Culture and Customs of Zambia

Zambia stands out in Africa as one of the continent's most peaceful countries. In its early years as an independent state, Zambia became a regional bulwark against colonial domination and South African apartheid. Today, it stands out as an important example of Africa's recent democratisation, experiencing both incredible success as well as some notable setbacks. The country is also one of the most urbanised in Sub-Saharan Africa. As a result of this urban influx, Zambia's diverse ethnic groups interact regularly. Moreover, many contemporary Zambian households, especially those in cities, are also exposed to the media, technology, and influences of western urbanised cultures, from Internet cafes to hip hop music. The interesting ways that tradition and modernity conflict and combine in contemporary Zambia are prime considerations in this book. This book explores Zambia's culture, with an eye toward its historical experiences and its particular endowments. It focuses on how "traditional" and "modern" interact, and sometimes collide, through topics such as religion, gender roles and family, cuisine, the arts, literature, and more.