When Did Zambia Achieve Independence?

Zambia officially achieved independence on 24 October 1964 after having been under the control of Great Britain and known as Northern Rhodesia since 1890. The country’s independence occurred during the 1964 Summer Olympics, so athletes from the country arrived in Tokyo, Japan, for the Games on 10 October 1964 as representatives from Northern Rhodesia and returned after the Games ended on 24 October as citizens of Zambia. The Zambia Independence Act of 1964 was passed that day, declaring Zambia a free and independent republic. Kenneth Kaunda was elected president and served from 1964 through 1991.

More about Zambia:

• More than 60% of the people in Zambia live on less than $1 US Dollar (USD) per day, making it one of the poorest countries in the world.


• Zambia ranks ninth in the world for copper deposits, and copper accounts for 40% of its gross domestic product (GDP) and 95% of its exports.


• Most of the land in Zambia is owned by government officials. Only 6% is owned outright by private individuals who hold titles to it.