What is Zambia?
Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by eight countries: Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe to the south, Botswana and Namibia to the southwest, Angola to the west, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north. Zambia is known for its rich mineral resources, particularly copper, and stunning landscapes, including the world-famous Victoria Falls. It is one of Africa’s most stable countries, with a history of peaceful transitions of power.
Administrative Divisions
Zambia is divided into 10 provinces, which are further subdivided into districts. The provinces are:
- Central
- Copperbelt
- Eastern
- Luapula
- Lusaka
- Muchinga
- Northern
- Northwestern
- Southern
- Western
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
- Symbol: ZK
- Subunit: 1 Kwacha = 100 ngwee
- Central Bank: Bank of Zambia (BoZ)
Type of Government
Zambia is a presidential republic with a multi-party political system. The President is both the head of state and government. The country’s government is characterized by a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Zambia has had a history of peaceful democratic elections and is recognized as one of the more stable countries in Africa.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
- President: The President is the head of state and government and serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The President has significant executive powers, including overseeing foreign relations and setting government policies.
- Vice President: The Vice President assists the President and steps in when the President is absent.
- Cabinet Ministers: Ministers head various government departments and are responsible for implementing government policies.
Legislative Branch
Zambia has a bicameral Parliament, consisting of two chambers:
- National Assembly: Composed of 156 members, who are elected for a five-year term. The National Assembly is responsible for passing laws and approving the budget.
- National Council: This chamber serves as the upper house and is composed of 8 representatives, with the role of offering advice and reviewing proposed legislation.
Judicial Branch
Zambia’s judicial system is independent and is based on English common law. The judiciary includes:
- Supreme Court: The highest court in Zambia.
- High Court: Deals with more serious civil and criminal cases.
- Subordinate Courts: Handle less serious civil and criminal cases.
International Memberships
Zambia is a member of various international organizations, including:
- United Nations (UN)
- African Union (AU)
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- Commonwealth of Nations
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
Military Structure
Zambia’s military is known as the Zambia Defence Force (ZDF) and consists of:
- Zambia Army
- Zambia Air Force
- Zambia National Service
The military’s primary role is to protect the nation from external threats, but it also plays a role in internal security and peacekeeping missions in the region.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 991
- Medical Emergency: 990
- Fire: 992
SWOT Analysis of Zambia
Strengths
- Rich natural resources, especially copper, cobalt, and other minerals, providing economic potential.
- Stable political environment with peaceful transitions of power.
- Strong focus on education and health, with an increasing emphasis on infrastructure development.
- Stunning natural attractions, including Victoria Falls, making Zambia a key destination for eco-tourism.
Weaknesses
- Over-reliance on copper exports, making the economy vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations.
- High levels of poverty, especially in rural areas, and unemployment.
- Corruption and inadequate governance in some sectors.
- Limited access to quality healthcare and education in remote areas.
Opportunities
- Expanding tourism, particularly through eco-tourism and adventure tourism around natural wonders like Victoria Falls and game reserves.
- Diversification of the economy by investing in agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors.
- Potential for regional economic integration through the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
- Investment in infrastructure development, particularly roads, power, and telecommunications.
Threats
- Economic vulnerability due to dependence on copper exports and global price fluctuations.
- Climate change and environmental factors, such as droughts, which impact agriculture and water resources.
- Political instability and corruption could undermine government credibility.
- Health challenges, including the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Additional Information
- Official Language: English
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT) – UTC +2
- National Anthem: “Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free”