The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the South Africa Company from 1891 until takeover by the UK in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia upon independence in 1964.

Zambia’s early years were characterized by nationalization of companies and the adoption of the command economy. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices, and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to the command economy and a move towards liberalization and promotion of private sector led development.

The adoption of the liberalization policy necessitated structural reforms, including the establishment of various statutory bodies.

Zambia is landlocked Southern African Country, she shares her boundaries with 7 other countries. These are: Angola (to the west); Democratic Republic of Congo; Tanzania; Malawi; Mozambique; Zimbabwe; Botswana and Angola. Zambia’s total area is about 753,000 sq KM of which 741,000 sq KM is land.

Zambia has a vast range of natural resources. These include copper; zinc; lead; coal; emeralds; gold; silver; uranium and hydropower. The most predominant contributor to national income is the copper industry. However, since the advert of liberalization government policy has been targeted at diversification of the economy. The era from the mid 90s has seen an increase in the contribution of the non-traditional export sector to national income.

Legal system: The legal system is based on English common law and customary law. The legislative branch is comprised of a unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms). With regard to the judicial Branch, Supreme Court is the final court of appeal; justices are appointed by the president); the High Court has unlimited jurisdiction to hear civil and criminal cases.