Rhodesia was divided by the Zambezi River, into Northern and Southern Rhodesia, the latter now known as Zimbabwe. Zambia is a little larger than Texas and was the larger part of this former territory. The elevation of the country ranges from 3500 to 4500 feet above sea level. In 1964 Zambia became independent and joined the United Nations. The high altitude tempers the humidity so that the climate is generally pleasant.
Climate is mild all year.
David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary, traveled through the region in the 1850s, impelled by a burden to evangelize areas where no missionary had ever been. For much of his journey, he followed the Zambezi River, a river that today forms the southern boundary of Zambia. He discovered Victoria Falls in 1855, naming it in honor of his queen. By the time of his death in 1873, he had explored the entire Zambezi Basin and established missions in the hope of stopping the slave trade carried on by the Arabs from the northeast. He helped to inspire British colonization of the area.