The Republic of Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia), a landlocked country of south-central Africa, has an area of 290,586 sq. mi. (752,614 sq. km.) and a population of nearly 9.87 million. Capital: Lusaka. The economy is based principally on copper, of which Zambia is the world?s third largest producer. Copper, zinc, lead, cobalt, and tobacco are exported. ,The area that is now Zambia was brought within the British sphere of influences in 1888 by empire builder Cecil Rhodes, who obtained mining concessions in south-central Africa from indigenous chiefs. The territory was ruled by the British South Africa Company, which Rhodes established, until 1924 when its administration was transferred to the British government as a protectorate. In 1953, Northern Rhodesia was joined with Nyasaland and the colony of Southern Rhodesia from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Northern Rhodesia seceded from the Federation on October 24, 1964, and became the independent Republic of Zambia. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The president is Chief of State. ,, ,Zambia adopted a decimal currency system on January 16, 1969.,, ,Also see Rhodesia and Malawi. ,, Rulers:,,, ,British to 1964,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Shilling = 12 Pence,, ,1 Pound = 20 Shillings to 1968,, ,1 Kwacha = 100 Ngwee, 1968-,,