a country in south central Africa, between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Population: 9,770,000 (2001). Capital: Lusaka. Zambia is rich in minerals, especially copper. Its former name, when it was ruled by Britain, was Northern Rhodesia. It became independent in 1964, and is a member of the British commonwealth. officially Republic of Zambia formerly Northern Rhodesia Landlocked country, south-central Africa
a republic in central Africa; formerly controlled by Great Britain and called Northern Rhodesia until it gained independence within the Commonwealth in 1964