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There are about 35 different ethnic groups or tribes in Zambia, all with their own languages. Main groups and languages include Bemba in the north and centre, Tonga in the south, Nyanja in the east, and Lozi in the west. English is now the national language and is widely spoken, even in remote areas. About two-thirds of the country is Christian, though many combine that with traditional animist beliefs.

A lot of traditional Zambian music is heavily rhythmic, usually played on drums, whistles and thumb pianos, and nearly always to accompany dancing. One of the most popular styles, however, is an import from the Democratic Republic of the Congo - the rumba.

Porridge is the staple dish in Zambia, commonly made from maize (nshima) or sorghum. It's typically eaten by dipping your right hand into a communal pot of porridge, rolling it into a ball and plunking it into a sauce of meat or vegetables. Fish is a local specialty. Popular freshwater varities include bream, lake salmon and Nile perch.