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Area: 752,600 sq km (290,600 sq mi)
Population: 9,663,535
Capital city: Lusaka (pop 2 million)
People: African (98%, including Lozi, Ngoni, Tonga, Lunda, Bemba, Kaonde, Luvale), European (1%)
Languages: English, over 70 indigenous languages
Religion: Christian (50-75%), Muslim and Hindu 24-49%), indigenous beliefs (1%)
Government: Republic
President: Frederick T.J. Chiluba

GDP: US$8.3 billion
GDP per head: US$880
Annual growth:-2%
Inflation: 43.9%
Major industries: Copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer
Major trading partners: Japan, South Africa, USA, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, UK, Zimbabwe

Among Zambia's most important public holidays are New Year's Day (1 January), Heroes' Day and Unity Day (first Monday and Tuesday in July) and Independence Day (24 October). During N'Cwala, held on 24 February, the chief of the Ngoni people samples the year's first fresh produce and commemorates the Ngoni's entrance into Zambia in 1835. Marked by feasts, music and some of the best dancing in the country, the ceremonies are held in Mutenguleni, 15km (10mi) south-west of Chipata. During the Ku-omboka, the Lozi chief and his family paddle along canals from Lealui to their residence in Limulunga, where they wait out the rainy season. In early March, anglers set their poles for the Zambia National Fishing Competition held on Lake Tanganyika. Zambia celebrates the anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity on African Freedom Day (25 May).

Traveling Guidelines

Visas: Most visitors need visas, which are good for three months, plus an International Health Certificate showing proof of a yellow fever vaccination within the past 10 years.
Health risks: Cholera, malaria, polio, typhoid, yellow fever
Time: GMT/UTC plus two hours
Electricity: 220/240V, 50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

If you want to spot the big game, August to October are the best times to visit, though it gets into the low 30s°C (high 80s°F) during the day by the end of that period. If you want cooler weather and greener landscapes, visit during the cool, dry months of May to August. Don't bother going during the November to April rainy season - many rural roads become impassable rivers of mud and most of the national parks are closed. That said, November to December is the best time for birdwatching, but there's pretty good birding year-round.