Chungnam Friend: Innocent Kanyala from Zambia

Hello everyone, My name is Innocent Kanyala from Zambia.

I am excited to introduce you to my country, Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by eight countries. Its capital is Lusaka, and we have around 20 million people. English is our official language, but we also speak many local languages like Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, and Lozi. Zambia is home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and our motto is “One Zambia, One Nation” showing our diversity and unity.

Zambia has beautiful landscapes, including plateaus, valleys, and escarpments. Major rivers like the Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa run through the country. Our climate is mostly tropical, with rainy, cool-dry, and hot-dry seasons. We also have amazing national parks, like South Luangwa and Kafue, where you can see elephants, lions, hippos, and many more wild animals.

Our culture is vibrant. Zambia has over 70 ethnic groups, each with its own traditions. Famous ceremonies include Kuomboka and Nc’wala. Music, dance, and food are very important our staple dish is nshima, usually served with vegetables, meat, or fish. Zambians are known for being friendly, welcoming, and community-oriented.

Economically, Zambia relies on copper mining, agriculture, and tourism. Life in cities like Lusaka is busy, while rural areas focus on farming and community life. Sports, especially athletics and football, are a big part of daily life.

Personally, I am a student-athlete at the University of Zambia and a former FISU Student Ambassador. Sports and leadership have taught me discipline, teamwork, and goal-setting. I’m excited to share Zambia’s culture.

In picture above  The Victoria falls, and the bridge at Victoria Falls is, a historic steel arch bridge that spans the Zambezi River, linking Zimbabwe and Zambia just downstream from the waterfall.

Lake Tanganyika is located in the northernmost tip of the country, in Mpulungu District of Northern Province.and Mining in Zambia is one of the country’s biggest industries and the backbone of our economy. Some of the minerals mined include, copper, gold, coal and emeralds.

 

Thank you for letting me share a glimpse of my country, I hope it gives you a sense of what life in Zambia is like.