Zambia, officially known as the Republic Of Zambia, is famous for being home to one of the world’s seven natural wonders. But this landlocked country’s splendor is not limited to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here are 11 fun facts about Zambia to highlight its mesmerizing savannahs, wildlife, and natural resources.
1. Home To The Largest Lakes!
Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake in the world while Lake Tanganyika is one of the largest freshwater lakes.
This lake borders Zambia, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic Of The Congo and is known for its unique biodiversity.
2. One Of The Six Countries To Conserve Endangered Wild Dogs.
The African wild dogs native to the continent are now an endangered species. The decline of these hunter-canines is leading Zambia to conserve them in their natural habitat.
3. Zambia’s Emeralds Are The Best In the World
When people talk about the best emeralds, they think of Columbia. But Zambian emerald has recently started gaining the limelight it deserves.
It is less pricy and brittle than other varieties of the gem. It has a peculiar bluish undertone making it an aesthetically beautiful stone.
4. Zambians Relish The World’s Largest Edible Fungus.
Termitomyces titanicus is the world’s most giant edible fungus. This delicious fungus is found inside termite hills across the woodlands of Zambia.
This country in southern Africa has termite hills that are as big as a small house and where this fungus grows. Many enjoy the distinct smoky and meaty flavor it delivers.
5. Devil’s Pool Is A Near-Death Experience In Zambia.
Keen to experience an adrenaline rush like never before? Then Devil’s Pool deserves a visit.
This pool exists at the very edge of Victoria falls. Here you can see the Zambezi river flowing past you and cascading hundreds of meters down. One slip and you’re gone!
6. You Can See Millions Of Bats Here In Zambia.
Every year after October, Zambia welcomes millions of migrants from neighboring countries.
If you happen to be here in the rainy season, you will be startled to witness about 8 million fruit bats that fly in the Kasanka national park. They feast on water berries, red milkwood berries, wild loquats, and mangoes.
What a sight it would be!
7. Zambian Species Of Rats That Can Sense Magnetic Fields.
Ansell’s mole-rats found in Zambia are almost blind rats with tiny eyes. They have the ability to sense magnetic fields, which they use to find directions during nest building.
Fascinating, hey?
8. Home Of Africa’s Big Five
Zambia and its natural environment are home to the celebrated big five animals, lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, and leopard, and are typically found in protected national parks.
9. In The 1964 Summer Olympics, They Entered As A British Colony And Exited As A Republic
Zambia became independent of British rule on the closing day of the Summer Olympics. Before Zambia became a republic, it was called Northern Rhodesia.
So it essentially entered as one country (Northern Rhodesia) and exited as another (Republic of Zambia), with Lusaka as its capital city.
10. Zambia Is One A Mineral-Rich Country
Zambia is one of the largest producers of copper, playing a crucial role in the country’s economy. Copper generates about 70% of the earnings from the export.
This nation is also favored by other mineral deposits such as cobalt, nickel, gold, coal, and emeralds.
11. More Than 70 Languages Are Commonly Spoken
The official language of Zambia Is English, but over 70 different dialects from different tribes are prevalent here. Bemba and Nyanja are the two prominently used local languages, among many others.