Zambia was first colonized by the British South African Company in 1889, although it was not until 1924, when the company ceded administrative control to the British Crown (whereupon it became the colony of Northern Rhodesia), that serious exploitation of the country’s main natural resource, copper, began. Unfortunately, Zambia has moved from being a major copper producer and potentially one of the continent's richest countries to one of the world's poorest.

From 1953 to 1963, the country found itself forming the northern part of the Central African Federation, essentially a pale form of apartheid, which enjoyed no support whatsoever among the black population. The colonial authorities ceded independence in 1964. Politically, the country switched from colonial government into an era of one-party rule lasting 27 years until a multi-party system emerged in the early 1990s.

For visitors, Zambia has a lot to offer. Blessed with 17 waterfalls including the spectacular Victoria Falls, the country is a fine destination for nature lovers and thrill seekers. Massive lakes, rich wetlands and breathtaking African sunsets contribute to the country's scenic splendor. The wild Zambezi River is perfect for adrenaline rush activities such as river rafting, canoeing safaris, river surfing and tiger fishing.

The Zambian government has long recognized the economic importance of its wildernesses and is acutely aware of environmental concerns: almost one-third of the country is given over to national parks and game reserves. Zambia is the land of the legendary African walking safari: big game, abundant birdlife, and raw, pulsating wilderness are what visitors can expect to find in Zambia.

Geography
Zambia is a vast plateau bordered by Angola to the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to the southwest. The Zambezi River, together with Lake Kariba, forms the frontier with Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, at the southern end of the manmade Lake Kariba, is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa (if not the world). In the east and northeast, the country rises to a plateau 1200m (3937ft) high, covered by deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains or marshland. The magnificent Luangwa and Kafue National Parks have some of the most prolific animal populations in Africa.