Congratulations and Welcome!
You are about to embark on a journey to a country that is the newly discovered jewel in the crown of African Tourism. An interesting country, both culturally and politically, with the potential to be a leader in African Democracy . Blessed with stunning National Parks and wildlife, the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, this is one of the 'must visit' countries in central Africa.

Geography
Much of Zambia is high plateau with a flat or gently undulating terrain. Elevations average from about 3,500 to 4,500 feet above sea level. Mountains in the northeast exceed 6,500 feet. The major rivers in Zambia include the Zambezi, the Kafue and the Luangwa in the South and East with the Luapula in the North. Lake Bangweulu in the north, is surrounded by a vast swampy region . In the south, Lake Kariba, one of the largest man made dams in the world, was formed with the construction of the Kariba Dam wall on the Zambezi River. Zambia claims the eastern shores of Lake Mweru, and the southern tip of Lake Tanganyika reaches into the northeastern parts.

Language
English is the official and administrative language of Zambia and is most common in the cities. In rural areas the indigenous languages are more widely spoken. The major local languages are Bemba in the Copperbelt and Northern and Central provinces; Nyanja in the Lusaka and Eastern provinces; Tonga in the Southern Province and Lozi in the Western Province.

History
In 1953 the area's European settlers formed the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and Nyasaland (now Malawi). Following a mostly nonviolent uprising, Northern Rhodesia gained independence when the federation was dissolved in 1963, and became known as Zambia in October 1964. Former African National Congress (ANC) official Kenneth Kaunda, head of the ruling United National Independence Party (UNIP), became president.
In the late 1960s his government embarked on a policy of widespread nationalization, and in 1972 a one-party state was declared. Kaunda united the country's many ethnic groups, built schools, attempted to develop a health-care system, and provided stability. Beginning in 1975, however, the decline in copper prices resulted in rising debt and falling living standards, and Zambians became increasingly disenchanted with Kaunda's UNIP policies. In 1990, after serious riots over increasing food prices, Kaunda agreed to allow multiparty elections. These took place in October 1991 without violence, and union leader Frederick Chiluba was elected president with 76 percent of the vote. Kaunda accepted the result and retired to a modest home in Lusaka, although in 1993 he announced a desire to return to active politics.

Media
There are several newspapers in Zambia, including The Times, the Mail and the Post. In Lusaka there is a small monthly publication called the Lusaka Lowdown which gives a good account of what's going on in Lusaka and elsewhere in Zambia at any given time. It also includes general information ie. property rental, restaurant reviews, lodge reviews and more.

Religion
It is estimated that nearly three-quarters of the population practices Christianity. Estimates of the number of people who practice Islam, Hinduism, and other religions vary widely.

Safety
Zambia is a relatively safe country. But as in most countries where the majority of the population live in poverty, one should take precautions. This is particularly important in the major city centers where petty crime is common. Most homes available for rent are protected by perimeter walls and razor wire or electric fencing . They may also include the services of a security company. If not there are professional companies offering these facilities throughout Zambia.

Weather
Zambia has a very pleasant climate all year round. Rainfall can come by way of torrential downpour and is expected during the hot months of November to April . September and October are extremely hot and dry. May to August are cooler especially in the mornings and evenings.

Telephones
The telephone system is generally quite good within the larger cities. Difficulties can occur in reaching rural areas and International lines can get congested. The code for dialing Internationally from Zambia is 00 followed by the country code and area code of the country and city required. The code for reaching Zambia is 260. The area code for Lusaka is 01 and the Copperbelt is 02. There are a number of good cellular phone companies in Lusaka and a two main internet servers.

Water
Most homes are connected to the municipal water supplies. Some homes are equipped with boreholes which are generally used as back up. It is extremely rare to experience water shortages in the major cities. Tap water is drinkable but most people still opt for boiling or filtering.

Electricity
The electricity supply in the larger cities and towns is generally quite stable, however, it is recommended that surge protectors are used with sensitive electrical equipment. Zambia runs on the 220v system. Three pin square plugs are standard.

Housing
Good housing, both for rent and for purchase is fairly easy to find. Lusaka rents range from around US$600 per month for a small house or apartment up to US$3000 for a luxurious full size house and about half that level in the Copper Belt region in the north. Monthly residential rent here is from US$1,000 upto US$6,000.

Moving to ZAMBIA
Choose a quality mover for your relocation to Zambia. While Worldwide Movers is newly opened in Zambia we have utilized the most experienced and professional international moving people in Zambia to ensure that our highest levels of service are maintained. We are market leaders in the countries we already service and have in place the infrastructure to set new levels of professionalism in Zambia. We have seen all sorts of insufficiently packed shipments arrive by air and sea and can not stress more the need to select a moving company that specializes in overseas moves: they know how to pack and they know how to load your possessions to prevent damages. We would suggest that you designate an international mover that belongs to the Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux (F.I.D.I.): membership manifests competency. Don't worry about customs clearance and delivery, we do it every day. If you need any special information, Kevin Cumings knows the country backwards and will be pleased to speak with any of your potential shippers: there's nothing like first hand expertise.

Domestic Staff
Domestic staff are available at modest wages. Ask around at your embassy or post an advertisement in one of the clubs. Better still, try to find someone who is leaving and wishes to find employment for their staff. A reference that includes the reason for termination of employment should be obtained.

Schools
There are a number of good schools in and around Lusaka. Baobab and Lusaka International Community School for example, both go up to A level standard and American International School of Lusaka which uses the IB system.

Clubs
In the cities there are opportunities to enjoy soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, discos, ifisela (drama), and recreational activities organized by churches, volunteer organizations, and social and sports clubs. The Lusaka Golf Club has a very good golf course which hosts an International tournament every year as does the Ndola Golf Club.The Intercontinental Hotel has excellent tennis courts. There are tennis and squash courts at the Lusaka club. There are a number of small gyms costing about US$50.00 per month around Lusaka. Polo cross is a rapidly growing sport in Zambia and there are a number of clubs offering it. The Lusaka South Country Club is a family club offering cricket, polo cross, swimming pool, archery and they are currently planning squash courts.

Embassy Registration
IIt's always a good idea to register with your Embassy or High Commission as soon as you arrive in Lusaka. Not only is it appreciated by the mission, but also a good way to meet other nationals at the cocktail parties that are held from time to time. Most of the diplomatic missions are fairly laid-back in Lusaka and can be more helpful than in other larger countries.

Shopping
There has been substantial recent investment in Zambia, and large South African shopping centers and grocery chains have gone up all over Zambia. Most items are available in these shops ranging from furniture and appliances to most types of groceries from the bare necessities to luxury items, the latter can be a little pricey, but usually available. So if foie gras and smoked salmon are your preference, you will not have to go without. The long queues for bread, oil and sugar are a distant memory.

Restaurants and Hotels
As far as evening entertainment is concerned there are plenty of good restaurants in Zambia. Chinese and Indian restaurants are the most common and popular with locals and visitors alike . There are also South African style steak houses and Italian and French restaurants. The Marlin Restaurant (Creole) at the Lusaka club is renowned for its steaks particularly the pepper steak. Traditional dancing is a main form of entertainment and the Zambians are natural performers. The larger hotels in Lusaka are the recently refurbished Intercontinental Hotel, the Pamodzi and the Holiday Inn Garden Court. Livingstone boasts the recently built Sun International hotels.

Vehicles
Vehicles are expensive in Zambia and we would suggest that you bring one with you, a 4 x 4 if you are adventurous and don't mind some extremely rough roads both on the outskirts of the cities and out into the rural areas. A normal car is fine for the main roads and inner cities. A wide selection of 2nd hands cars imported from the Japan are available. Air conditioning would certainly make for a more pleasant summer. Most of the main roads have recently been resurfaced and are in good condition.

Driving Licenses
The carrying of driver's licenses is mandatory whilst driving. Driving licenses from all SADAC countries are acceptable in Zambia. All other licenses are valid for 3 months only but must be in English. The usual African habit of fast moving and erratically driven mini buses is well entrenched here and one should be cautious of them on the roads. City driving, especially during rush hour, can be a nerve racking experience and one should wean themselves slowly into the conditions.

Popular Destinations
Zambia is home to many interesting and exotic species of flaura and fauna. These can be viewed from one of many professionally run lodges and camps throughout the major National Parks; namely the Lower Zambezi, the Luangwa and the Kafue National Parks. Zambia generally caters to two types of tourist; high end, low volume tourism ie Chiawa Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park and the rapidly growing high volume adventure tourism based largely in Livingstone. These destinations are accessible by air or road.

Currency Exchange
Currency can be exchanged in the hotels, banks and exchange bureaus. Many companies quote in US$ for their services in Zambia.

Health Care
There are some relatively good hospitals in Lusaka. However due to the health service being rather over-stretched and under-funded, for more critical or complicated illnesses or emergencies it is recommended to take out private health insurance. With this type of insurance, the medical companies may, if necessary, fly you to a hospital in South Africa for more specialized care. There are some very good doctors throughout the country who can deal with most local diseases, such as malaria, bilharzia and the usual ailments.

And Finally....

Zambia is a truly exciting country with mighty rivers, superb game parks, friendly and sociable peoples where the resident can have total liberation from the humdrum of western urban life. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it!