Country Profile · No. 53

Zambia

Capital / Admin Capital

LusakaPopulation: ~20.5MIndependence: 1964 (October 24, formerly Northern Rhodesia)

First President

Kenneth Kaunda (1964–1991, revered anti-colonial leader)Current President: Hakainde Hichilema (Serving since August 2021)

Geography & Borders

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola. Landlocked southern African plateau nation.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (declared Christian nation, ~95%+). Official: English language. National languages include Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi. Major groups: Bemba (~21%), Tonga (~13%), Chewa (~7%), Lozi (~5%).

Economy & GDP

Copper mining (one of Africa's leading copper producers), cobalt, agriculture (maize, tobacco), tourism.

Global Diaspora

1. United Kingdom (~50k), 2. South Africa (~40k), 3. United States (~15k). .U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Washington D.C., Texas (Houston), California.

Major Conflicts

Rhodesian Bush War spillover effects (1964–1979, Zambia suffered economic and military targeting due to hosting liberation movements like ZIPRA), generally peaceful post-independence multi-party democracy.

3 Must-See Sites

1. Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) (One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, sharing the massive cascading waterfall on the border with Zimbabwe), 2. South Luangwa National Park (World-class wildlife sanctuary along the Luangwa River renowned for walking safaris and leopards), 3. Lower Zambezi National Park (Stunning riverine park offering exceptional canoeing and elephant viewing along the mighty Zambezi River).

Quick Facts

Shares the majestic Victoria Falls (locally called Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke that Thunders") with Zimbabwe; renowned for having one of the most stable peaceful democracies in southern Africa.