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Tiger fishing on the Zambezi River, a favourite activity.
Time Zone:
GMT +2 hours.
Population:
The current estimate is 10.4 million with approximately 11 people per square kilometre.
Geography & Climate:
Most of the country falls into a plateau region, which has a pleasant climate. The Zambezi River valley is a low-lying area that runs the length of the western and southern borders with a hotter and more humid climate. The extreme northern areas have a more usual subtropical climate as they reach the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Despite the tropical location, the altitude of the Zambian plateau ensures a comfortable climate throughout the year in the valleys, where it is markedly hotter.
Communications:
The country code is 260. The following codes apply: Lusaka 01, Chipata 062, Chirundu 01, Kapiri Mposhi 05, Kasama 04, Kitwe 02, Livingstone 03 and Ndola 02. There is a workable telephone and postal service throughout the country, as well as cellphone and internet facilities in the capital and major cities and towns.
Major Cities:
The capital is Lusaka. Other major cities include Livingstone, Ndola and Kitwe.
Language:
English is the official language, and there are some 73 distinct dialects that fall into the main language groups of Nyanga, Tonga, Bemba, Lozi, Kaonde, Luvale and Lunda.
Religion:
Approximately 20% of the population is Christian with some Hindu and Muslim. The rest of the population follows traditional African beliefs.
Entertainment:
In all the major centres there are normal amenities for entertainment such as cabaret, clubs, casinos and cinemas. There are also sports facilities for tennis, bowls and golf. Zambia has an internationally recognised soccer team while cricket and polo are popular pastimes.
Electricity & Water:
Outside of urban areas and major resorts, drinking water should be boiled and filtered or treated with purification tablets. Electricity, of which 99.5% is generated by the Kariba hydroelectric scheme, runs at 220.240V AC, 50Hz.
Traditional Cuisine:
With such a large variety of ethnic groupings within a single country, there are vast differences between the cuisine, even in neighbouring areas. Most of the traditional dishes depend on nshima, a thick porridge normally eaten with staple vegetables combined with either meat or fish.
Transport Services:
Lusaka International Airport is 30 kilometres from the city. Connections from North America are available with either British Airways or South African Airways. From the UK, there are two flights a week direct from Heathrow to Lusaka on British Airways. From Australia, Quantus flies to Harare in Zimbabwe and Johannesburg in South Africa, with connecting flights available daily on regional carriers to Lusaka. European airlines such as KLM, Air France and Lufthansa also fly to Lusaka in partnership with regional airlines. Southern African carriers that fly direct to Lusaka include South African Airways, Air Namibia, Air Zimbabwe and Inter Air.
Entry Requirements:
All visitors require valid passports and return air tickets. South African, Republic of Ireland and Australian passport holders, and UK nationals resident in Zambia or bona fide tourists travelling on a prepaid tour organised in conjunction with a Zambian registered tour operator, are exempt from paying entry fees. Nationals of all other countries require visas that are valid for six months.
Health:
Recommended precautions - especially if you are visiting game reserves - include anti-malarial treatment, which should be started two weeks before arrival. It is also preferable to use effective insect repellents as a precaution for malaria and, in the case of remote districts, sleeping sickness.
Items to Bring:
A good pair of binoculars is recommended for all visitors exploring wildlife areas as well as any photographic or video equipment and a good supply of spare batteries. Remember that this is a sunny country so make sure that you have a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sun-block lotion. Clothing for game areas should be neutral or earth colours, sensible walking shoes should be included and a jumper or jacket is useful for the cooler times of day such as early morning or late afternoon game drives. Rainwear is advised from December to April.
Accommodation:
Apart from the first-rate facilities available at all the main tourist destinations and major cities and towns, commercial accommodation is scarce and, when found, very basic. There are a few backpackers' lodges and campsites, except in tourist areas. Visitors intending hiking or backpacking are advised to carry their own tent and camping equipment. The national parks usually offer four types of accommodation: camping (about US$5 per person), self-catering (US$10-US$35), mid-range, fully-catered lodges (between US$50 and US$100) and top-end lodges (US$200-US$250 inclusive).
Economy:
Zambia is endowed with an abundance of known mineral resources, arable land and land for economic development. The country is the world's fourth largest producer of copper. The export of copper accounts for approximately 80% of Zambia's foreign income. Internally, the country is mainly farming orientated with about 30% of its GDP falling into this sector. The company is also reliant on the extensive mineral resources (other than copper) of the country - including cobalt and zinc - which account for another 20% of GDP. The inflation rate, presently at 25%, means exchange rates change all the time.
Internal Transport:
Land transport includes two main rail links from the border of Zambia into Tanzania and on to Dar Es Salaam or across the Victoria Falls Bridge to Bulawayo and Harare in Zimbabwe. By road, there are coach services that run frequently to Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Air travel is convenient with using the large numbers of private air charter companies and, with about 130 airports and landing strips across the country, access can be gained to almost any region. Scheduled internal flights are provided by Zambian Airways. Ferry routes exist across the Zambezi to Botswana and, via Lake Tanganyika, or both Tanzania and Burundi.
Safety:
Tourists are tempting targets, so don't be badgered by street traders or people offering to change money illegally. It is not advisable to carry large sums of money in unfamiliar streets or areas.
What to Buy:
Zambia is a good place to buy gemstones, fine basketry and a wide variety of wood and stone carvings. Look out for the beautiful wall hangings and bed covers from the Luangwa Valley - each one is unique.
Business Hours:
In the major cities, businesses are open for trade during normal hours (08:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 16:30), although country areas may have less reliable times of opening and closing.
Government:
Head of State is President HE Levy Patrick Mwanawasa. The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) is the ruling party.
Currency:
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that a visitor may bring into Zambia, which can be converted into kwacha (ZK1 = 100 ngwee). Zambia's low cost of living and exchange rate represents excellent value for money for all foreign visitors.
Public Holidays:
1 January - New Year's Day
12 March - Youth Day
18 April - Good Friday
19 April - Holy Saturday
21 April - Easter Monday
1 May - Labour Day
25 May - African Freedom Day
First Monday of July - Heroe's Day
First Tuesday of July - Unity Day
First Monday of August - Farmer's Day
24 October - Independence Day
25 December - Christmas Day
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Tours 
