Date of independence, or formation date: 1964
Date when current borders were established: 1964
National day: Oct 24
Vehicle country identifying code: Z
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +2
International telephone dialling code: +260
Internet country identifying code: .zm

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.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004