REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

• S. Africa • Mozambique • Malawi • Tanzania • Zambia • Botswana • Namibia • S. Africa •

It is said that Zambia feels like the true heart of Africa. But getting there is a real challenge, and therein lies the true attraction. The spectacular scenery includes the Victoria Falls - one of the most impressive natural wonders of the world. Magnificent wildlife parks spread across a gently undulating plateau of forests, savannah, marshland and lakes.

Zambia is located in southern Africa, east of Angola. At 752,614 sq km, it is more than twice the size of Malaysia but has a population of only 10 million. Almost 99% are African and predominantly Christian. English is the official language, with seven major vernacular and some 70 other indigenous languages!

This landlocked nation sits on a plateau between 900 and 1500 metres high, punctuated by hills and mountains. Forming a natural boundary with Zimbabwe is the Zambezi River. Previously known as Northern Rhodesia, the land was administered by the South Africa Company from 1891 until Britain assumed control in 1923. Independence in 1964 was accompanied by a name change to Zambia.

Besides Victoria Falls and Livingstone, attractions include Lake Kariba, a huge man-made lake between Zambia and Zimbabwe, where indigenous tigerfish grow to 15.5kg. Among world-class game reserves are the Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National park and Kafue National Park. Zambia is also a superb birding destination.

Natural resources include copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower. Industrialisation has presented problems - air pollution, acid rain, chemical runoff into watersheds. Poaching seriously threatens wildlife, particularly rhinoceros, elephant, antelope, and large cat populations. Human health risks have also been affected by deforestation, soil erosion, inadequate water treatment facilities and HIV/AIDS.