Zambia Travel Guide

Zambia — Country and Tourist Information

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Country Facts

Location: Central southern Africa.
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.
Area: 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles).
Time Zone: GMT + 2.
Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz.
Population: 11.9 million (UN estimate 2007).
Population Density: 15.8 per sq km.
Capital City: Lusaka. Population: 1 million (2005).
Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964.
Head of State: President Rupiah Banda (acting) since 2008.
Religion: Around 30% of the population is Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), a smaller number are Muslim and Hindu, and a small minority have traditional animist beliefs.

Recent History

Following the death of President Levy Mwanawasa in Paris in August 2008, Vice President Rupiah Banda took over. Under the Zambian constitution, an election must be held within 90 days of the presidential office becoming vacant. Mr Banda is widely expected to call an early election.

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.

Communications

Telephone

Country Code: +260. There are public telephones and most calls are made through a post office.

Mobile Telephone

Coverage is patchy in rural areas but good around Lusaka.

Internet

There are Internet cafés in Livingstone and Lusaka.

Media

State-run radio and TV services dominate Zambia's broadcast media. Private radio stations offer little political reporting. Libel and security laws can be used by authorities to intimidate journalists, especially those reporting on corruption. Defaming the president is a crime.

Post

Airmail to Western Europe takes 7 to 14 days.Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300 (closed Sunday and public holidays).

Public Holidays

Listed below are Public Holidays for the January 2011-December 2012 period.
2010
25 Dec Christmas Day

2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
12 Mar Youth Day
22 Apr Good Friday
25 Apr Easter Monday
1 May Labor Day
25 May African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation)
4 Jul Heroes’ Day
5 Jul Unity Day
1 Aug Farmers’ Day
3 Sep Levy Mwanawasa Day
24 Oct Independence Day
25 Dec Christmas Day

2012
1 Jan New Year’s Day
12 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)
4 Jul Heroes’ Day
5 Jul Unity Day
1 Aug Farmers’ Day
3 Sep Levy Mwanawasa Day
24 Oct Independence Day
25 Dec Christmas Day
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).