Zambia
Rich in scenic beauty and wildlife, Zambia boasts some of the most breath-taking natural attractions in the world.
As large as France, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary combined, Zambia lies in the tropical belt of South Central Africa. Zambia offers visitors the chance to escape from holiday masses and savour an environment that has remained largely unchanged since the beginning of time. The country is famed for its huge protected wilderness areas it has 19 National parks. The South Luangwa National Park is home to arguably the most diverse range of game in Africa. Even though the country is landlocked it has many lakes with excellent beaches for those who like to swim and enjoy watersports in uncrowded surroundings.
The many rivers provide opportunities for canoeing and rafting. The swirling rapids of the Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls are said to be the best rafting waters in the world. Fishing is also a popular pastime and Lake Kariba offers excellent tiger fishing. Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari and there's no better way of getting really close to nature. The welcome given to tourists by the Zambian people is legendary and their traditional ceremonies and festivals provide an added dimension to a holiday.
Zambia's people are also very friendly.
Population: 12 526 000 (2008)
Size: 752 612 km2
Language: English is the official language and there are some 73 regional dialects which fall into the main language groups of Nyanja, Tonga, Bemba, Lozi, Kaonde, Luvale and Lunda
Capital City: Lusaka
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Lusaka International Airport, Livingstone airport
Socio-econo statistics: Epitomising the real Africa, Zambia is home to natural wonders such as the thundering Zambezi River and world famous Victoria Falls. Nature reserves and Transfrontier Conservation enable the visitor to viewl wildlife in its natural habitat. Known for its welcoming people, rich culture and fascinating drumming and dancing rituals, Zambia is the ideal adventure destination.
Economy: The export of copper accounts for approximately 80 percent of Zambia's foreign income. Internally, the country is mainly farming orientated with about 30 percent of its GDP falling into this sector. The economy is also reliant on other extensive mineral resources of the country, including cobalt and zinc, which account for another 20 percent of GDP. The rest of the economy comprises power generation, manufacturing and the busy tourist industry.
Zambia is one of the largest producers of electricity on the African continent, which is mainly used by the copper mining industry on the far side of the country to the Kariba Dam, where the power is generated. Not only do the mining companies work in close co-operation with the government to maintain standards regarding the impact on the environment, but the very power used by the industry is generated hydro-electrically at the Kariba Dam with minimal pollution.
Tourism investment opportunities: Wildlife-based activities, Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Iconic attraction: The Victoria Falls
Other major attractions: South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park.
Places to see: Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, Lake Kariba.
Climate: Tropical, the rainy season stretching from November to April. Average temperatures of above 20o C over most of the country.
Currency: Zambia Kwacha
Time zone: GMT +2
National Day: 24 October, 1964