GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Zambia.
Capital
Lusaka.
Geography
As a country located in Africa according to holidaysort, Zambia borders in the west on Angola, in the north on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the north-east on Tanzania, in the east on Malawi, in the south-east on Mozambique, in the south on Zimbabwe and Botswana and the Zambezi (formerly Caprivi-Strip) of Namibia. In the south, the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba form the border with Zimbabwe. The Victoria Falls at the southern end of the man-made Kariba Lake are one of the most amazing natural wonders of Africa, if not the world. In the east and northeast of the country the Zambian plateau rises to 1200 m. The savannah is covered with deciduous trees, shrubs, grass plains and swamps. The wildlife in the magnificent Luangwa and Kafue National Parks is one of the most biodiverse in Africa.
Government
Presidential republic (in the Commonwealth) since 1964. Constitution from 1991, last amendment in 1996. Parliament with 150 members, also House of Chiefs with 27 representatives of ethnic groups. Independent since 1964 (former British protectorate).
Head of state
Edgar Lungu, since January 2015.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
Central Africa Time: CET +3
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English. In addition, around 70 tribal languages are spoken, including Nyanja, Tonga, Bemba, Lozi, Chokwe, Luvale and Lunda.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Zambia duty-free (people over 18 years):
200 cigarettes or 450 g of tobacco;
1 bottle of alcoholic beverages (open).
Export restrictions
1 piece of ivory jewelry per passenger.
Prohibited exports
Parts of wild animal carcasses (e.g. tusks, horns, found objects such as skeletal or tooth parts)
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
English is widely spoken among business people, and business cards are increasingly being given. A jacket and tie or tropical suit are common at business meetings.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Economy
Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 37997, Lusaka
Tel: (01) 22 12 66.
Internet: www.zambiz.co.zm/assoc/zacci.htm
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry
Kwacha Annex, Cairo Road, PO Box 31968, Lusaka
Tel / Fax: (01) 22 66 73.
Zambia Investment Center
PO Box 34580, Lusaka
Tel: (01) 25 42 14.
Internet: www.zic.org.zm
Business contacts
Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 37997, Lusaka
Tel: (01) 22 12 66.
Internet: www.zambiz.co.zm/assoc/zacci.htm
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry
Kwacha Annex, Cairo Road, PO Box 31968, Lusaka
Tel / Fax: (01) 22 66 73.
Zambia Investment Center
PO Box 34580, Lusaka
Tel: (01) 25 42 14.
Internet: www.zic.org.zm
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service. There are public payphones (tokens) in post offices and in most public buildings. A limited number of public card phones are available in the larger cities. International calls can also be made from hotels. However, telephone costs are highest in hotels.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Cellular companies include Telecel (Zambia) Limited, Zambia Telecommunications Ltd. (ZAMTEL) (Internet: http://www.zamtel.zm/zamtel/index.htm) and Celtel Zambia (Internet: www.zm.celtel.com/en/index.html). Roaming contracts exist with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others. The transmission / reception area mainly covers the larger cities in the south and in the center of the country.
Internet
Main providers: Zamnet (Internet: www.zamnet.zm), Coppernet (Internet: www.coppernet.zm) and Zamtel (Internet: www.zamtel.zm). E-mail access is available from internet cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes 7-14 days.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
CULTURE
Religion
50-75% Christianity is the state religion, 24-49% Islamic and Hindu minorities and 1% followers of natural religions.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: Those who visit more remote regions should expect friendly curiosity from the locals. You shake hands in greeting. A small gift from the home country or the company is gladly accepted. Casual clothing is recommended.
Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, bars, on public transport and in all public places.
Taking photos: Be careful when choosing a subject, always ask for permission first. Military installations may not be photographed.
Tip: 10% tax is added to all bills, tips have been officially abolished in hotels. Nevertheless, sometimes 10% is added to the bill for service or a 10% tip is expected.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical climate. Moderate temperatures due to the high altitude, except in the valleys. There are three seasons: the cool, dry winter from May to September; the hot dry season in October and November and the hot and humid rainy season from December to April.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +260 Area (sqkm) 752614 Population 15066266 Population density (per sqkm) 20 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999
