Lusaka

Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, located in the south-central part of the country. The city serves as Zambia's political, economic and administrative centre, housing the national government, Parliament and the headquarters of most major Zambian companies and international organisations operating in the country. Lusaka has a population of approximately 2.5 million people in its metropolitan area, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in southern Africa. The city's economy is driven by government services, commerce, manufacturing, construction and agriculture, with significant activity in food processing, textiles and chemicals. Lusaka is a major transport hub, connected by road and rail to neighbouring countries and served by Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, which handles both domestic and international flights. The city has historically played an important role in regional politics, serving as a base for liberation movements during the independence struggles of southern African nations in the 1960s and 1970s. Lusaka's infrastructure has expanded rapidly in recent decades, with new shopping centres, office buildings and residential developments, though the city faces challenges related to informal settlements, traffic congestion and service delivery. The city was founded in 1905 as a railway station and became Zambia's capital in 1935, replacing Livingstone. Lusaka remains a key diplomatic and conference centre for the Southern African Development Community and other regional bodies.