Where is Zambia Located?
Where is Zambia located on the map? Zambia is an independent nation located in Eastern Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Zambia on maps.
Zambia Location in World Map
Zambia is located in southern Africa. Around 14.5 million people live in an area of 752,614 square kilometers. Zambia is about twice the size of Germany. From east to west it extends over 1,350 kilometers and from north to south over 1,100 kilometers.
Zambia has borders with eight countries: in the north with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the north-east with Tanzania, in the east with Malawi, in the south-east with Mozambique, in the west with Angola and in the south with Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.
Zambia is in the south of Africa. Here you can see the outline of Zambia and the neighboring countries.
The country derives its name from the Zambezi River, the fourth longest river in Africa. It flows in the south of the country. Zambia is a landlocked country because the country does not border the sea. Zambia also builds a bridge between eastern and southern Africa.
At the transition from the northern to the central part there is a deep cut, here the area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo extends far into the interior of Zambia, which you can see very well on the map. It looks like a little corner. The so-called copper belt also runs along this, a region in which copper was found and is still mined today. The most important cities in the country can also be found here. Zambia is divided into a northern and a southern part of the country.
The nine provinces
Zambia is divided into a total of nine provinces:
A – Central Province with the capital Kabwe
B – Copperbelt with the capital Ndola
C – East Province with the capital Chipata
D – Luapula with the capital Mansa
E – Lusaka with the capital Lusaka
F – Northern Province with the capital Kasama
G – Northwest Province with the capital Solwezi
H – South Province with the capital Livingstone
I – West Province with the capital Mongu
Mountains
A large part of Zambia consists of a plateau. The country is between 1000 and 1400 meters high. This plateau is surrounded by deep valleys. The highest mountain is in the east of the country in the Mafinga Mountains. Savannah landscapes alternate with tropical forest landscapes, which makes Zambia interesting and varied in terms of landscape.
Rivers and Lakes
Zambia is very rich in water, rivers and lakes shape the landscape. Zambia has many waterfalls due to the rugged slopes of the mountains. The most famous are the Victoria Falls of the Zambezi River. These have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. They were discovered by David Livingstone, who named the falls in honor of the then British Queen Victoria Victoria Falls.
Location Information of Zambia
Zambia is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is bordered by eight countries, including Angola to the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south, and Namibia to the southwest. The country’s location places it at the crossroads of several major African regions, making it a key player in the southern African subcontinent.
Latitude and Longitude
Zambia is situated roughly between Latitude 8°S to 18°S and Longitude 22°E to 34°E. This positioning places Zambia in the central part of Southern Africa.
Capital City and Major Cities
Capital City: Lusaka
Lusaka, the capital and largest city of Zambia, is located in the south-central part of the country. The city serves as Zambia’s political, economic, and cultural hub. It is positioned at approximately Latitude 15.3875° S and Longitude 28.3226° E. Lusaka is the primary center for trade, administration, and industry, with significant infrastructure developments, including a growing transportation network and several educational institutions.
Major Cities
- Kitwe
Kitwe is one of the largest cities in Zambia and is located in the Copperbelt Province in the north. It is an important industrial city with a focus on mining and metal production, particularly copper. Kitwe lies at approximately Latitude 12.8000° S and Longitude 28.2200° E. - Ndola
Ndola is another prominent city in the Copperbelt Province, serving as a major industrial and commercial hub. It is the third-largest city in Zambia, positioned at about Latitude 12.9667° S and Longitude 28.6333° E. - Livingstone
Located near the Zambezi River in the Southern Province, Livingstone is Zambia’s tourism capital, primarily known for being close to the world-famous Victoria Falls. It is situated at Latitude 17.8500° S and Longitude 25.8500° E. - Mansa
Mansa is the capital of the Northern Province of Zambia, situated near Lake Bangweulu. The city is located at Latitude 10.2115° S and Longitude 29.0173° E. - Chipata
Chipata, located in the Eastern Province, is a significant trade center, particularly for agricultural products. It is situated at Latitude 13.6319° S and Longitude 32.6411° E.
Time Zone
Zambia operates on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC +2 hours year-round. Zambia does not observe daylight saving time, meaning the time remains constant throughout the year.
Climate
Zambia experiences a tropical climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Wet Season (November to April): The wet season is the most prominent season in Zambia, with the heaviest rains typically falling from December to March. During this period, temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), but the high humidity can make it feel warmer.
- Dry Season (May to October): The dry season is cooler and more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This is the most favorable time for tourism, as the weather is mild and less humid.
Zambia’s climate can vary significantly depending on the region. For example, the highlands in the central and southern parts are cooler than the low-lying areas in the north and east.
Economic Status
Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income country. Its economy is heavily dependent on copper mining, which accounts for a significant portion of its exports and GDP. The country is the second-largest copper producer in Africa after the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key Sectors of the Economy:
- Mining: Copper is Zambia’s primary export, making up approximately 70% of the country’s total exports. The sector also includes other minerals such as cobalt, emeralds, and gold.
- Agriculture: Zambia is known for its fertile soil and diverse agricultural production, which includes maize, tobacco, cotton, and sugar. The sector employs a significant portion of the population.
- Manufacturing: Zambia’s manufacturing sector is still developing but includes industries such as food processing, textiles, and cement production.
- Services: The services sector is growing, with key industries including banking, tourism, and telecommunications.
Challenges:
- Economic diversification: Zambia remains heavily dependent on copper exports, leaving the economy vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations.
- Inflation and debt: The country faces high inflation rates and significant public debt, contributing to economic instability.
Despite these challenges, Zambia’s economy has shown resilience, and growth in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and services is expected to continue.
Tourist Attractions
Zambia is home to numerous natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural sites that attract visitors from all over the world.
1. Victoria Falls
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is a major tourist attraction located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls, and the surrounding national parks offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and adventure sports like bungee jumping and white-water rafting.
2. South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its rich wildlife and is considered one of the best places in the world for walking safaris. Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and hippos, as well as hundreds of bird species.
3. Lower Zambezi National Park
This park offers pristine landscapes, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for boat-based safaris on the Zambezi River. It is one of the best spots for birdwatching and is home to a variety of mammals, including buffalo, elephants, and leopards.
4. Kafue National Park
Kafue is Zambia’s largest national park and one of the oldest. It is a haven for wildlife, particularly for birdwatchers, and is home to species such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
5. Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika is one of the deepest freshwater lakes in the world and provides a serene escape for those interested in water sports, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The lake is shared with several other countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens traveling to Zambia for tourism or business purposes are required to obtain a visa prior to entry. Zambia offers the following types of visas:
- Tourist Visa:
A single-entry tourist visa is valid for up to 30 days. It can be obtained online (eVisa), through Zambian embassies, or upon arrival at some ports of entry. The visa application typically requires proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds. - Business Visa:
For those visiting Zambia for business purposes, a business visa can be obtained in the same manner as a tourist visa. The duration of stay depends on the specific purpose of the visit. - KAZA Visa:
The KAZA Visa is a regional visa allowing access to Zambia and Zimbabwe, particularly for those visiting Victoria Falls. It allows a multi-entry visit over a period of up to 30 days.
Travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their date of entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Distance to New York City and Los Angeles
- Distance from Lusaka to New York City
The distance from Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, to New York City is approximately 12,200 kilometers (7,580 miles). Travel time by flight typically ranges between 16 to 18 hours, depending on the flight route and layovers. - Distance from Lusaka to Los Angeles
The distance from Lusaka to Los Angeles is approximately 13,200 kilometers (8,200 miles). Flights from Lusaka to Los Angeles typically take around 18 to 20 hours, depending on the route and number of layovers.
Zambia Facts
| Size | 752,614 km² |
| Residents | 14.53 million |
| Languages | English and seven regional languages: Bemba, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga, Lunda, Kaonde, Luvale |
| Capital | Lusaka |
| Longest river | Zambezi (total length 2,574 km) |
| Highest mountain | Mafinga (2,339 m) |
| Currency | Kwacha |