Distances between major towns and attractions could be challenging when visiting Zambia. This is part of the country’s appeal and can be considered a real African experience. The country boasts large and genuinely wild national parks and visitors with more money and less time can enjoy some of the finest safari lodges in Southern Africa. Zambia also shares the Zambezi river with Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls as the highlight of the river. Zambians are friendly and very welcoming, as with most of the people in Africa.
Agriculture dominates the economy with 50% of produce from subsistence farmers and other large commercial farms. Imports are high as there is a demand for food and Zambia is dependent on international aid. Being the fourth largest supplier of copper and the leading producer of cobalt, they account for more or less 75% of foreign exchange. As with many other African countries that went through various pitfalls, tourism is one of the industries which is growing steadily.
Attractions include Victoria Falls, with many accommodation options available and then probably the Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Parks, which are easily accessible. Further north, you can visit Luangwa National Park, Siavonga, the Copperbelt region and Ksanka National Park
Zambia Quick Facts
Location:Southern Africa, east of Angola
Area:752,614 sq km
Border countries:Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km
Population:10.5 million
People:African 98.7%, European 1.1%, other 0.2%
Language:English (official), major vernaculars – Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages
Religion:Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous beliefs 1%
Independence:24 October 1964 (from UK)
Head of State:President Levy MWANAWASA
Capital:Lusaka
Currency:Zambian kwacha (ZMK) –
Export Commodities:copper 55%, cobalt, electricity, tobacco, flowers, cotton
Agriculture – products:corn, sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower seed, vegetables, flowers, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca); cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, milk, eggs, hides; coffee
GDP growth:4% (2003 est.)
GDP per capita:$800 (2003 est.)