Geography
Zambia covers an area of some 750,000 sq km (the size of France and the UK combined) and for the most part enjoys being on an elevated position on the central African plateau, providing it with a very pleasant climate, with just one rainy season (from November to April). It is landlocked and bounded by 8 neighbouring countries.
The total population is around 11.8m, with, for Africa, a relatively high urban populace: almost 40% of the total, with a good proportion of those living along the so-called ‘line of rail’ – a band stretching from Livingstone in the south, via the capital Lusaka, to the mineral producing regions of the Copperbelt further north.
The country, which gained its independence in 1964, remains stable and peaceful, with multi-party democracy having been reintroduced in 1991, following the initial presidency of Dr Kenneth Kaunda. The current Government, formed by the majority Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), has remained in power for some 18 years, with elections next due in 2011. His Excellency, President Rupiah Banda, was elected to power following the untimely death of the late Levy Mwanawasa in 2008.
The official language of the country is English, but there are 7 other major languages spoken and many dialects. 50% of the population is aged 15 or below, and the adult literacy rate is around 70%.
Economic situation
Since independence Zambia has remained largely dependent upon copper for its generation of export earning, and mining underpins the economy. Up to 80% of earnings have come from copper, and although this is slowly reducing it remains a key factor in the country’s development.
Since economic liberalisation in the 90’s the mines have moved out of state control and there has been considerable investment both in mining new deposits and extracting more from existing ones. This appeared to be paying dividends as the price of copper moved to an all-time high in 2008, with the government enjoying the consequent rise in revenues. However, the current world recession has led to a rapid decline in the demand for copper (used in the automobile and electronics sectors) and a consequent price reduction. The currency (the Zambian Kwacha, which is freely exchangeable) devalued by some 65% as a consequence. However, there are now signs of an upturn in prices, and optimism remains.
There has been significant investment in the country in recent years, as witnessed by the major building programmes going on. Zambia is a popular tourist destination, with the Victoria Falls and the game parks as major attractions, with room still for further development. Zambian farming land is fertile and there are major water resources around the country (the Congo, Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa rivers all rise in the country) and investment in agriculture is being promoted (only 15% of the country’s 60m hectares of arable land is under cultivation).
All the country’s electricity is hydro generated, with the major dams at Kariba and Kafue Gorge being augmented by the falls in Livingstone and smaller locations further north. Since up to 70% of electric power is consumed in the copper mines as the nation expands there is need for further electrification (for example, some two thirds of primary schools – mostly in rural areas - have no power) and the Government has established a rural electrification authority.
However, although there has been an upturn in the economy over the last few years – GDP per capita has risen from $350 to $700pa over the last 7 years (with real GDP growth from 2003 to 2008 averaging 5.3% pa and inflation largely being held in single figures) – the country remains poor. It lies 163rd out of 179 in the UN human development index, and life expectancy at birth is around 38 years. HIV/AIDS remains a major problem, despite the now widespread availability of ARVs. The majority of development is taking place in towns and cities, and the migration to urban areas continues. 68% of Zambians live below the recognised poverty line – that figure rising to 78% in rural areas.
Tackling rural poverty and underdevelopment remains a key economic and political issue, with much scope for investment.
AIRPORTS
Zambia has four international airports, one being Lusaka International Airport, which is 30 minutes drive from the city centre of the capital Lusaka. Livingstone International Airport, Mfuwe and Ndola International Airport are the other three outside Lusaka.
CAPITAL
Zambia’s capital is Lusaka, around which the rally is based, with a population of about 2.5 million.
CAR HIRE
Most international and good local car hire firms have offices in Lusaka, Livingstone, Kitwe and Ndola. Rates depend on the distance traveled and the type occur.
CLIMATE
Zambia’s climate is tropical modified by elevation. Zambia has two main seasons, the rainy season from November to April corresponding to the summer and the dry season May/June to October/November corresponding to winter. The modifying influence of altitude gives the country pleasant subtropical weather rather than tropical conditions during the cool season of May to August. However, average monthly temperatures remain above 20°C over most of the country for eight or more months of the year.Lusaka has a beautiful climate. Daytime temperatures rarely go above 30 degrees (centigrade) and the nights are pleasantly cool.
COMMUNICATION
There are both networks of a telephone system and landline and cellular, covering the whole country. In addition a digital cellular network covers most parts of Lusaka. International fax, telephone, Internet and Email services can be found in most towns around the country.
CREDIT CARDS
Most international credit cards are accepted throughout Zambia in major Hotel, restaurants, supermarkets, etc, as traveler’s cheques.
CURRENCY
Zambia’s currency is the Kwacha (ZMK), in denominations of K50; K100; K500; K1,000; K5,000; K10,000; K20,000 and K50,000 - (notes).
Exchange Rate US1$ = K5, 000.00.
Banks operate form 08h30 to 3h00 on weekdays, and from 09h00 to 12h00 on weekends. Money and exchange services are also available through the foreign exchange bureau.
For US currency, be aware that notes printed before 2003 are not accepted in most forex bureau.
HEALTH
Due to the large prevalence of malaria in Zambia, visitors are advised to begin anti-malaria prophylaxis a week before arriving in the country and continue for four weeks after they’ve left. Malaria in endemic in the low-lying areas. Very efficient private hospital care, clinics, chemists, air rescue services etc are available in major towns.
IMMIGRATION
All visitors are required to have a valid passport. Information as to whether Visas are required should be sought from the nearest Zambian High Commission or Tourist Office. Visas can be obtained at the Lusaka International Airport on arrival.
LANGUAGE
English is the official language of Zambia, while Nyanja, Bemba Tonga and Lozi are the other local languages widely spoken.
RESTAURANTS
Zambia has a wide selection of eating places, catering for almost all known cuisines in the world.
There are several restaurants, which, in addition to an excellent meal, lay on extra entertainment with an African theme.
FUNCTIONS
Zambia has several cinema halls but one of a high standard that screens relatively new movies in addition there are theatres that stage local plays, musical festivals etc regularly. Daily and weekly newspapers have an entertainment section that lists all the social activities for that particular day.
SECURITY
Keep valuables in the hotel safe and avoid explicit shows of affluence and wearing items that can be easily snatched. Avoid isolated places and walking anywhere alone after 9pm.
TIME ZONE
Zambia is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meridian Time(GMT + 2).
TRANSPORT
Taxis are easily available and should be used where possible. Buses and taxis are the common means of public transport.
VOLTAGE
Zambia’s electricity grid is 220 – 240 volts AC, with a square three-pin plug system.
WATER
Always make sure you drink either filtered tap water or bottled mineral water, which is available in all hotels and supermarkets.
