Zambia National Parks

A sparsely populated country rich in wildlife, Zambia was named after the mighty Zambezi River which flows through southern Zambia . The Zambezi River is fed by its Kafue and Luangwa tributaries. The three great lakes of Bangweulu, Mweru and Tanganyika lie in northern Zambia , and Lake Kariba lies along the southeastern border adjacent to Zimbabwe .

The country is predominantly a high plateau ranging in altitude from 3000-5000 feet (915-1525 m), which is why it has a subtropical rather than a tropical climate. April-August is cool and dry; September-October is hot and dry; and November-March is warm and wet. Winter temperatures are as cool as 43° F (6° C) and summer temperatures as warm as 100° F (38° C). The dry season, with clear sunny skies, occurs May-October.

The Zambian people are predominantly composed of Bantu tribal groups who practice a combination of traditional and Christian beliefs. English is the official language and is widely spoken. Seventy-three other languages and dialects are also spoken. In contrast to most African countries, over 40 percent of the population live in urban areas, due mainly to the copper mining industry.

Cecil Rhodes obtained mineral right concessions from the chiefs in 1888 of what was proclaimed Northern Rhodesia , which came under British influence. In 1953 Northern Rhode- sia, Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland (now Malawi ) were consolidated into the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland . Northern Rhodesia succeeded from the Federation in 1963 and achieved its independence on October 24,1964, as the Republic of Zambia .

Zambia 's economy is based primarily on copper from the government-owned mines in the "copper belt" near the Zaire border. The price and subsequent production of copper has declined since 1975; this has brought on hardship and forced the economy to diversify. More emphasis is now being placed on developing agriculture (exporting fruit, coffee, sugar) and the tourism industry as a greater source of foreign exchange.

With new elections in 1991, Zambia now has a multiparty political system.