Country Information on Zambia

Terrain Zambia's terrain is mainly characterized by a highland plateau that covers almost all of the country, and several mountain chains like the Muchinga Mountains in the north-east, the highest mountains reaching 2,164 m. The most important river is the Zambezi, forming the borderline with Zimbabwe. It is only navigable along short distances owing to many rapids and waterfalls, especially Victoria Falls. Lake Kariba is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. It resulted from the construction of the Kariba dam on the Zambezi river. Climate Owing to the high altitude the climate is pleasant and subtropical. There are three different seasons: from May to August it is cool and dry with temperatures averaging 17°C, from August to November it is hot and dry (temperatures averaging 30°C), and from November to April it is rainy with precipitation averaging 1,400 mm and average temperatures around 21°C. Fauna/Flora Although the country is mainly covered by savannah vegetation, a relatively large part of the original forests (dominated by teak woods) could be maintained. Typical tree species also include baobab trees, and marshland areas abound with papyrus plants. Among the animals native to Zambia there are lions, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, hippopotami, and various species of antelope. South Luangwa National Park is particularly known for its leopards and rare antelope species. It is also the habitat of 400 different bird species, one tenth of which are predators. History/Politics Bantu groups inhabited the area of present-day Zambia around 1000 AD. The following centuries saw other peoples migrate to the area. Throughout centuries to follow, small kingdoms were founded, with the Kingdom of Luanda emerging as the most powerful. In the late-19th century, the British invaded the area they then called "Barotseland" and did not encounter any opposition by local kings. English entrepreneur Cecil Rhodes (who in 1889 had secured a monopoly on trade and mining in the region awarded by the British Crown) entered into an agreement with King Lewanika a year later that established the region as a British protectorate (called "Northern Rhodesia"). In the early-20th century, extensive copper deposits were discovered in the Zambia, a railway was built and many European settlers moved to the area. Great Britain established colonial rule in 1924 and extended copper exploitation. By the beginning of World War II, Zambia had become one of the biggest suppliers of copper in the world. However, the miners' misery led a series of protests paving the way for nationalist movements. The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (or Central African Federation), consisting of Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, was founded in 1953 and totally opposed by Zambian nationalists led by Kenneth Kaundas. The Central African Federation was dissolved in 1964 as a result of the outbreak of violent unrest in 1961. Northern Rhodesia became independent in 1964 and was re-named Zambia. Kaunda was elected president, ruled for years to follow, and was re-elected several times. The early 1980s saw criticism of Kaunda's autocratic rule increase, and even become stronger during economic crisis caused by a sharp drop in copper prices in 1991. Eventually, Kaunda had to allow multiparty elections. Economic crisis as a consequence of the worst drought in the 20th century forced new president Frederick Chiluba to take drastic measures, which finally resulted in lay-offs of hundreds of civil service employees and a massive rise in prices. Chiluba was re-elected in 1996; Levy Mwanawasa followed him in office in 2001. Economy Zambia's most important economic sector is mining where, however, only 10% of the country's active population finds employment. Copper and cobalt respectively account for 60% and 19% of export earnings. However, low production levels and a drop in world prices led to economic backlash during the last years. This in turn resulted in privatisation of public enterprises and liberalization of agrarian commerce. 60% of the active population finds employment in the agricultural sector (mainly based on subsistence farming), while 9% work in the services sector. The unemployment rate amounts to some 21%. Culture Traditionally, Zambian girls get married at an early age. In former times matrimony was commonly arranged by the parents, nowadays young people have more freedom in choosing the right partner. The elders are, however, consulted before weddings and experienced family members are chosen to participate in negotiations concerning the dowry offered by the bridegroom ("the bride price"), commonly called lobola. The lobola ranges from a little amount of money to a certain number of livestock. If the bridegroom cannot pay, the children belong to the woman's family until he has paid the full amount of the lobola.