The official name is the Republic of Zambia.

It is located in the southeast of Central Africa. The area is 752.6 thousand km2, the population is 10.87 million people. (2002). The official language is English. The capital is Lusaka (1670 thousand people, 2002). Public holiday - Independence Day October 24 (since 1964). Currency unit- kwacha (equal to 100 ngwee).

Member of the UN (since 1964), AU (since 1964), etc., is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Sights of Zambia

Geography of Zambia

It is located between 22° and 33° east longitude and 8° and 18° south latitude. Has no access to the sea. It borders in the north with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Tanzania, in the east with Malawi, in the southeast with Mozambique, in the south with Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, in the west with Angola. Zambia is located on the East African Plateau, cut by river valleys and having a slightly undulating relief 1000-1350 m high with separate mountains and ridges, the highest point is in the Muchinga Mountains (2301 m). World-wide deposits of cobalt (500,000 tons) and copper (54,000 tons) ores have been discovered; there are reserves of lead-zinc (872 thousand tons), manganese (1 million tons) ores, iron ore (176 million tons), coal (130 million tons), ores containing silver, cadmium, selenium, vanadium, germanium, rhenium ; emeralds. Red ferrallitic, red-brown and red-brown soils predominate. The climate is subequatorial. The average temperature of the warmest month (October) is +23-27°С, the coldest (July) + 15-20°С. Precipitation falls from 600 to 1400 mm per year. Most of the rivers belong to the Zambezi River basin, which is known for one of the largest Victoria Falls in the world. Lakes: Bangweulu, Tanganyika, Mweru. Vegetation: dry tropical forest (miombo) and savannas prevail. Fauna: large herbivores (elephants, rhinos, African buffaloes, antelopes, zebras), predators - lions, leopards, jackals, hyenas; reptiles (crocodiles, snakes).

Population of Zambia

The population density of Zambia is 14 people. per 1 km2 (2000). Annual population growth in 2000-02 1.8%. Birth rate 41.01%, mortality 21.89%, infant mortality 89 people. per 1000 newborns. Average life expectancy is 37 years. Gender and age structure: 0-14 years old - 47% (ratio of men and women 1.01), 15-64 years old - 50% (0.99), 65 years and older - 3% (0.74). The ratio of men and women in the entire population is 0.99. Among the adult population, 21.1% are illiterate (men - 14.3%, women - 27.4%).

98.7% of the population are Africans, representatives of more than 70 peoples belonging to the Bantu language group: Bembe (43%), Tonga (17%), Luvale (12%), Malawi (12%), Lozi (10%) and etc. The official language is English. Of the local languages ​​(more than 80), the most common are Bembe, Tonga, Lozi, Nyanja, Luvale, Lunda, Kaonde.

From 50 to 75% of the country's population profess Christianity, 24-49% - Islam and Hinduism, 1% - local traditional beliefs.

History of Zambia

In the pre-colonial period, several state and tribal associations existed on the territory of modern Zambia, in particular Marawi and Barotse (later Barotseland). In con. 18th century the Portuguese penetrate here, and in the 19th century. - the English. Since 1899, the British South African Company has administered the territory, which in 1911 received the name Northern Rhodesia. In 1924-64 the country was a British protectorate, in 1953-63 it was part of the colonial Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Since 1948, the African National Congress (ANC) party has stood at the head of the national liberation movement, and since 1959, the United National Independence Party (UNIP, leader K. Kaunda). In the first general parliamentary elections in January 1964, she won a landslide victory. The first African government that was formed by the UNIP was headed by Kaunda. October 24, 1964 Northern Rhodesia became the Republic of Zambia. In the late 1960s - early. 70s the country developed in the conditions of intensifying internal political struggle and growing confrontation between the authorities and the opposition. In August 1973, a one-party system was established in Zambia, legislatively enshrined in the Constitution. The only ruling party was the United National Independence Party, led by Kaunda. Economic crisis In the 1980s, the implementation of structural adjustment programs developed by IMF experts worsened the situation of workers and intensified the anti-government activities of trade unions. In 1990, the dissatisfaction of the population with the situation in the country increased, mass demonstrations began demanding a departure from the authoritarian regime. Under pressure from the public in November 1990, the National Assembly repealed the article of the current Constitution, which establishes the existence of a one-party system in the country, and adopted a law on a multi-party system. The first parliamentary and presidential elections under the new conditions, held on November 2, 1991, led to the victory of F. Chiluba, the leader of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (DMD) formed in December 1990. A course was taken to denationalize the economy, attract foreign capital, and encourage private entrepreneurship. In August 1993, there was a split in the ranks of the DMD, which significantly undermined its position, led to an increase in political instability in the country. In January 1996, 8 opposition parties formed a coalition, ready to fight for power. He headed the association of Kaunda. However, the new Constitution (May 1996) included discriminatory amendments that prevented him from participating in presidential elections: only Zambians of at least the third generation were allowed to run for president. The opposition boycotted the elections held on November 18, 1997, in which the DMD won 130 out of 150 seats in parliament, and Chiluba became president again. In the beginning. 2001 attempts to change the Constitution and give Chiluba the opportunity to run for a third term caused an outcry. In the elections to the con. 2001 won by the representative of DMD - L. Mvanavasa. In October 2003, a national meeting of representatives of all strata of Zambian society was held, at which the political and socio-economic situation in the country was discussed and recommendations were made to the leadership of the republic.

State structure and political system of Zambia

Under the 1996 Constitution, Zambia is a republic. Head of State, Government and Commander-in-Chief armed forces is the President, who is elected by universal direct and secret suffrage for a term of 5 years and may be re-elected for another term. Legislative power is exercised by the president and a unicameral parliament - the National Assembly, consisting of 150 deputies elected through general elections and 8 deputies appointed by the president. Elections to the National Assembly are held simultaneously with presidential elections. Executive power is vested in the president, who appoints the vice president and ministers from among the members of the National Assembly and is the chairman of the cabinet. Since 2001, the President of the Republic of Zambia is L. Mwanawasa, the Speaker of the National Assembly is A. Mwanamwambwa.

Administrative division: 9 provinces, consisting of districts. 42% of the country's population lives in cities, incl. 78% at 10 settlements along the railway from the Copper Belt to Lusaka and Victoria Falls. Large cities (thousand people): Lusaka, Ndola (346.5), Kitwe Nkana (303.7), Kabwe (208.2).

The Constitution establishes a multi-party system. More than 20 parties are active in the political arena. The ruling party is the DMD (has 69 seats in parliament), founded in 1990. The United Party for National Development, the United National Independence Party and the Forum for Democracy and Development also have representation in the National Assembly.

The largest trade union association is the Congress of Trade Unions of Zambia, founded in 1965. It includes 18 branch trade unions.

The armed forces number 21.6 thousand people, incl. Air Force - 1.6 thousand people. There are paramilitary formations - 1.4 thousand people. and the National Defense Force. Military service in Zambia is voluntary.

Economy of Zambia

Zambia is one of the least developed countries peace. GDP $3.6 billion, or $350 per capita (2001). The average annual GDP growth rate in 2000-01 was 4.05%. 24% of GDP is formed in agriculture, 25% in industry, and 51% in services. 85% of the economically active population is employed in agriculture (the total economically active population is 3.4 million people), in industry - 6%, in the service sector - 9%. Inflation 26.7% (2002).

The basis of the Zambian economy is the mining and processing of copper ore, the export earnings of which provide up to 90% of the country's foreign exchange earnings and 75% of government revenues. Therefore, the country's economic situation largely depends on world copper prices. Industry, in addition to mining enterprises, is represented by facilities for processing agricultural raw materials, enterprises of the food, textile, chemical, woodworking and pulp and paper industries. In 2002, the mining sector mined (thousand tons): copper ore - 337.7, cobalt - 3.98, precious stones (kg): amethyst - 1,157,866, beryls - 6941, emeralds - 770, tourmalines - 30,755. Electricity generation 7.678 billion kWh (2002). Agriculture is predominantly oriented towards domestic consumption. Main crops (2002, thousand tons) - corn (601.6), millet (37.6), cassava (850.5), sorghum (16.8), peanuts (41.4), wheat (74.5 ), rice (11.6), sugarcane, cotton. Animal husbandry has not been developed due to the infestation of the territory with the tsetse fly.

Length railways 2157 km (cargo transportation in 2002 - 1887 thousand tons); highways 66,781 km. The waterways are estimated at 2,250 km (this includes the Zambezi, Luapula and Lake Tanganyika rivers). A major port is Mpulungu (cargo transportation in 2002 - 50.9 thousand tons). Oil pipeline - 1724 km. There are 11 international airports.

Budget (2001, billion US dollars): revenues 1.2, expenditures 1.25. External debt 6.49 billion US dollars, payments on account of its repayment 11.7% of export earnings (2002).

Unemployment - 50% (2000). More than 80% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Foreign trade turnover in 2002 amounted to almost 2.077 billion US dollars: exports 920 million dollars, imports 1.167 billion dollars. In the export structure: copper (58% of the sales value, 349 thousand tons), cobalt (4.3 thousand tons), electricity, tobacco, flowers, cotton. Main export partners: Great Britain (25.2%), South Africa (24.5%), Switzerland (9.4%), Malawi (7.5%). Imports include machinery, equipment and vehicles, petroleum products, electricity, fertilizers, food, clothing. Among import partners: South Africa (67.1%), Great Britain (9.8%), Zimbabwe (7.5%), USA (5.9%).

Science and culture of Zambia

The country introduced compulsory seven-year primary education. In fact, primary education covers up to 75% of children of the corresponding age group. In the higher education system, the University of Zambia in Lusaka and Copperbelt University in Kitwe operate, in 2002 5895 and 2670 students studied here, respectively. There is a scientific council for science and technology.

Geographical position Zambia.

ZAMBIA, Republic of Zambia (Republic of Zambia), a state in Central Africa. Zambia borders Congo (Zaire), Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola. Included in the Commonwealth. The area is 752.6 thousand km2. The capital of Zambia is Lusaka. Other major cities: Kitwe Nkana, Ndola, Kabwe, Livingston, Solwezi, Mongu, Kasama.

Government of Zambia.

Zambia is a republic (according to the 1996 Constitution). The head of state and government of Zambia is the President. Legislature- Parliament (consists of the president and the unicameral National Assembly).

Administrative-territorial division of Zambia.

Zambia is divided into 9 provinces.

population of Zambia.

The population of Zambia is 10.31 million (2003). The vast majority of the population (99%) are Bantu peoples (Bemba, Tonga, Lozi, Lunda, Malawi), the rest are Europeans and Asians. The official language is English. The most widely spoken local languages ​​are Bemba, Tonga, Lozi and Nyanja. Officially ok. 80% of believers are Christians (predominantly Anglicans), but many adhere to local traditional beliefs. Zambia is the most urbanized country in Tropical Africa. Urban population - 43.1% (1995). The population density is 13.7 people/km2.

Climate and natural resources of Zambia.

Most of the territory of Zambia is a hilly plateau with a height of 600-1350 m with separate island mountains. Zambia is characterized by flat depressions of tectonic origin (Bangweulu, Luangwa graben, etc.). Large lakes - Bangweulu, Tanganyika, Mweru and others are rich in fish. Large rivers - Kafue and Luangwa - tributaries of the Zambezi. On the river Zambezi built a large Kariba reservoir; near the city of Livingston is the famous Victoria Falls 120 m high.

The climate of Zambia is subequatorial with a rainy season from November to April. Vegetation - mostly savanna woodlands with acacias and baobabs; in humid areas - seasonally humid tropical forests and tall-grass savannahs, in river valleys - tropical rainforests. Of the large animals, rhinos, elephants, hippos, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and lions have been preserved. Over 20 reserves and national parks (Kafue, Mweru Marsh, Lukusuzi, Luangwa Valley, etc.).

Economy and Industry of Zambia.

The backbone of the Zambian economy is export-oriented mining and non-ferrous metallurgy. GNP per capita. $400 (1995) Zambia is rich in minerals: copper (4th place in the world), zinc, lead, cobalt, silver; known deposits of gold, tin, emeralds, graphite, pyrite, sulfur, marble, etc. The main mining and metallurgical centers: Mufulira, Kitwe-Nkana, Ndola, Luanshya.

Zambia does not have its own access to the sea, so exports are carried out mainly. arr. through the ports of Tanzania on the Indian Ocean. The main agricultural crops are corn, tobacco, peanuts, sugar cane, millet, etc. The development of animal husbandry is limited by scarce pastures and the spread of tsetse flies. Foreign tourism is developed (income $47 million in 1995).

Local handicraft traditions are rich: woodcarving, weaving, pottery.

The monetary unit is the kwacha.

History of Zambia.

In the 17-19 centuries. on the territory of Zambia, the first state formations arose: Barotse and Lunda. The first Europeans in Zambia in the 18th century. the Portuguese arrived. In con. 1880s the territory inhabited by the Bantu tribes fell under British rule.

Since 1911 Zambia was called Northern Rhodesia, in 1924-1964 - a British protectorate. In 1964, the independence of Zambia was proclaimed. In 1972, the ruling United National Independence Party (UNIP), headed by its leader K. Kaunda, proclaimed a one-party system. It was enshrined in the 1973 Constitution. The basis of the activity of the party and government was declared the system of "Zambian humanism", building a classless society. After the collapse of the socialist world in 1990, changes began in Zambia: the activities of other political parties were allowed, multi-party elections were held. UNIP lost the 1992 elections.

The country is divided into nine provinces. The capital and largest city is Lusaka.

Geological structure and minerals

Zambia is located in the south of the African Platform, stable blocks are distinguished on its territory (the Kasai massif in the west of the country and the Bangweulu craton in the northeast), mobile folded belts (Ubendi, Kibali-Damara, Mozambique) and the Lufilian arc. The Archean basement of the Kasai massif is overlain by Upper Proterozoic deposits (Katanga system), which are associated with stratiform deposits of copper ores, and Permian-Triassic deposits (Kappy system). The Bangweulu craton is composed of Archean metamorphic formations overlain by Lower Proterozoic complexes. Manganese ore deposits are associated with Proterozoic volcanics within the massif; there are also deposits of lead and zinc ores. The Ubendian folded belt occupies an insignificant northeastern part of the country; it is composed of Archean and Lower Riphean metamorphic formations. The Kibali-Damara belt stretches across the country in a northeasterly direction from the border with Namibia to Tanzania. Its structure includes Archean gneisses and Proterozoic metamorphic formations. Intrusive formations are developed - granitoids of the Archean, Early and Late Proterozoic, syenites, gabbro and dolerites of the Late Archean and Proterozoic.

Deposits of ores of beryllium and muscovite are associated with ancient granitoids, with late Proterozoic granitoids - ores of iron, non-ferrous metals, gold, with the main intrusions of the Late Proterozoic - copper. In the extreme northeast of the belt (Isoki region), massifs of Late Proterozoic carbonatites with signs of rare-metal mineralization and apatite are known. Within the belt are the Zambezi, Lukusashi-Luano, Luangwa grabens filled with Permian-Triassic Kappy deposits. Coal deposits are confined to them. The Mozambique belt can be traced mainly in the submeridional direction in the east of the country. It is composed of Archean and Proterozoic metamorphic formations, reworked at the end of the Proterozoic - beginning of the Paleozoic, and granitoids of various ages. There are also small intrusions of Late Proterozoic syenites and Late Archean dolerite dikes. Within the belt, deposits of ores of gold and polymetals, muscovite, beryllium, and graphite have been discovered. The Lufilian structural arc, located in the north of the country, approaches the Kibali-Damara belt in its middle part (the region of the city of Kabwe). Its structure includes Upper Proterozoic deposits of the Katanga system, Archean metamorphic formations, and granitoids of various ages. Terrigenous weakly metamorphosed deposits of Katanga are crumpled into transverse (in relation to the Kibali-Damara belt) folds; the famous stratiform deposits of copper ores are localized in them. Within the arc, deposits of ores of iron, uranium, lead and zinc are also known. (Figure 2).

Hydrogeology

The main water-bearing complex in the northwestern part of the country is represented by terrigenous-carbonate strata of the Upper Proterozoic. The depth of water occurrence varies from 20–25 to 180 m. In the mines of the Kabwe, Nkana, Chingola deposits, the average water inflow is 50 thousand m 3 /day, in Konkola - 340 thousand m 3 /day. Fresh water (up to 1 g / l), according to the composition HCO 3 - -SO 4 2+ -Ca 2+ -Na +. In the east of the country, the fissure waters of the zone of exogenous fracturing of crystalline Precambrian rocks are widely developed. The thickness of the zone is up to 50 m, the depth is 15–20 m. The flow rates of wells and wells rarely exceed 1–2 l/s. Fresh water, composition HCO 3 - -Na + -Mg 2+. In the southwest of Zambia, the main aquifer is represented by eolian Quaternary-Neogene formations ("Kalahari Sands"). The horizon has a sporadic distribution. The water depth varies from 10–12 to 35 m or more. Flow rates of wells are up to 1–1.2 l/s. The waters are brackish (1–3 g/l), mainly Cl - -HCO 3 - -Na + . Quite numerous sources of nitrogen thermal underground waters are known in the northwest and south of the country. Underground flow module from 0.3 to 3.2 l / s km 2.

Relief

Zambia is located on the high plateau of Central Africa, at an average height of 1200 meters, into which the Zambezi River (and its tributaries Kafue and Luangwa) and the Luapula River cut deeply. The Zambezi flows to the south, with a subsequent turn to the east. There are three lakes in the north: Tanganyika, Mweru and Bangweulu. Lake Kariba stretches along the southern border. The country rises to a higher plateau in the east.

On the territory of the country, according to the features of the relief, three orographic regions are distinguished:

mountains from a height of more than 1500 meters;

plateau with a height of 900 to 1500 meters;

· elevated plains with a height of 400 to 900 meters (Figure 3).

Climate

The climate of Zambia is subequatorial, which is determined by its position between 8 ° and 18 ° south latitude. In winter, a deep anticyclone dominates the entire territory, preventing the penetration of humid tropical air masses from both the Indian Ocean and the Congo basin.

In summer, wet monsoons from the northeast and southeast trade winds invade Zambia. Winds from any direction can bring heavy rain. Western winds are rare in Zambia, so the country does not suffer from dry hot winds from the Kalahari. The main reasons for the frequent droughts can be either a strong delay of the monsoons (until mid-December), or their weak saturation with moisture.

Three seasons are clearly distinguished in Zambia: cold and dry - from May to August (winter), hot and dry - from September to November (spring), warm and humid - from December to April (summer). On average, the temperature in the country (in Celsius) fluctuates in the cold months from +16 to +27 °C, in the hot months - from +27 to +38 °C. The amplitude of temperature fluctuations by seasons is within + 8-10 ° С. The best time of the year is the period at the junction of summer and winter (April - May), when the rains stop after the receding monsoons.

The dry season is the longest. It lasts from May to November and includes cold winters and hot springs. During this time, not a single rain falls in the country. From the end of May to the end of August the weather is cloudless, during the day the temperature everywhere exceeds +20 °C. Clear weather contributes to a strong cooling of the inland regions, and the night temperature on the watershed plateaus and in the valleys drops to + 4-7 ° С. From mid-August, the temperature begins to rise rapidly: daytime, as a rule, reaches +30-35 °С (in the Zambezi valley up to +40 °С), nighttime temperature does not fall below +20 °С; the amplitude of diurnal fluctuations decreases. September - October are the driest months for all regions of Zambia.

Clear sunny weather is typical for all seasons. The average duration of sunshine is at least 50% of the daylight hours during the wet season, due to the stormy nature of precipitation, and reaches 95% in the dry season.

Average relative humidity in Zambia ranges from 60 to 80% during the wet season and from 30 to 70% during the hot season. However, the daily course of relative humidity fluctuates sharply, decreasing during the first half of the day by 30-40%.

During the warm wet season, frequent heavy rains and thunderstorms are common. During the cool dry season, in places sheltered from the wind, frost may occur. The landscapes are gradually drying up and feature this time of year are steppe fires. In relief depressions, on cloudless nights, radiation frosts form. Temperatures rise during the hot dry season. The main growing season of woody vegetation covers the period from August to November.

Annual precipitation decreases on average from 1200 mm in the north to 600 mm in the south. On the territory of Zambia, the following regions are distinguished by the amount of annual precipitation:

plateau with the highest amount of precipitation;

plateau with average rainfall;

· mountain sands of the Kalahari with a high amount of precipitation;

· Kalahari with average rainfall;

· Valleys with the least rainfall.

Average temperatures largely depend on the height of the plateau. The maximum variation is from 15°C to 27°C in the cool season with morning and evening temperatures from 6°C to 10°C, with night frosts in valleys and hollows that are sheltered from the wind.

During the hot season, maximum temperatures can vary from 27°C to 35°C. However, the average annual temperature ranges from 18 to 20 °C. The highest average annual temperature is 32°C and the lowest average temperature is 4°C.

Figure 4 - Precipitation (http://www.fews.net)

surface water

Zambia has rich water resources. More than 4/5 of the country's territory belongs to the river basin. Zambezi and its major tributaries - Luangwa, Kafue and Kabompo.

The origins of the river Zambezi (length 2660 km) are located in the extreme north-west of Zambia, near Kalene - Hill (about 1400 m above sea level). From its source to Victoria Falls (1200 m), the Zambezi flows through a gently sloping, sometimes swampy plain. During the summer rains, the upper Zambezi overflows its banks and floods the Barotse plain. The flood zone, saturated with silt, stretches for hundreds of kilometers along both banks and has a depth of up to 4–5 m and a width of 16–48 km. (Figure 5).

Figure 5 - Hydrographic network (http://www.victoriafalls24.com)

Starting from the rapids of Katima and up to the mouth of the river. The Luangwa Zambezi is a border river with Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. On this segment, only its left tributaries flow through the territory of Zambia. The exception is the Chobe River. Downstream of the Zambezi is the Victoria Falls, the largest in the world. Its width is about 1700 m, and the fall height is 120–130 m, which is one and a half times wider and twice as high as Niagara Falls in North America. The wall of water falls into a narrow and winding basalt canyon, forming giant columns of water dust, and then rushes at great speed through eight gorges, collectively referred to as the Batoka Gorge. On the rapids below the waterfall, the Victoria Falls hydroelectric power station was built.

Downstream, the gorges of the Kariba gorge begin. Before the Kariba Gorge was filled with water, the width of the Zambezi in this place did not exceed 50-90 m. Then a dam was built in this area and the Kariba reservoir was formed (it was built in 1958-1963) - the third largest artificial lake in the world with an area of ​​4450 square meters. km with a maximum length of 300 km and a width of 32 km. It is fed by the Zambezi and numerous small rivers flowing into it. The waters of the Caribbean are currently used for electricity generation, irrigation, shipping and fishing.

The Zambezi receives two largest left tributaries behind the Kariba: Kafue (about 1000 km) and Luangwa (770 km). The main agricultural regions of the country are located in their basins; they are navigable. On the river Kafue built the largest hydroelectric power station in Zambia and a reservoir; the river is the source of water supply for the Copperbelt industrial region, the Central Province and the country's capital, Lusaka.

The rivers of Zambia are fed mainly by precipitation, so their regime is very uneven. The maximum flow of Zambezi water falls on March-April, but this is not typical even for the upper reaches of the river itself, and even more so for other rivers. The flood on medium rivers is usually delayed by a month and a half compared to the beginning of the rainy season and begins in late December-January.

The lakes of Zambia - Bangweulu, Mweru, Tanganyika are among the seven largest lakes in Africa. Among them, only Fr. Bangweulu is located entirely within the country.

Soils

The main part of the territory of Zambia is occupied by latitudinal zonal red-brown soils of dry tropical forests. Two types of soils have the greatest fertility: dark red ferrallites and tropical hydromorphic soils.

Alluvial soils are found in the valleys of the river. Zambezi and R. Luangwa and their tributaries and r. Luapula. In some places in the Luangwa Valley, the soils are poorly drained and form salt marshes.

Marsh soils are widespread in the flooded valleys of the Zambezi and its tributaries in the Western Province, around the main lakes. These soils cannot be used for agriculture without prior drainage and cultivation, although they are quite rich in humus. Indigenous peoples have long practiced traditional farming systems such as the “lake basin system” on such soils.

For Zambia, as for most of Africa south of the Sahara, soils are typical, poor in elements of both ash and organic nutrition of crops, their layer is thin and easily subject to depletion and destruction. (Figure 6).

Flora and fauna

The main type of vegetation in Zambia is the sparse, dry and light miombo rainforest. The plateau is dominated by brachystegia (legume family), trees are scattered at considerable distances from each other. There are many vines and shrubs in the undergrowth of miombo. Herbs are mostly perennial, tall (up to 3 m).

In Zambia, there are few forest areas with a dense, closed forest stand. Closed deciduous forests consist of Rhodesian teak and some other hardwood species. There are some types of kigelia - with leathery leaves up to 70 cm long and large flowers pollinated by a nectary bird. Fruits 70-80 cm long hang on long stalks and resemble sausages, for which kigelia is called the "sausage tree".

Dry evergreen forests of low-growing cryptosepalum and vines with relatively dense shrub undergrowth and sparse herbage predominate on the Barotse and Sesheke plains.

Secondary forests have become widespread in Zambia. A year or two after deforestation and burning of forests with the use of various systems of slash-and-burn agriculture, soil fertility drops and areas are overgrown with weeds, and then light-loving trees - pterocarpus, parinari and others.

Tropical woodland (bush) and dry savannahs, rivers and lakes create a favorable habitat for many animal species, most of which are endemic. There are especially many large animals in Zambia. Herbivores of the savannas are giraffes, rhinos, zebras, antelopes, etc. Among them are the largest African elephants - savannas, or shrubs, with characteristic large ears. Zambia has one of the largest populations of elephants of this species, but it is declining: in 1986 there were over 100 thousand of them, by 1991 no more than 25 thousand remained. and other animals. The African elephant is listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The black rhinoceros is even rarer. Currently, it can be found in protected reserves along the banks of the river. Zambezi and Luangwa National Park. The number of black rhinos in Zambia is in sharp decline. This animal is listed in the Red Book.

Various antelopes live in the Zambian bush - impala, kudu, waterbucks. One of the species of goats - red lychee - is listed in the IUCN Red List.
The country of many rivers, lakes and swamps is rich in such species of herbivores as hippos and buffaloes, whose life is closely connected with water.
Among predators (leopards, hyenas, jackals, lions, etc.), the largest of the land predators in Africa is the lion. In Zambia, its range is almost continuous, the main livestock is concentrated in reserves and national parks (Kafue, Luangwa). In Zambia, there is the fastest animal on earth - the cheetah. The range covers almost all of Africa, but the cheetah is close to extinction.

There are many different reptiles in Zambia - cobras, pythons, lizards. For the most part, they inhabit the savannah, they also live in more humid areas. Among them are tree cobra, black and green mamba (black is considered the fastest, green one is one of the most poisonous snakes on the planet), as well as hieroglyphic python (up to 6 m long).

Zambia is home to many species of African birds. The heaviest of all flying birds, the African bustard, lives in the bush, and the African ostrich is often found. Many species of rare birds, for example, the hornbill, the fishing eagle, the Tate's falcon, etc. The fishing eagle is depicted on the national flag of Zambia. The Tate's falcon, the rarest bird on the planet, breeds in Zambia.

At Victoria Falls, small animals similar to marmots - hyraxes are found in abundance. In the dry savannah, there are many rodents, such as porcupines.
In Zambia, there are baboons, or yellow baboons, a blind snake, a waterbuck. In need of water, during a drought, huge herds of elephants and buffaloes migrate to more humid forests and mountains, especially in the area of ​​the national park near the lake. Mveru and lake. Bangweulu.

The aquatic fauna is very rich. Crocodiles are common in large reservoirs, and dwarf crocodiles listed in the Red Book inhabit swamps. Turtles (spotted, black, swamp), snakes live everywhere. All inland waters are exceptionally rich in fish. More than 20 families of fish are found here, but not many have commercial value, such as capenta and tilapia. Capenta is a small fish similar to a sardine and is the main source of protein food for the local population. Marine fish rise up the Zambezi, including the Zambezi shark. In seasonal swamps, in the river. The Zambezi is one of the oldest fish on the planet, the lungfish protoptera. It is interesting that in dry times it is simply dug out of holes in the ground. Catfish, tiger fish, brim are bred in the ponds.

Zambia has a huge variety of insects. Many of them bring considerable harm to humans. Among them are termites, which build gigantic tower-type buildings up to 6 m high in the bush. There are many insects that carry infectious diseases - malaria and tropical fever. There are red locusts. However, the main danger is the tsetse fly, which carries the causative agent of sleeping sickness, against which there are still few effective therapeutic agents. Chemical control measures are used in the most contaminated areas, but chemicals often destroy beneficial flora and fauna.

Figure 6 - soil cover

Zambia is an African country known for the diversity and richness of its wildlife. It is here, in the heart of Africa, that the famous Victoria Falls is located, which since the time of the great discoverer David Livingstone has attracted tourists from all over the world.

Tourism is an important sector of the Zambian economy. Tours to Zambia are made, first of all, with the aim of looking at one of the "wonders of the world" - Victoria Falls. This spectacle is especially striking in April-May, when the Zambezi River is full and the mass of water rushing down from a height into the abyss increases. However, at the end of the dry season, from October to December, you can clearly see and appreciate the magnificence of the outlines of the rocks and gorges of the waterfall, so this time can also be considered successful for a tour to Zambia. The waterfall is located on the territory of the national park, where wild animals live, therefore, travelers making tours to Zambia also have the opportunity to go on a safari in the park. It should be noted that there are a lot of options for active and even extreme recreation in Zambia. Among them are flights over the waterfall in a balloon, microlight or helicopter, and rafting on the Zambezi River, and abseiling...

Geographical position: The Republic of Zambia is a state in Central Africa. It borders Angola to the west, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west and north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, and Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the south. Most of the country is located on a hilly plateau, dropping to the south. Areas of elevated relief include the famous Copper Belt and the picturesque Nyik Plateau on the border with Malawi, on which the country's highest point, Mwanda Peak (2150 m.), is located. The total area of ​​the country is 752.6 thousand square meters. km. The total length of the border is 5,664 km. Zambia owns lakes: Bangweulu, Mweru, partly Tanganyika and Kariba. The main rivers are Luangwa, Zambezi, Kafue.

Capital: Lusaka. Political, industrial and cultural center of the country. Lusaka is the largest city in Zambia with a population of about 2 million people. The city is located in the central part of the country.

Language: English (the official language) is used even in remote areas, and more than 70 local languages ​​and dialects are also widely used.

Religion: Christianity (Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Adventists, Pentecostals from the Assembly of God, Church of God, etc.) and Christian-African cultures make up 50-75% of the population, Muslims make up about 5%. There are adherents of Hinduism and Sikhs. In addition, there is a small number of Jews, mostly Ashkenazi Jews. The Bahá'ís make up 1.5% of the population.

Time: The time difference in Zambia is -2 hours (relative to Moscow time). The entire territory of the country is in the same time zone. The country does not implement summer/winter time, so the time difference remains the same throughout the year.

Climate: The climate is sub-equatorial with three distinct seasons: dry (mid-April to August) when temperatures drop a lot at night, but the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (from September to mid-November) is the best time to enjoy the views of wildlife, as the flora is stunted and does not interfere with observing nature with the naked eye; and the rainy season (mid-November to mid-April) is an ideal period for birdwatching in natural habitats. Temperatures fluctuate from +15 C in July to +27 C in October, daily fluctuations are insignificant. Annual rainfall in the north reaches 1500 mm, and in the south - 700 mm. The best time to visit the country is from August to October or during the cool and dry months of May to August.

Currency: The official currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK), which is equal to 100 ngwee. There are banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha. 1 US$ is approximately equal to 2000 kwacha. It is best to change the currency in banks (from 08:15 to 14:30 from Monday to Friday, from 08:15 to 10:30 on the first and last Saturday of the month) and exchange offices. On the street, you are likely to be deceived. Credit cards and travelers checks are generally only accepted at hotels and restaurants in Lusaka. Using them in other cities causes a lot of difficulties. Large branches have ATMs that accept Visa cards. It is better not to bring the euro into the country, the exchange rate of this currency is simply predatory.

Mains voltage and socket type: 220/230 V, AC frequency - 50 Hz; there are three types of sockets (C, D, G) with two or three sockets (for types D and G, adapters for Russian plugs are required).

Customs: Import foreign exchange unlimited (declaration required). Allowed export of imported foreign currency, import and export national currency limited. Duty-free import is allowed: cigarettes - up to 200 pcs. or tobacco - 450 gr., alcoholic beverages - 1 bottle (uncorked), food, items and household items - within the limits of personal needs. The import of firearms and drugs is prohibited.

It is forbidden to export precious and ornamental stones in their raw form (emerald, aquamarine, tourmaline, malachite, amethyst are mined in the country and are considered a strategic commodity), ivory products - 1 pc. (requires permission from the authorities), skins of wild animals, souvenir coins (only if you have an account from specially authorized stores).

Population and culture: The population is 12.1 million (July 2010 estimate). About 9.3 million people, mostly peoples of the Bantu group, united in several large ethnic communities: Bemba (in the north and center), Tonga (in the south and center), Malawi and Ngoni (in the east), Lozi ( in the west) - a total of approximately 35 different ethnic groups. Ethnic composition: Bemba 35%, Tonga 15%, Malawi 14%, Lozi 9%, other African peoples. Whites - 0.3%, Asians - 0.2% (according to the 2000 census).

The Bantu peoples inhabiting the territory of modern Zambia have a distinctive material and spiritual culture. Already from ancient times, they knew the smelting of metals, blacksmithing and pottery. The lozi had developed intensive irrigated agriculture and cattle breeding. Other peoples also practiced agriculture. The peoples of Zambia have a rich tradition of oral folk art and artistic crafts. Wood carving, weaving of decorative baskets, and pottery are especially developed. The original literature develops. The works of A. Sh. Krips, G. Gouldsbury, and others are known. Literature is being created in the Bemba, Tonga, Lozi, and Nyanja languages. In December 1975, the first drama theater "Tikviza" appeared in Lusaka. The country has made a huge leap in the development of education. During the colonial period, most Africans were illiterate. Currently, over 80% of school-age children attend school. In 1965, a university was opened in Lusaka, and the Zambian intelligentsia was being formed.

Kitchen: Traditional Zambian cuisine revolves around one staple, corn, served in one form, nsima (nshi-i-ima). Nshima is like thick oatmeal rolled into balls and added to stew - relishes. Relishes come in the form of beef, chicken or fish. In addition, beans, tiny dried fish (kapenta), peanuts, pumpkin leaves (chibwabwa) and other vegetables such as okra (ndelele), cabbage are added to nshima. Local restaurants offer nshima dishes and relishes for less than 5,000 kwanchas ($1). Of course, Western cuisine can also be enjoyed in Zambia, especially in the main cities, Lusaka or Livingston. Including fast food, pizza, chicken. Ethnic eateries are also popular, for example, in Lusaka.

Drinks are traditional: juices, mineral water, Coca-Cola, but the latter is sold mostly in glass containers, which must be returned. The most popular beer in Zambia is Mosi, a 4% pale lager available everywhere. Eagle (5.5%), Zambezi Lager are also known, Castle from South Africa is also found. All this can be found for about $1 in a store or $1-2 in a bar. Close to the borders you'll find good Carlsberg from Malawi, Simba (excellent, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Kilimanjaro (a lager from Tanzania) and Tusker (Kenya).

Tips: Payment for services (about 10%) is most often already included in the bill in most restaurants, additional tips are not required. In the case of using a taxi, it is recommended to agree on the cost of the trip with the driver in advance or round the amount up. In the markets and in small private shops, it is recommended to bargain - this is not only a common, but also an expected procedure.

Souvenirs: A magnet with Zambian symbols is sold in all souvenir shops in the country and is very affordable. Ritual African masks are a popular souvenir from Zambia among Western tourists. In addition to purely aesthetic value, each mask has a certain magical meaning (protection from evil, intimidation of enemies, help of spirits), which is better to clarify before buying. Ivory carvings for sale. Ivory in Zambia is a resource of special state control (only 1 item is allowed to be taken out of the country). Require official papers when buying a similar souvenir in Zambia. Traditional drums (djembe, budima) are not only a great souvenir from Zambia, but also a living symbol of African culture, which will allow you to join it directly. You can buy jewelry made by hand using traditional technology using local semi-precious stones.

Air travel: There are no direct flights from Russia to Zambia, you will need a connection in one of the European cities: for example, with British Airways in London or with KLM in Amsterdam. The approximate cost of a Moscow-Lusaka flight in both directions is $1,200-1,400. Flights via Johannesburg (South Africa) are in the greatest demand. Zambia's main international airport is located in the capital Lusaka, although flights from some international airlines also land at Livingston (near Victoria Falls), Mfuwe (near South Luangwa National Park) and Ndola. Air Zimbabwe flies to Lusaka (US$150/295) from Harare, Kenya every Thursday. Air Malawi connects Lusaka with Lilongwe (Malawi) three times a week (US$150/200) and with Blantyre (Malawi; US$185/299) twice a week. Comair (a British Airways affiliate) and South African Airways fly daily from Lusaka to Johannesburg (South Africa) for approximately US$200/295, and also offer flights to Victoria Falls in Livingston.

Economic and geographical position

Zambia is a country located in South Africa. The country has a tropical climate and no access to the sea. Zambia borders countries such as:

• Republic of the Congo;
• Malawi;
• Zimbabwe;
• Tanzania;
• Botswana;
• Namibia;
• Angola;
• Mozambique.

The territory of the country is 752.614 thousand square meters. km. It covers a larger area than a combination of European countries such as Ukraine, Greece and Montenegro, making Zambia the 39th largest country in the world.

The capital of Zambia is the city of Lusaka, located in the south-central part of the country. Zambia lies mostly on a plateau with an average altitude of 1000 to 1360 m above sea level. Higher terrain is the Mafinga Hills, which are located on the border with Malawi (to the east).

Figure 1. Geographic location of Zambia. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

The country's economy depends on the export of non-ferrous metallurgy and mining products. Due to the lack of access to the sea, products have to be exported through the ports of Tanzania.

Until 2014, Zambia's economy was one of the fastest growing. Its growth slowed down between 2015 and 2017 due to falling copper prices and reduced electricity generation. Dependence on copper as the only major export makes the country's economy very vulnerable. At the moment, the price of copper has stabilized, production in the manufacturing industry has expanded, which has led to economic growth. However, widespread poverty in rural areas and high level Unemployment remains a serious problem for the country.

Remark 1

Zambia is among the poorest countries in the world. The viability of its economy is largely supported by assistance from the United States, the European Union, Canada, Japan, the IBRD and the IMF.

Industry

The main industries in Zambia are:

• mining;
• processing.

Mining industry. Zambia's economy is completely dependent on its mining sector and in particular its copper mines. Mining accounts for about 15% of the country's GDP and about 80% of its export earnings.

Zambia is Africa's largest producer of copper and cobalt. Mining companies in Zambia are focused on extracting the country's vast copper and uranium deposits, as well as more limited gold and nickel deposits.

The country has large high-quality deposits of copper ore, which is exported. However, copper export revenues remain unstable due to possible drops in copper prices.

Zambia is the world's largest producer of cobalt, producing about 5,000 tons per year of this valuable strategic metal: about 20% of the world's total production. It is usually produced as a by-product of copper or nickel mines.

Huge reserves of coal are located in the south, in the Gwembe region (in the Maamba mine). The mine has a capacity of one million tons per year, but it has long been noted that its production could increase significantly if modern machinery and better practices are introduced.

Zambia has various natural resources. The reserves of amethyst, fluorite, gypsum, aquamarine, lead, zinc, tin and gold, as well as various precious stones, however, are small, however, some of them are commercially exploited. The exception is emeralds, which are very abundant in Zambia. However, about half of them are smuggled out of the country.

Manufacturing industry. Zambian manufacturing includes goods for the commercial sector and the conversion of raw materials into finished products in Zambian factories (usually on a large scale). These finished products may be used to manufacture other, more complex products or sold to wholesalers, retailers or consumers within Zambia and abroad. The factories process agricultural raw materials, produce drinks, cigarettes and paper. There are also companies that import manufactured goods from outside Zambia.

The largest Zambian factories include:

• copper processing plant;
• ferrous metallurgy plant;
• fertilizer plant and textile mill;
• car assembly plants;
• Refinery;
• cement factory;
• Glass factory;
• sugar factories.

Sustained growth in manufacturing and other industries requires improved access to finance and continued reforms to increase private sector participation. However, high interest rates in Zambia, access to credit continues to be an issue for small businesses.

Agriculture

In the early 21st century, Zambia's agricultural sector established itself as the country's first employer, employing more than 3 million people, representing 66.5% of the country's workforce.

The Zambian agricultural sector includes crop production, animal husbandry and fishing. The main crop in the country is corn. Cotton, soybeans, tobacco, paprika are also grown everywhere. They produce sunflower seeds, coffee, fruits, other vegetables and flowers. Zambia is one of largest exporters seeds in Africa.

47% of the country's territory is occupied by fertile lands. Of these, only 6% are processed. Climatic conditions allow growing various crops, including not only corn, but also rice, wheat, peanuts, sugarcane, and millet. Cattle breeding is developing in the central and southern parts of Zambia. Severe damage is caused to agriculture due to frequent droughts, during this period this industry is inefficient and therefore part of the products has to be imported.

Although Agriculture is Zambia's main growth driver, it continues to suffer from inefficient rural infrastructure and droughts.

In order to improve infrastructure efficiency, the government increased budget appropriations for agriculture by 6.1%, with the bulk of the funding going to the farmer support program.