Country | Zambia |
Population | 2238569 |
Area | 360 km2 (140 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+2 (CAT) |
Coordinates | -15.40669, 28.28713 |
Highest elevation | 1,279[3] m (4,190 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Lusaka, the vibrant capital and largest city of Zambia, is a bustling metropolis and one of the fastest-developing cities in southern Africa. Located on the southern part of the central plateau at an elevation of about 1,279 meters (4,196 feet), Lusaka is home to a population of approximately 3.3 million as of 2019, with an urban population estimated at 2.5 million in 2018.
The city serves as the heart of commerce and government in Zambia, strategically connecting to the country’s four main highways leading north, south, east, and west. While English is the official language used in city administration, Bemba and Nyanja are the prevalent languages spoken on the streets.
Historically, Lusaka’s earliest evidence of settlement dates back to the 6th century AD, with the first known settlement occurring in the 11th century. By the 17th or 18th century, it had become home to the Lenje and Soli peoples. The foundation of modern Lusaka began in 1905 within the British protectorate of Northern Rhodesia, under the control of the British South African Company (BSAC). The BSAC built a railway to link their Copperbelt mines to Cape Town, establishing Lusaka as a water stop named after a local Lenje chief, Lusaaka.
The city’s expansion accelerated when white Afrikaner farmers settled in the area, transforming it into a regional trading center and assuming its administration. In 1929, the British colonial administration, having taken over Northern Rhodesia from the BSAC, decided to relocate the capital from Livingstone to a more central location, choosing Lusaka for this purpose. Prominent town planners, including Stanley Adshead, contributed to its development, which continued over the following decades.
Although Lusaka’s prominence was briefly overshadowed by Salisbury (now Harare, Zimbabwe) when it became the capital of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1953, Lusaka regained its status as the capital of newly independent Zambia in 1964. This transition spurred a significant building program in the city, leading to the construction of government buildings, the University of Zambia, and a new airport. Wealthy suburbs such as Woodlands, Ibex Hill, and Rhodes Park emerged during this period.
The city has experienced large-scale migration from other parts of Zambia both before and after independence, resulting in a severe housing shortage. This led to the development of numerous unplanned shantytowns on Lusaka’s western and southern fringes.
Today, Lusaka stands as a dynamic and growing urban center. Its diverse economy includes significant contributions from sectors such as manufacturing, commerce, and education. The University of Zambia is a key institution, bolstering the city’s status as an educational hub. The ongoing urbanization and infrastructure development continue to shape Lusaka’s role as a critical node in Zambia’s socio-economic landscape.
Leave a Reply