Zambia

/ˈzæmbiə/ noun

Definition

A landlocked country in southern Africa, known for its copper mining and Victoria Falls.

Etymology

Named after the Zambezi River, from the local Tonga word 'zambezi' meaning great river. The country was formerly known as Northern Rhodesia until independence in 1964.

Kelly Says

Zambia deliberately chose its name to honor Africa's fourth-longest river rather than keeping its colonial name after Cecil Rhodes. The Zambezi River creates the spectacular Victoria Falls, which locals called 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' meaning 'the smoke that thunders' - much more poetic than the European name.

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