Zambia

Zambia (/ˈzæmbiə, ˈzɑːm-/), officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is bordered to the north by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south, Namibia to the southwest, and Angola to the west. The capital city is Lusaka, which is in the south-central part of the country.

The land was originally home to Khoisan peoples and later affected by the Bantu expansion. In the late 1800s, the British Empire took control of the area, forming the protectorates of Barotziland–North-Western Rhodesia and North-Eastern Rhodesia, which later merged into Northern Rhodesia. Zambia gained independence from the United Kingdom on 24 October 1964, with Kenneth Kaunda becoming its first president.

Today, Zambia is known for its rich natural resources, including minerals and wildlife. However, many people in the country still face challenges, with almost half of the population living in conditions affected by multidimensional poverty. The city of Lusaka also hosts the headquarters of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Etymology

Further information: Rhodesia (name)

Before it became Zambia, this area was called "Northern Rhodesia" from 1911 until 1964. Zambia became independent from British rule in October 1964 and chose the name Zambia. The name comes from the Zambezi river, which might mean "the grand river."

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Zambia and Geology of Zambia

Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It is the 39th-largest country in the world, with an area of 752,614 square kilometres. The land is mostly high flat areas with some hills and mountains, split by river valleys.

Zambia has two main river systems. The Zambezi River and its smaller rivers flow through much of the country, and the Congo River basin covers the northern part. The country has a tropical climate but stays comfortable because of its higher elevation. It has two main seasons: a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Zambia is home to many different plants and animals, including special types of giraffes and many fish species.

History

Main article: History of Zambia

The land we now call Zambia was home to early humans. Fossil skull remains found in Kabwe District show this. These remains, called the Broken Hill Man, are very old.

Long ago, the Khoisan and Batwa peoples lived in Zambia. Around AD 300, Bantu people began to settle there. The Bantu came from West and Central Africa. About 5000 years ago, they moved into many parts of Africa. This big movement is called the Bantu expansion. They were the first to bring iron working to many parts of Africa.

The first Bantu people in Zambia lived in villages. They moved their villages when the soil became tired from farming. They kept cattle and were self-sufficient. Early European visitors noted how independent these communities were.

Later, more Bantu groups arrived from the Congo Basin. These groups joined big kingdoms like the Luba and Lunda. The Luba Kingdom started in the 14th century and had a strong government. It traded with many places.

Another group, the Maravi, formed around Lake Malawi and later became known as the Chewa people. They built a big empire that reached Mozambique and parts of Malawi. They traded ivory and made iron tools.

In the 1800s, Europeans explored Zambia. A famous explorer was David Livingstone. He named the big waterfalls on the Zambezi River Victoria Falls.

In 1964, Zambia became independent, with Kenneth Kaunda as its first president. The country has grown since then.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Zambia

Zambia is a country where people choose their leaders by voting. The leader, called the president, is the head of the government and the most important person in the country. Zambia became its own country in 1964.

In 2015, after the previous president passed away, a new election was held, and Edgar Lungu became president. Later, in 2021, Hakainde Hichilema won the election and became the new president. People in Zambia vote to decide who leads the country.

See also: Human rights in Zambia, LGBT rights in Zambia, and Zambian nationality law

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Zambia

As of the 2022 Zambian census, Zambia's population was 19,610,769.

The main ethnic groups in Zambia are Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, North-Western peoples, Lozi (Barotse), Mambwe, Tumbuka, Lamba, Asians and Europeans.

Zambia is one of the most highly urbanised countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with many people living in towns along major roads, while rural areas have fewer people.

Economy

Further information: Economy of Zambia

Zambia's economy has changed over time. The country earns money by selling goods like copper to other countries. But many people in Zambia still face poverty, especially in rural areas. The government is trying to grow the economy in new ways, like farming, tourism, and other types of mining.

Mining is very important to Zambia's economy. Copper mining is especially important, and Zambia is one of the top copper producers in the world. The country also mines other valuable materials like gold, manganese, and nickel. Agriculture and tourism also help the economy. Zambia has many beautiful national parks and famous places like Victoria Falls, which attract visitors from around the world.

Culture

Before Zambia became a modern country, people lived in groups called tribes. Each tribe had its own traditions. Later, tribes began to live together in towns and cities. This brought new traditions and ideas from around the world. Today, many original traditions still live on in the countryside.

Zambia has many special ceremonies and events. These celebrate important moments like birthdays, weddings, and new leaders. Some ceremonies are known all over the country, while others are only for certain groups. Traditional arts include making pots, baskets, and carvings. Music and dance are very important, with drums being a common part of performances. In cities, people also enjoy music from other parts of the world.

Media

Main articles: Media in Zambia and Telecommunications in Zambia

Zambia values free speech, but the government sometimes limits what media can report. Some news outlets are owned by the government, and many journalists are careful with what they write. There are also private radio and television stations that many people watch.

Sports and games

Sports and games are important in Zambia, bringing people together for fun and learning. Popular sports include football, athletics, and netball. Traditional games such as nsolo and chiyenga are also played. Zambia first joined the Olympic Games in 1964 and has won medals in boxing and track events. Football is especially loved, with the national team winning the African Cup of Nations in 2012.

Music and dance

Music and dance are key parts of Zambian culture. Traditional music often uses drums and singing, with dances that bring communities together. A special music style called Zamrock started in the 1970s, mixing local sounds with influences from famous international bands.

Zamrock

Zamrock is a music style from the 1970s that mixes Zambian traditions with sounds inspired by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath. Popular bands include Rikki Ililonga and WITCH.