Zambia: History

1889

Britain establishes control over Northern Rhodesia and administers the area through indirect rule.

1920s Copper is discovered, encouraging an influx of European technicians and administrators.

1953 The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland comprising Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and Nyasaland (now Malawi) is created.

1964 The federation is dissolved and Northern Rhodesia becomes the Republic of Zambia.

1975 The Tam-Zam Railway is opened providing a link between the Copperbelt to the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam, reducing Zambian dependence on Rhodesia and South Africa for its exports.

2001

Zambia joins the African Union.

2005 The World Bank approves a $3.8 billion debt relief package, which will write off more than 50% of the country’s debt.

2006 Oil is discovered in the west region of the country.

2010 Zambia and China sign a mining cooperation agreement and deal to set up a joint economic zone. China also agrees to build a hydroelectric power plant on the Kafue River.

2011

The MMD and BANDA lost to the Patriotic Front (PF) and Michael SATA in the 2011 general elections.