Formerly Northern Rhodesia, Zambia is made up of a highland plateau (approximately 1000 metres above sea level) which rises toward the east and which - in the north, along the border of Zaire - houses enormous reserves of copper, cobalt, coal, zinc and lead, the mining of which is of extreme importance to the economy. Tourism is of increasing importance with the magnificent Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River marking the border with Zimbabwe. The game parks of Zambia, although not so well known as those of Kenya and Tanzania, are large and well stocked with wildlife of all types.
South Luangwa National Park is Zambia's most prominent park and is dominated by the Luangwa River. The Lower Zambezi National Park is Zambia's newest park and although it might not have the same density of animals as other parks in the area, it is worth coming here for its unspoilt wilderness. Kafue National Park is Zambia's oldest (declared 1950) and largest (22,400 sq kilometres) park. Lake Kariba is Africa's largest man made lake and not only produces the hydroelectric power it was created for, but is also major contributor to the fishing industry (after a variety of fish had been introduced from Lake Tanganyika).