Culture and history

The historical fabric of Zambia connects the pre-colonial states and trade routes (Lozian Barotseland, the influence of Lunda/Luba) with the era of the British South African Company and the colony of Northern Rhodesia.

Independence was proclaimed on October 24, 1964, and the course of the first president, Kenneth Kaunda, laid the foundations for national unity; in the 1990s, the country moved to a multi-party system.

The Copper Belt has shaped urbanisation and working culture, and natural archetypes - the Zambezi, Mosi oa Tunya (Victoria) and large national parks - have become part of the national myth and tourism.

The cultural code is polyphonic: the official language is English; in everyday life, bemba and nyanja (chicheva) are widely used, as well as tonga, lozi, lunda, luvale and kaonde.

Iconic rites are the royal ceremony of Kuomboka at the Lozi, the masquerade of Makishi and the festival of Likumbi lia Mize at Luwale, Kulamba at Chewa; they visualize the idea of continuity and communal solidarity.

Music ranges from folk kalindul to 1970s urban "zamrok" and the modern pop scene; woodcarving, basket weaving and copper products are strong in crafts.

Nshima with vegetable "rails," peanut ifisashi, fish from lakes and rivers, capenta and, in places, seasonal caterpillars and finkupala dominate in everyday life; chitenge fabric and bright prints are part of the everyday aesthetic.

This is the portrait of a country where the industrial memory of the Copper Belt, royal traditions and rich nature are combined into a single modern identity.