Zambia Country & Tourist Information

Location
Central southern Africa.

Area
752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles).

Population
11 million (UN, 2005).

Population Density
14.6 per sq km.

Capital
Lusaka.
Population: 1 million (2005).

Government
Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964. 
Recent History: In December 2001, the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) candidate Levy Mwanawasa was installed as president. In the National Assembly, the MMD was returned as the largest party but, lacking an overall majority, rules in alliance with a group of smaller parties. Mr Mwanawasa has made the fight against corruption a centerpiece of his presidency. He was re-elected in 2006.

Language
English is the official language, but there are over 73 local dialects. The main languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga.

Religion
Around 30 per cent of the population is Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), a smaller number are Muslim and Hindu, and a small minority have traditional animist beliefs.

Time
GMT + 2.

Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Head of State
President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa since 2001.

Telephone
IDD is available. There are public telephones and most calls are made through a post office. Post: Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300 (closed Sunday and public holidays).

Mobile Telephone
Coverage is limited to some areas around Lusaka and near the coast.

Internet
There are Internet cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka.

Media
State-run radio and television services dominate Zambia’s broadcasting scene. Private radio stations offer little political reporting.

Post
Airmail to Western Europe takes 7 to 14 days.

Press
The Post (private) (website: www.postzambia.com), Times of Zambia, Sunday Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail (website: www.daily-mail.co.zm) are published in English.

Radio
Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) is state-run. Other radio stations include Breeze FM, QFM, Radio Choice, Radio Phoenix, Radio Icengelo and Yatsani Radio. FM relays of BBC World Service and Radio France Internationale are on the air in Lusaka and Kitwe.

Listed below are Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.

2007
1 Jan New Year’s Day. 
9 Mar Youth Day.
6 Apr Good Friday.
9 Apr Easter Monday.
1 May Labor Day.
25 May African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation).
2 Jul Heroes’ Day.
3 Jul Unity Day.
6 Aug Farmers’ Day.
24 Oct Independence Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day. 
9 Mar Youth Day.
6 Apr Good Friday.
9 Apr Easter Monday.
1 May Labor Day.
25 May African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation). 
7 Jul Heroes’ Day. 
8 Jul Unity Day. 
4 Aug Farmers’ Day.
24 Oct Independence Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.


Note
It is advisable to verify exact dates in advance.

Contact Information:

High Commission for the Republic of Zambia in the UK
2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6655.
Website: www.zhcl.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1400-1700; Mon-Fri 1000-1300 (visa section).

Zambia National Tourist Board in the UK
2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6655.
Website: www.zambiatourism.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1400-1700.

Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in the USA
2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 265 9717.
Website: www.zambiaembassy.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1230 (consular section).


Next Page »