Central southern Africa.

GMT + 2.

752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles).

11.9 million (UN estimate 2007).

15.8 per sq km.

Lusaka. Population: 1 million (2005).

Zambia is a vast plateau bordered by 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 the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to the southwest. The Zambezi River, together with Lake Kariba, forms the frontier with Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, at the southern end of the manmade Lake Kariba, is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa (if not the world). In the east and northeast, the country rises to a plateau 1,200m (3,937ft) high, covered by deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains or marshland. The magnificent Luangwa and Kafue National Parks have some of the most prolific animal populations in Africa.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964.

President Rupiah Banda (acting) since 2008.

Following the death of President Levy Mwanawasa in Paris in August 2008, Vice President Rupiah Banda took over. Under the Zambian constitution, an election must be held within 90 days of the presidential office becoming vacant. Mr Banda is widely expected to call an early election.

In December 2001, the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) candidate Levy Mwanawasa was installed as president. In the National Assembly, the MMD was returned as the largest party but, lacking an overall majority, rules in alliance with a group of smaller parties. Mr Mwanawasa has made the fight against corruption a centrepiece of his presidency. He was re-elected in 2006.

English is the official language, but there are over 73 local dialects. The main languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga.

Around 30% of the population is Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), a smaller number are Muslim and Hindu, and a small minority have traditional animist beliefs.

230 volts AC, 50Hz.

African culture and traditions remain prominent and there are various customs, folklore and traditional crafts in the different regions. Traditional dancing is popular and there are many colourful annual ceremonies that take place throughout the country. Visitors to the outlying areas should expect to be met with curiosity. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Gifts are often offered to visitors as a sign of gratitude, friendship or honour. One should never refuse a gift but accept it with both hands. Homosexuality is illegal; those caught engaging in homosexual acts can be sentenced to several years imprisonment.

Photography: Visitors are able to take photographs in most places but are advised to avoid military installations.