Zambia, officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in southern Africa. Its capital and largest city is Lusaka. Zambia is known for the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, diverse wildlife, copper mining and its many national parks.
The country borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Angola. Zambia’s economy has historically been strongly connected to mining, particularly copper, while agriculture, tourism, energy and services are also important.
Quick Facts
- Official name: Republic of Zambia
- Capital: Lusaka
- Region: Southern Africa
- Population: 21,913,874 (2025 World Bank estimate)
- Area: About 752,600 km²
- Official language: English
- Currency: Zambian kwacha (ZMW)
- Time zone: Central Africa Time (UTC+2)
- Calling code: +260
- Internet country code: .zm
- Government: Republic
- Independence: 24 October 1964
The World Bank estimates Zambia’s population at approximately 21.9 million in 2025.
Where Is Zambia?
Zambia is located in south-central Africa and has no coastline.
It shares borders with eight countries:
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Tanzania
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Zimbabwe
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Angola
The country lies largely on an elevated plateau, with major river systems including the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa.
Its central location gives Zambia important connections with several neighboring countries and regional trade routes.
History of Zambia
The territory of present-day Zambia has been inhabited for thousands of years by communities with diverse cultural and linguistic traditions.
During the 19th century, European explorers and missionaries increasingly traveled through the region. British colonial expansion later brought the territory under British administration.
Zambia was formerly known as Northern Rhodesia during the colonial period.
The country became independent from British rule on 24 October 1964, with Kenneth Kaunda becoming its first president.
After independence, Zambia developed as a multi-party republic before a period of one-party rule. Multiparty politics returned in the early 1990s.
Since then, Zambia has held regular national elections and experienced changes of governing parties through the electoral process.
Population and People
Zambia’s population was estimated at 21.9 million in 2025, with annual population growth of approximately 2.8%, according to World Bank data.
Zambia is culturally and linguistically diverse. Major ethnic and language communities include Bemba, Tonga, Chewa, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale and others.
English is the official language and is widely used in government, education and business.
The population is concentrated particularly around Lusaka and other major urban centers, while large rural populations depend on agriculture and related activities.
Geography and Climate
Zambia is dominated by high plateaus, broad valleys, rivers, wetlands and woodland landscapes.
The country contains several major ecological regions, including miombo woodlands, floodplains and savanna environments.
Zambia generally experiences three broad seasons:
- Warm and rainy season: roughly November to April
- Cool and dry season: roughly May to August
- Hot and dry season: roughly September to October
Rainfall varies across the country, with wetter areas in the north and comparatively drier areas toward the south and southwest.
Government and Politics
Zambia is a republic with a presidential system of government.
The national government is based in Lusaka. The country’s political institutions include the executive, Parliament and the judiciary.
Zambia has a multiparty political system and conducts presidential and parliamentary elections.
Economy
Zambia has a diversified economy in which mining, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, energy, tourism and services all play important roles.
Mining is particularly significant because Zambia is one of Africa’s major copper-producing countries. Copper and other minerals are important sources of export earnings.
Agriculture provides livelihoods for a large part of the population and includes crops such as maize, cassava, tobacco, cotton and sugar.
According to the World Bank, Zambia’s GDP was approximately US$28.88 billion in 2025, while real GDP growth was 3.8%.
Natural Resources
Zambia has substantial natural resources, including:
- Copper
- Cobalt
- Emeralds
- Nickel
- Coal
- Forest resources
- Freshwater
- Agricultural land
- Wildlife
Copper remains particularly important to the national economy.
The country’s rivers and lakes also provide significant water resources and support hydropower generation, agriculture, fisheries and ecosystems.
Culture and Traditions
Zambia has a rich cultural heritage shaped by many ethnic communities.
Traditional ceremonies are an important part of cultural life. Among the best known are:
- Kuomboka, associated with the Lozi people
- Likumbi Lya Mize, associated with the Luvale people
- Nc’wala, associated with the Ngoni people
- Umutomboko, associated with the Lunda people
Music, dance, storytelling, crafts and traditional ceremonies remain important forms of cultural expression.
Zambia also has a diverse religious landscape, with Christianity playing a major role alongside traditional beliefs and other religious traditions.
Food in Zambia
Zambian cuisine commonly includes maize, vegetables, meat, fish and other locally produced foods.
Popular foods include:
- Nshima – a thick maize-based staple
- Chibwabwa – pumpkin leaves
- Ifisashi – vegetables cooked with groundnuts
- Kapenta – small freshwater fish
- Chikanda – a traditional dish made from wild orchid tubers
- Grilled or stewed meat
- Beans and other legumes
Nshima is commonly served with vegetables, meat, fish or sauces.
Major Cities
Lusaka
Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. It is the country’s principal political, administrative and commercial center.
The city is also an important transportation and business hub.
Kitwe
Kitwe is one of the major cities in the Copperbelt and has strong connections with Zambia’s mining industry.
Ndola
Ndola is another major Copperbelt city and an important commercial and industrial center.
Livingstone
Livingstone is a major tourism center in southern Zambia. It is located near Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls and serves as an important gateway for visitors to the falls and surrounding attractions.
Kabwe
Kabwe is located north of Lusaka and has historically been associated with mining and industrial activity.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, is one of Zambia’s most famous natural landmarks.
The falls are located on the Zambezi River along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
UNESCO lists Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls as a transboundary World Heritage property shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was inscribed in 1989.
The waterfall is approximately 1,708 meters wide, and the Zambezi River drops through a series of basalt gorges, creating a large spray plume and distinctive rainforest ecosystem.
The Zambian side includes Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, while the wider World Heritage property extends across the international border into Zimbabwe.
Wildlife and National Parks
Zambia is known for its wildlife and protected areas.
Important national parks include:
- South Luangwa National Park
- Lower Zambezi National Park
- Kafue National Park
- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
- Liuwa Plain National Park
- North Luangwa National Park
- Kasanka National Park
Wildlife found in Zambia includes elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, buffalo, crocodiles and numerous bird species.
The country’s large protected areas support both biodiversity conservation and tourism.
Tourism in Zambia
Tourism in Zambia is strongly connected to wildlife, landscapes, rivers and cultural heritage.
Major attractions include:
- Victoria Falls
- South Luangwa National Park
- Lower Zambezi National Park
- Kafue National Park
- Lake Kariba
- Livingstone
- Liuwa Plain
- Bangweulu Wetlands
Safari tourism is particularly important, with visitors traveling to national parks to see wildlife and experience Zambia’s natural landscapes.
Education
Zambia has primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities and vocational institutions.
Higher education is concentrated in major urban areas, particularly Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
The education system includes both public and private institutions, while vocational and technical education provides training for sectors including construction, manufacturing, agriculture and services.
Transportation
Zambia’s transportation network includes roads, railways and airports.
Major roads connect Lusaka with neighboring countries and major cities throughout the country.
Railways provide important links for freight and passenger transportation, particularly along regional trade corridors.
Major airports include Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone.
Environment and Water
Zambia contains extensive freshwater resources and important wetlands.
The Zambezi River is one of the country’s most important waterways. Other major rivers include the Kafue and Luangwa.
Wetlands such as the Bangweulu Wetlands and Kafue Flats support wildlife, fisheries, agriculture and local communities.
Zambia also faces environmental challenges including deforestation, climate variability, drought and pressure on natural resources.
Zambia Today
Zambia continues to develop its mining, agriculture, energy, tourism and services sectors.
The World Bank recorded 3.8% GDP growth in 2025, while the country’s population reached an estimated 21.9 million.
Copper remains central to the economy, while diversification into agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and energy remains important for long-term development.
Zambia also has significant potential in renewable energy, wildlife tourism and agriculture because of its rivers, land resources and varied ecosystems.
Its most internationally recognized natural landmark, Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls, remains an important part of Zambia’s tourism and cultural identity. UNESCO continues to monitor the transboundary World Heritage property and its conservation.