Zambia A landlocked country lying on a plateau in central Africa, surrounded by Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Namibia (the Caprivi Strip).

Physical

The Zambezi and its tributaries the Kafue and Luangwa run through Zambia, while in the north the Chambeshi drains into swampy areas round Lake Bangweulu. In the south-west there are forests of teak.

Economy

With the fourth largest copper reserves in the world, Zambia has rich mineral resources, including coal, lead, zinc, manganese, cobalt, and gemstones; copper accounts for 91% of exports, followed by cobalt and zinc. However, economic development has been restricted by fluctuating world commodity prices. Industry includes vehicle assembly, petroleum-refining, cement, and chemicals. Neglect of agriculture has led to a decline in the importance of tobacco, sugar cane, and other cash crops.

History

Zambia was settled by Nguni people in flight from Zululand in 1835, but was also subject throughout much of the 19th century to Arab slave-traders. Agents from Cecil RHODES entered the country (known at this time as Barotseland) in 1890. Rhodes's British South Africa Company had been granted responsibility for it in its charter of 1889 and it began to open up the rich deposits of Broken Hill from 1902. The country was named Northern Rhodesia in 1911. It became a British protectorate in 1924 and between 1953 and 1963 was federated with Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, before becoming the independent republic of Zambia under President Kenneth KAUNDA in 1964. Dependent on its large copper-mining industry, Zambia has experienced persistent economic difficulties due to its lack of a coastline and port facilities and to low copper prices. It suffered from economic sanctions against Rhodesia (1965–80), but was assisted by the construction of the Tan-Zam railway. It gave refuge to political exiles from its neighbours Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Angola, Namibia, and Mozambique, as well as from the ANC. In September 1990 Kaunda yielded to pressure to hold a referendum on the introduction of a multiparty system, and in November 1991 Frederick Chiluba, an ex-trade union leader, was elected President. He inherited both severe economic problems and an inefficient and corrupt civil service, but was helped by promises that Zambia's international debtloan would be eased. Chiluba's programme of economic reform was hampered by the drought that swept southern Africa in 1992–93. Also, alleged high-level corruption in government led to the dismissal of a number of ministers. A state of emergency was declared (1997–98) following an attempted coup.

Bangweulu or Bangweolo , lake and swamps, c.3,800 sq mi (9,840 sq km), NE Zambia. The lake is c.50 mi (80 km) long and 25 mi (40 km) wide. Commercial fishing is pursued in the lagoons of the swamps. The swamps are formed largely by the flooding of the lower Chambeshi River, which enters Lake Bangweulu from the east. The lake is drained in the S by the Luapula River, a tributary of the Congo.

Bangweulu, Zambia A lake meaning ‘Large Water’ in Bantu.