Overview

 The butterfly-shaped country of Zambia is perched on a high plateau in south-central Africa. This country is named after the Zambezi River, which winds through most of the land.  Zambia is dissected by swamps, river-valleys and lakes and is etched by the ancient crystalline rocks and that grace its plateaus.   

Arts and Humanities

 The major languages in Zambia are English (the official language), Bemba, Lozi, Nyanja and Tonga. The arts are a major part of Zambian culture as music, dancing and singing are often connected with security, health and prosperity.  Music is used in tribal rituals, celebrations and for entertainment. The most widely used musical instrument in Zambia is the drum.  Other popular instruments include, horns, bows, pipes, flutes, bells, rattles, xylophones and the kalimba, also known as the mbira, thumb piano, or African piano. 

Environmental Conditions

 The temperature of Zambia is generally favorable for human settlement and agriculture.  Two-fifths of Zambia is environmentally protected and the country is known for its large variety of mammals.  However, wildlife has been depleted in recent times due to human activities outside the parks and poaching within. For example, the Illegal poaching of horns and tusks has virtually eliminated rhinoceros from Zambia and has greatly reduced the number of elephants. As one of Africa’s most industrialized countries, Zambia suffers from air pollution and acid rain. Additionally, inadequate water-treatment facilities pose great health risks to citizens of this country, which has one of the fastest growing populations in the world.  Zambia currently has a population of 13 million, two-thirds of which live in poverty.

Leadership

 Unlike most of its neighbours, Zambia has remained relatively free of war and upheaval and has a reputation for political stability. In January of 2015, Edgar Lungu became the sixth president of Zambia and gained a new term in August of 2016. President Lungu’s greatest challenge has been Zambia’s poverty and a slowing economy.

Media Profile

 Radio is Zambia’s main source of information. State-run radio and television dominate the media sector in Zambia in terms of availability. However, private television and radio stations have grown in number and popularity in recent years.  In fact, according to BBC, there are currently “scores of local radio stations” in Zambia. By 2014, Zambia had 2.3 million internet users.

Our Zambia Portfolio