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Who are the people?

Once a British protectorate, Zambia has been independent since 1964. It is headed by a president elected by the people. Most Zambians are of Bantu origin. The country’s official language is English.

Life in Zambia can be difficult for both adults and children. Even today, almost half of the population lacks access to safe water. This leads to medical problems and affects the quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Recurring droughts also are a concern because they threaten the food supply.

Rural Zambians usually live with their extended families in huts that are clustered together. A spirit of cooperation prevails as family members share work, assets, and the experiences of daily life.

Some Zambians want to have as many offspring as possible because they are highly valued. A large family means more hands to help on the farm and assures that parents will be cared for as they age.

In Zambia, cousins are sometimes referred to as “brothers” and “sisters.” For this reason, the number of siblings that your sponsored child writes about might change from letter to letter.

What is it like to live there?

Zambia is the third most urbanized country in Africa, with 60 percent of its population iving in urban areas.The country is named for the Zambezi River, which flows from its source in northern Zambia to the Indian Ocean, approximately 1,600 miles away. The famous Victoria Falls are located along the Zambezi River. They boast a drop twice as long as that of Niagara Falls.


 
Country Statistics 
Population11.7 million
Land Mass285,994 sq. miles
Life Expectancy37 years
Infant Mortality Rate102 / 1,000
Literacy Rate68%
School Enrollment57%
Access to Safe Water58%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)US$490
 
 
Zambia consists largely of high plateaus with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 feet above sea level. The altitude produces a pleasant climate in much of Zambia, even though it is located in the tropics. Changes in temperature and precipitation mark the shifts between the country’s three seasons: the warm, wet season (November to April); the cool, dry season (April to August); and,the hot, dry season (August to November).

Zambia is a beautiful nation that is home to antelopes, zebras, monkeys, and elephants. One of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa can be found in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley National Park.

Zambians sometimes encounter special problems because their country is landlocked and heavily dependent on road and rail transportation. For example, people living in rural communities might wait as long as two months for mail to arrive.

How You Can Pray for Your Sponsored Child
  • Pray that churches and families will respond to God's call to care for orphans and widows, especially those affected by the AIDS pandemic.
  • Pray that your sponsored child might respond to God’s love and grace.
  • Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
  • Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.
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