Republic of Zambia

Zambia is a central and landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It shares its land boundary borders with Angola to the west, Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Malawi and Tanzania to the east and north-east. The country also shares its borders with Zimbabwe to the south divided by Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls); as well as Namibia and a short strip with Botswana to the south-west.

The terrain of Zambia is mostly high plateau, with some hills and mountains. The lowest point is the Zambezi river, at 329 metres above sea level, with the highest being Mafinga Central in the Mafinga Hills, at 2,339 metres. The general topography of the country is characterised by uplifted plantation surfaces. The general elevation of the nation as a whole is tended towards West to East from the Kalahari Basin. The level of land falls from the upper Congo towards the Zambezi depression in the South forming a plateau.

The Zambian coat of arms was adopted on 24 October 1964 when the Republic of Zambia gained its independence. The eagle of liberty, the African fish eagle, represents the conquest of freedom and the nation’s hope for the future. The pick and hoe represent the country’s economic backbone: agriculture and mining, as well as the characteristics that have influenced Zambia’s evolution and nature. The shield is a representation of Mosi-oa-Tunya, with white water cascading over black rock, and the Zambezi river from which Zambia takes its name. The shield is supported by two figures which represent the common man and woman of the nation.

The coat of arms also has emblems of Zambia’s main economic resources: minerals, mining, agriculture and wildlife. The country’s motto is written across the ribbon at the bottom of the coat of arms: One Zambia, One Nation which emphasises the need for unity in the country of over 60 ethnic groups.