Zambia, a land linked (than a land locked) nation and a true gateway to Southern Africa, is surrounded by eight countries: Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe to the south, Botswana to the south, Namibia to the southwest, Angola to the west, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the north.
Zambia’s population is estimated at 22 million, with over 60% living below the poverty line. The country is home to about 72 ethnic groups, with dominant communities including Bemba, Tonga, and Chewa. This diversity is reflected in its languages, traditions, and cultural practices.
Zambia is dynamic and diverse, anchored in copper mining, buoyed by agriculture and ICT, and strengthened by fiscal reforms. Copper remains the backbone of the economy, but agriculture and tourism are growing sectors. The Zambian kwacha (ZMW) is the national currency, with an exchange rate hovering around $1 = ZMW 22.50.
Despite progress, challenges persist: commodity price volatility, drought, and reform delays pose risks to sustained growth.
The climate is tropical highland, moderated by altitude. There are two main seasons:
• Rainy season: November to April
• Dry season: May to October (ideal for tourism and safaris)
Zambia is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
• Victoria Falls (Livingstone): One of the world’s largest waterfalls, best visited after the rainy season (April to May).
• Livingstone: A vibrant hub for history, crafts, and adventure activities like rafting and helicopter flights.
• National Parks: South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, and Bangweulu Swamps offer unmatched wildlife experiences and walking safaris.
May to October is good for tourism, for clear skies and excellent game viewing.
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka) is Zambia’s main gateway to the world. Major airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, RwandAir, Turkish Airlines, and Uganda Airlines connect Zambia globally.
Christianity dominates Zambia’s spiritual landscape, accounting for about 98% of the population, with Catholics and Protestants being the largest denominations. Islam and traditional African religions make up the remainder.
Several Catholic religious congregations operate in Zambia, including Dominicans, Jesuits, White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa), Franciscans, Capuchins, Congregation of the Holy Spirit active in education, health, and pastoral outreach. Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate operating schools, a nursing college, rural parishes, and Radio Liseli.
There are also a significant number of priests from India, especially from Kerala, engaged in missionary work in Zambia.
Religious sisters serve in various ministries through congregations such as Daughters of the Redeemer, Sisters of the Holy Cross, Sisters of Bethany, Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Sisters of the Handmaids of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Presentation Sisters, Sisters of the Little Servants of Mary Immaculate, Little Sisters of St. Francis. A large number of these sisters also come from Kerala, India.
A small yet significant Indian diaspora contributes to Zambia’s economy and culture. There are about 13,000 Zambians of Indian origin, alongside 25,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). Their roots trace back to the early 20th century, primarily from Gujarat, engaged in trade, banking, retail, farming, and mining. There are few successful Malayalees in Zambia in the manufacturing industries, who are substantially contributing to the economic development and employment opportunities for the local Zambians.
Zambia stands as a vibrant mosaic of culture, nature, and economic potential. From the thunderous beauty of Victoria Falls to its copper rich economy and warm, diverse communities, Zambia offers a unique blend of tradition and progress. As it navigates challenges and opportunities, this landlocked nation remains a gateway to authentic African experiences, rich in heritage, abundant in wildlife, and poised for growth.