09/08/2026
DYK
The name Zambia comes from the Zambezi River, which flows along the country’s southern and western borders.
The Zambezi River was historically known by names derived from local languages, including terms associated with “great river” or the river’s local name.
When Northern Rhodesia became independent on 24 October 1964, it adopted the name Zambia, referring to the Zambezi River.
The name was chosen partly to distinguish the new country from Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).