Physical

(https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/za.html):
Zambia is located in Southern Africa, east of Angola, and south of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo. It is slightly larger than Texas in land area and is completely
landlocked. The climate is predominantly tropical, but is modified with changes in the
altitude. Additionally, it experiences a rainy season from October to April. The terrain is
mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains. Lowest/Highest Point and Natural
Resources. The vast majority of land in Zambia is either used for agricultural purposes or
is forest. Nearly 66.3% of Zambia is forest, with agricultural land occupying 31.7%.
Irrigated land. Natural hazards. Environmental issues in Zambia include air pollution and
resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region; chemical runoff into
watersheds; poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros, elephant, antelope, and large cat
populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water treatment
presents human health risks. Geography - notes
 Social
Zambias population is dominated by youths that are stuck in poverty. However, Zambias
high fertility rates continue to their rapid population growth, averaging 3 percent annually
between 2000 and 2010. The countrys total fertility rate has fallen by less than 1.5
children per woman in the last 30 years, while still being one of the worlds highest. Each
woman has nearly 6 children due to a lack of access to family planning services and
education/employment for females. Zambian emigration is low compared to other
countries and is comprised predominantly of the well-educated part of the population.
The small population that does take part in the brain drain, however, has a had a major
impact on Zambia due to its limited human capital and lack of educational infrastructure.
Zambia has very few schools for training doctors, nurses, and other health care workers.
Its spending on education is relatively low compared to other sub-Saharan countries.
[Insert HIV and AIDS stuff here)
 Political
(http://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/Zambia/109719#biblio)
Zambia has a mixed system of English common law and customary law. Zambias first
constitution was eliminated in 1973 when it became a one-party state. The constitution of
the Second Republic made the United National Independence Party the only legal
political party.
Changes in the political structure of the country in the early 1990s were accompanied by
efforts to increase private investment and involvement, particularly in the industrial
sector, which continued into the 21st century.
Zambias armed forces consist of army, air force, and paramilitary contingents, of which
the army is by far the largest. Service is voluntary. Zambian troops have served as United
Nations Peacekeeping Forces in several missions throughout the world.
 Cultural
Most Zambians are descended from metal-using people who settled in the region in the
past 2,000 years. Although most Zambians are of Bantu origin, the complex patterns of
immigration have produced wide cultural variety. The number of Asians in Zambia has
risen since independence. The majority are engaged in the retail trade, and they are
concentrated in the major towns, because in 1970 non-Zambians were prohibited from
trading in rural areas. Zambia should consider removing this prohibition in order to allow
retail trade to extend into rural areas to offer a potential source of unique Zambian
exports.
 Economic Features
Zambias economy is heavily dependent on mining, and in particular copper. The reserves
of copper ore at some mines are becoming depleted, costs of production have increased,
and income has fluctuated depending on the price of copper on the world market. It
seems that Zambias overinvestment in the copper industry has resulted in an unreliable
economy that is need of constant care. It is thus essential that Zambia focus its investment
in mining outwards, towards other sources of income. Zambia has a large potential for
emerald mining. Conglomerations of emerald reserves remain untapped for sources of
income. Additionally, shortly after independence, Zambia ventured on a program of
national development planningthe First National Development Plan of 196671. The
First National Development Plan of 1966-71 provided for major investment in
infrastructure and manufacturing, was largely implemented, and was generally
successful. However, this was not true for the subsequent plans which was large failures.
However, it is important to observe that these sort of developmental planning projects
have empirically shown positive results. It is therefore advisable to have Zambia continue
their attempts at implementing a successful developmental plan. Many attempts at
privatizing Zambias mines were a failure due to the potential for loss of control to
powerful foreign investors; nevertheless, progress was made, and efforts toward
privatization have continued. These efforts must continue, but in track with other
attempts at boosting the economy. The project of privatization is harshly dependent on
the ability of Zambia to keep their internal economy stable so that periods of large
investment can be successful in the long term. The allowance of foreign investments is
highly successful insofar as Zambia can consistently prop up their economy. The
agricultural base of Zambia is largely under-developed. A major barrier to a sturdy
agricultural sector is soil erosion. Zambia has done very little about this issue, in an area
that holds much potential for economic benefits. In order to boost their economy, Zambia
must address this issue by implementing geotextiles to stabilize the soil, plant more
vegetation as a natural way to prevent erosion, and build internal retaining walls to
prevent water run-off. Unless policies as such are established, the root cause of
agriculture failure will remain. Corn is a staple food crop and accounts for the largest
proportion of planted area on Zambian farms, however, Zambias poor road infrastructure
makes it difficult for rural farmers to help supply the needs of the urban population.
These low levels of commercialization being low has result in widespread subsistence
farming. Zambia must address these issues by attempting to improve their internal
infrastructure. The corn industry remains a potential source of income and if Zambia can
successfully connect their rural farmers to the urban population, the corn industry would
be revitalized.
 Current Events
Sudan has, however, shown prospect in terms of inprovements in health care. The World
Health Organization (WHO) has recently commended Zambia publicly for taking up a
form of universal health coverage system which enables people to acquire health care
services at an affordable price. The WHO Zambia representative, Jacob Mufunda, has
also made a statement that Zambia has done wellThis shows Zambia is on the right
path This taking up of universal health coverage also allows for a tackling of the issue
of infant mortality that Zambia encounters.