est.)
· Languages: English (official), major vernaculars - Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages
· Life expectancy: 42 years (men), 42 years (women) (UN)
· Literacy Rate: 80.6% (2003 est.)

Zambia Geography, Climate and Economy:
The Terrain of the country largely consists of plateaus in the eastern part that rises to a height of 8,000 ft (2,434 m). It is a landlocked country, which comprises of plateaus, low-lying hills and mountains, which are further separated by the river valleys. The lowest point of the country is Zambezi River at 329m while the highest one is in Mafinga Hills at 2,301m.

Zambia remains warm throughout the year having tropical climate. In the months of December and April there remains a hot and wet season. In May to August it’s cooler and drier and from September to November the temperature gets extremely hot. However, it receives rainfall in the months of October to April.

The economy of Zambia has grown considerably stronger in the recent years. In the year 2005 to 2008 the GDP of the country grew to about 6% more every year. While during its independence its per capita annual income was $1400 marking it among the economically backward nations. The Natural resources include copper, uranium, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal and some significant reserves of hydropower.

Culture and Cuisine of Zambia:
Zambian culture reflects the history of colonial times. The modern Zambian culture consists of past cultural values and ethics, as well as spiritual and material traditions. Their diverse culture is depicted through their music, religion, dance, crafts and cuisine. Drums form an important part of Zambian music and dancing is integral to most celebrations. Besides this, Zambians are skillful in the basket making art, which is a popular handicraft.

The main and most popular Zambian dishes include nshima and chicken, nshima and meat and nshima and fish. Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and other international tastes have influenced the Zambian cuisine. Besides this, the locals of this country are very fond of drinking beer, which are available in both opaque and clear forms along with a large variety of alcohols.

Tourist Sites in Zambia:
Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia has a number of tourist sites including historical and cultural sites like the Zintu museum of Arts and Crafts and the Mundaanga Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The tourists can enjoy the bird watching, walking safaris or canoeing safaris. The Victoria Falls are yet another attraction of Zambia which allures the tourists.

Some Other Tourist Sites are:

· Lusaka
· Mongu
· Livingstone
· Mpulungu
· Solwezi
· Chipata
· Victoria Falls