Lying in the heart of southern Africa, Zambia is a country of upland plateaus, bordered to the south by the Zambezi river. Its economic fortunes are tied to the copper industry. Falling copper prices in the late 1970s, and then the growing inaccessibility of remaining reserves, have led to a severe decline in the economy. In 1991, Zambia achieved a peaceful transition from single-party rule to multiparty democracy.

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 34% 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 also home to some 225,000 refugees, mainly from Angola.

Zambia is one of Africa's most urbanized countries, with many third- and fourth-generation town dwellers in the Copperbelt, the main urban area. The rural population live mainly by subsistence farming. As many as half a million children are employed there in hazardous conditions.

A National Gender Policy was issued in October 2000 to redress inequalities between the sexes, women having traditionally played a subordinate role.

Strengths

Potential for self-sufficiency in food. Boom in new export crops, such as cotton and flowers. Minerals, notably copper, cobalt, and coal. Market-oriented reforms and privatization drive attracting foreign private investors.

Weaknesses

Dependence on copper for 90% of export earnings, as its price plummets. Domestic reserves declining. Shortage of finance for restructuring, exacerbated by aid donors' boycott. High inflation, negative growth, and serious drought in 1998. Arable land underutilized. Delays in privatizing state-owned copper consortium.

The 1991 defeat of Kenneth Kaunda, in the first multiparty elections for 19 years, expressed popular discontent with the ailing economy and official corruption. President Frederick Chiluba and the MMD government made little headway in revitalizing the economy, despite socially painful reforms. Chiluba himself, once widely respected as a rallying-point for the democratic opposition to Kaunda, became much criticized for arbitrary and authoritarian rule, and for failing to address poverty and HIV/AIDS. In 2001 Chiluba purged the MMD of key opponents, prompting the formation of new opposition parties, and made way for his chosen successor, Levy Mwanawasa, to win disputed elections in December.

Under Kaunda, Zambia led Africa's opposition to apartheid South Africa and now enjoys close links with Pretoria. It also has a significant role as a mediator in neighboring conflicts.

Despite the relatively small budget, the 21,600-strong armed forces are well equipped. Security along the Angolan border is a main concern.

Despite declining reserves, copper is still the key resource; Zambia is the world's sixth-largest producer. It also has rich hydropower potential.

Drought is a recurrent hazard. Rhinos are almost extinct as a result of poaching. Revenues from legal hunting are being channeled into villages to encourage support for conservation.

The poor rail and road networks, in need of urgent rehabilitation, could sabotage economic recovery. Zambian Airways was liquidated in 1994, and private airlines are now in operation.

An HIV prevention program is reducing rates of infection in Lusaka. More than 25% of town dwellers are HIV-positive.

Primary education is compulsory. Fees for secondary students have affected the already very low attendance rate.

Cases of violent crime, burglary, and rape are rising rapidly. In 1998 Zambia promised to overhaul its prison and police services.

Standards of living for most Zambians are now lower in real terms than at independence in 1964. Many people lack basic nutrition.

Wildlife, the Victoria Falls, and white-water rafting are major attractions. Recent increases in tourism have been at the expense of neighboring Zimbabwe.

Northern Rhodesia was developed by Britain solely for its copper. The United National Independence Party (UNIP), led by Kaunda, took power at Zambian independence in 1964.

• 1972 UNIP one-party government.
• 1982–1991 Austerity measures and corruption: pressure for democracy.
• 1991 MMD government elected; Frederick Chiluba defeats Kaunda.
• 1996 Controversial elections.
• 2002 Levy Mwanawasa sworn in as president.