Lusaka is the capital of Zambia country on the African continent. Located in the country’s Lusaka region, the capital is also the largest city in the country.
Lusaka is located in the southern part of the country. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Africa. It is the most important city in terms of trade and state administration.
When did Lusaka Become the Capital?
Lusaka was named after Lusaka, the founder of the city. Although the region appeared to be an indigenous village until the early 1900s, the region, which was enlarged when the colonial British army began to build Railway in 1905, has been called a city since then. The region developed rapidly due to its location in a frequented area on trade routes.
With the founding of Southern and Northern Rhodesia in 1953, the region in which Zambia, especially Zambia, was located, did not support this formation, thus Lusaka became the capital of independent Zambia founded in 1964. After this period, Lusaka has become one of the largest cities in Africa. With a population of over 1 million in 2000, Lusaka has emerged as the largest city in Zambia today. Lusaka, as the national capital of Zambia, is a central city where legislative and executive institutions are held. There is a parliament in the city.
Features of Lusaka
Lusaka has a population of 1.75 million according to 2010 data. Lusaka has an area of 418 square kilometers. Lusaka has a subtropical climate. Very hot summer months and hot winter months are experienced. The coldest month is July and the average temperature is 14.9 degrees. The average temperature in October is the hottest month is 32 degrees. There is no rainfall between April and October.
Located on a plateau at an altitude of 1,300 meters, the city is located at an important intersection connecting all regions of the country. With this feature, it is one of the fastest developing cities in South Africa. Since the country has developed, it also receives migration from surrounding settlements. Therefore, it has a cosmopolitan structure. However, the unemployment rate to the city is very high. Almost one in two is unemployed. This leads to a high crime rate. In other words, when you are wandering around the city, you need to be careful about how many things happen.
The most important food products of Zambian cuisine are corn and millet. They take the solid porridge made of millet and corn, which they call Nsima, into their palms and cut them into small pieces and prepare them in the form of balls. These casseroles are usually prepared with red meat, chicken or fish. Those who cannot afford to use beans, peanuts or okra.
Important Places to See in Lusaka
Apart from some museums and local markets in the center of the city, there is not much to see. However, if you go out of town for a while, it has magnificent areas where you can see and feel the nature and natural life such as Victoria Falls or Lower Zambezi National Park. Many tourists prefer Lusaka every year just to see the waterfall.
In Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, things to see are limited but there are magnificent natural beauties.
We recommend visiting the city center on Sunday. In this way, you can go to the souvenir market, which is only open on Sundays, and shop for your loved ones. This market established in Arcades Shopping Center’s car park is one of the most beautiful in Lusaka. Handicrafts, painting, wood carving, such as gift items.
When you leave the market, walk to the city center, which is very close. In the center, you will notice the Statue of Freedom. A humble monument symbolizing liberation from British colonialism. Behind the Statue of Freedom is the Lusaka Muses. You can enter here or take a few poses from the statue and continue walking. A little further ahead you will see the bus terminal. While you’re here, make sure you find out how to get to Livingstone.
You will definitely want to go to Livingstone, where the Victoria Falls is located. From this terminal there are buses to Zimbabwe, Harare and other neighboring countries.