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General Information
Zambian Gemstones.
Victoria Falls Hydro Dam.
NATURAL RESOURCES
With the exception of the Northern and Luapula prov-
inces, which are part of the DRC basin, Zambia lies
on the watershed between the DRC and Zambezi
River systems. The three great natural lakes of the
country, Bangweulu, Mweru and Lake Tanganyika
are all located in the north and are part of the head-
waters of the Zaire River. Lake Tanganyika is the
second deepest natural lake in the world and sup-
ports a lively fishing and growing tourism industry.
Lake Bangweulu, which, including its swampland,
covers an area of about 3,800 square miles, drains
into the Luapula River. This river starts flowing
south, turns west and northwards to pass through
Lake Mweru on its way to the DRC.
Along the southern border of the country stretches
Lake Kariba, the largest man made lake in Africa
and the second largest in the world. It is about
280kms long and 40kms across at its widest point.
Apart from its abundant wildlife, rivers, and lakes,
Zambia possesses 6% of the worlds copper re-
serves and is the fourth largest copper producing
nation in the world. Zambia is internationally rec-
ognized as a major producer of high quality gem-
stones such as emeralds, aquamarines, amethyst
and tourmalines that are highly competitive within
global markets.
Electricity is relatively cheap due to the abundance
of hydroelectric power sources as well as reasonably
large coal reserves. Most of the electricity is supplied
from major hydropower stations located in the Kafue
Gorge, the Lake Kariba north bank generator and the
Victoria Falls as well as mini-hydro power stations in
Lusiwashi, Musonda Falls, Chishimba Falls and Lu-
zua. The domestic electricity supply is 240 volts, 50
hertz of alternating current, with 415 volt single and
three phases of supply available for industrial use.
CLIMATE
The relatively high altitude of much of the land gives
Zambia a more pleasant climate than that expe-
rienced in most tropical countries. There are three
seasons - cool and dry from May to August, hot and
dry from September to November, warm and wet
from December to April. Only in the Valleys of the
Zambezi and Luangwa is there excessive heat, par-
ticularly in October and, in the wet season, extremely
high humidity.
In the warm and wet season, frequent heavy show-
ers and thunderstorms occur, followed by spells of
bright sunshine. Plants grow profusely as the land
turns into a lush green paradise, while and rivers and
streams seemingly fill up almost overnight.
During the cool dry season, night frosts may occur
in places sheltered from the wind. The countryside
dries up gradually and grass fires are not uncommon
fuelled by strong winds that are characteristic of this
time of the year.
Temperatures rise during the hot, dry season while
new leaves begin to appear on the trees before the
start of the heavy rains, while new grass adds col-
our to the countryside. The main growing period of
woodland vegetation is usually between August and
November of this time as well.
While the rainfall pattern over the whole country is
similar - between November and March, the amount
Principally the civic authorities in all cities and towns
provide water to their residents. Many residential
properties are also served by borehole systems.