Zambia
Zambia
Zambia
producer and home to the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural
Wonders of the World.
The Victoria Falls - also known locally as the ''Smoke that Thunders'' - are to
be found along the Zambezi River and have UNESCO World Heritage status.
They are one of the country's many natural features which have been enticing
a growing number of tourists, along with the wide variety of wildlife to be found
in large game parks.
Another draw for visitors is the fact that Zambia has been peaceful and
generally trouble-free, especially compared to most of the eight neighbours
with which it shares a border.
The area was colonised in the 1800s and ruled by Britain as Northern
Rhodesia until 1964, when it made a peaceful transition to independence.
At a glance
Politics: Michael Sata won the presidency in 2011, unseating a government that had been in
power for 20 years
Economy: Improved copper prices and investment in mining have improved prospects for
export earnings
International: Thousands of refugees from the Angolan civil war have yet to return home
Country profiles compiled by BBC Monitoring
Economy
Kenneth Kaunda - who led the country at independence and for the next three
decades - introduced central planning into the economy and nationalised key
sectors including the copper mines. His policies, together with a drop in
copper prices, are blamed for the country's economic woes during his time.
The country was also made to suffer for its support of liberation movements
trying to remove white rule in South Africa and what is now Zimbabwe.
The country's economic fortunes began to change in the late 1990s when the
privatisation of the mining sector began to draw in foreign investment and
improve output. Government support for agriculture is also said to have
contributed to economic growth, averaging around 6% a year in recent years.
China in particular has invested heavily in Zambia, creating jobs and new
infrastructure. Census date suggests about 100,000 Chinese live in the
country, and about 500 firms are active in sectors across the economy.
Politics
President Kaunda imposed single-party socialism, in which his United National
Independence Party (UNIP) was the only legal political party within a ''one-
party participatory democracy''.
The elections were marred by outbursts of violence which left two people
dead, but the new president was sworn in within hours of the election result
being declared.
Mr Sata became president on his fourth try, having previously been a member
of the governing party. He vowed to transform the fortunes of Zambia, which is
one of the world's largest producers of copper.
Although apparently showing signs of his age when he was elected at 74, Mr
Sata tapped into the grievances of the youth and the urban poor who feel left
out of the impressive economic growth in Africa's biggest copper producing
nation.
The Patriotic Front has vowed to bring back a 25% windfall tax on mining
revenues that Banda's government abolished in 2009.
The increase in copper prices since then - from around $3,000 a tonne to
almost $10,000 - and the friendly tax regime have drawn a rush of foreign and
investment to Zambia, particularly from China.
Mr Sata's critics fear that this strong-willed firebrand, who has openly
expressed his admiration for Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, could
prove to be an authoritarian president. But analysts said Mr Sata has muted
many of his toughest stances in recent years.
12th Century - Shona people arrive in the area, later establishing the empire
of the Mwene Mutapa, which includes southern Zambia.
16th Century - Arrival of peoples from Luba and Lunda empires of Zaire to
set up small kingdoms.
Copper discovered
1889 - Britain establishes control over Northern Rhodesia, administering the
area using a system of indirect rule which leaves power in the hands of local
rulers.
1972 - Zambia becomes a one-party state, with UNIP as the only legal party.
Independence leader
Kenneth Kaunda (right), pictured with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, was in power between
1964 and 1991
1999 - A high court sentences 59 soldiers to death after they are found guilty
of treason for the failed coup attempt in 1997.
2000 May - Fighting between Angolan forces and UNITA rebels spills over into
Zambian territory.
2000 July - Environment Minister Ben Mwila expelled from the MMD and
dropped from the cabinet after announcing his intention to run for president in
2001.
Chiluba trouble
2001 May - Setback for governing Movement for Multi-party Democracy as
senior members hive off to create Forum for Democracy and Development.
They're opposed to Chiluba's bid for a third term in office.
2001 July - Paul Tembo, former campaign manager for Chiluba who joined the
opposition, is murdered shortly before he is due to testify against three
ministers in a high-level corruption case.
2001 July - Zambia appeals for aid to feed some 2 million people after poor
harvests caused by floods and drought.
2007 May - The High Court in Britain rules that former president Frederick
Chiluba and four of his aides conspired to rob Zambia of about $46 million.
Change of government
2011 September - Michael Sata becomes president.