The Republic of Zambia
(formerly Northern Rhodesia), a landlocked
country in south-central Africa, has an area of 290,586 sq. mi.
(752,614 sq. km.) and a population of nearly 9.87 million.
Capital: Lusaka. The economy is d principally on copper, of
which
Zambia is the world´s third largest producer. Copper, zinc,
lead,
cobalt and tobacco are exported. The area that is now Zambia
was brought within the British sphere of influence in 1888 by
empire builder Cecil Rhodes,
who obtained mining concessions in south-central Africa from
indigenous chiefs. The territory was
ruled by the British South Africa Company, which Rhodes
established, until 1924 when its
administration was transferred to the British government as a
protectorate. In 1953, Northern
Rhodesia was joined with Nyasaland and the colony of Southern
Rhodesia to form the Federation
of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Northern Rhodesia seceded from the
Federation on Oct. 24, 1964,
and became the independent Republic of Zambia. It is a member of
the Commonwealth of
Nations. The president is Chief of State.
Zambia adopted a decimal currency system on Jan. 16, 1969.
Also see Rhodesia and Malawi.
RULERS:
British to 1964
MONETARY SYSTEM:
1 Shilling = 12 Pence
1 Pound = 20 Shillings to 1968
1 Kwacha = 100 Ngwee, 1968-
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