Zambia: flag, capital, currency and history
Zambia, officially the Republic of Zambia, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Lusaka. The currency is the Zambian kwacha. Languages spoken include English.
Quick facts about Zambia
- Official name
- Republic of Zambia
- Capital
- Lusaka
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Zambian kwacha (ZMW, ZK)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +260
- Internet domain
- .zm
- Area
- 752,612 km² (290,585 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Zambian
- National day
- Independence Day, October 24
Flag of Zambia
Download the flag of Zambia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇿🇲.
History of Zambia
The region was inhabited by Khoisan hunter-gatherers before Bantu-speaking peoples settled over many centuries, forming kingdoms such as Lunda and Bemba states. David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary, reached the Victoria Falls in 1855. Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company took control in the 1890s, and the territory became Northern Rhodesia, a British protectorate. It joined the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from 1953 to 1963. Zambia became independent in 1964 under Kenneth Kaunda. It is a unitary presidential republic.
Key dates
- 1855David Livingstone becomes the first European to see Victoria Falls.
- 1890sThe British South Africa Company extends control over the territory.
- 1924Northern Rhodesia comes under direct British colonial administration.
- 1953Northern Rhodesia joins the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
- 1963The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland is dissolved.
- 1964Zambia becomes independent with Kenneth Kaunda as its first president.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Zambia
Zambia uses the Zambian kwacha (ZMW, ZK). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Zambia?
The capital of Zambia is Lusaka.
What currency does Zambia use?
Zambia uses the Zambian kwacha (ZMW, symbol ZK).
What languages are spoken in Zambia?
Languages used in Zambia include English.
What is the calling code of Zambia?
The international calling code of Zambia is +260. Its internet domain is .zm.
Which countries border Zambia?
Zambia shares land borders with Angola, Botswana, DR Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
On which continent is Zambia?
Zambia is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Zambia?
Zambia marks Independence Day on October 24.
Neighbours of Zambia
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).