There are more than 70 ethnic groups represented and eight major local languages spoken in Zambia. Many people also speak English, the official language. In remote parts of the country, village life goes on much as it has for hundreds of years. The people live in circular, grass-roofed homes and raise food crops on the surrounding land. The development of mining has caused thousands of Zambians to move to mining towns.
Corn is the main food.
A favorite dish is nshima, a thick porridge made from corn. The people plant their crops in November and December. The majority of Zambians are Christians, but traditional local beliefs still have a strong hold on the village people. Most Zambian children attend elementary school. But only a fifth of them go to high school.