Although ethnically heterogeneous, with more than 70 different groups, Zambia has been less affected by ethnic tension than many African states. The largest ethnic group, about 18% of the population, is the Bemba, who live in the northeast and predominate in the central Copperbelt. Other major groups are the southern Tonga people, the eastern Nyanja, and the Lozi who live to the west.
Zambia is one of Africa's most urbanized countries, with many third- and fourth-generation town dwellers in the Copperbelt, the main urban area. Urban life has done little to change the traditionally subordinate role of women in the family and politics. They are, however, increasingly involved in business, and three women hold cabinet posts. The rural population lives mainly by subsistence farming.
