Page 4 - 2017 ZAMBIA

Zambia

Modern history of this nation begins in 1891

when the country, called Northern Rhodesia
then, was administered by the British South

African Company to exploit mining of copper
and emeralds. In 1923, the United Kingdom
began governing the country directly. In l964,

Northern Rhodesia became Zambia when the
UK granted independence. Since then, there

have been several changes of party and
leaders, but the country was moving ahead rapidly until the price of

copper (its chief export) dropped due to less demand in 2015 & 2016.
Zambia is one of the most urbanized countries on the African continent,

looking modern and prosperous until you visit the much poorer
countryside. But it appears that under the leadership of President
Lungu, progress is again being made in this presidential republic.

Tourism is a vital part of the growing economy. Greater emphasis is
being placed on cobalt exportation, selling hydropower, emerald mining

and seeking more foreign investments.

In size, Zambia is slightly larger than Texas with 290,587 square miles of
territory compared to Texas' 268,597. The country is landlocked,

bordered by 8 different countries. The land consists mostly of high
plateau, averaging 3,734 ft. In elevation, creating a milder climate than
some African countries. The highest point is in the Mofinga Hills at

7,349 ft. While the lowest elevation is at the Zambezi River at 1079 ft.
The population is very skewed towards a younger group of people: out

of the 15,972,000 citizens, 46% are 14 years old or less. HIV/AIDS has
taken a huge toll on the citizenry, with over a million and a half people

living with the disease and many more who have died, leaving orphans