Overview

Southern Province is one of the administrative provinces of Zambia. Its provincial capital was moved from Livingstone to Choma in 2011, but Livingstone remains the largest urban centre and the main hub for visitors. The province lies in the southern part of the country and is characterised by broad plains, river systems and a mix of rural and urban communities.

Geography and environment

The landscape includes savanna, river floodplains and seasonally inundated wetlands that support agriculture and livestock. The Zambezi River marks part of the province’s southern boundary and feeds several important wetlands. These ecosystems sustain a variety of wildlife and provide grazing and cropping land for local communities.

Major towns and districts

  • Choma (provincial capital)
  • Livingstone (historic capital and tourism centre)
  • Mazabuka (agricultural and sugar-producing area)
  • Monze, Namwala and others that serve as local administrative and market centres

History and administration

The province has long been home to Tonga-speaking communities and other groups whose cultures are tied to riverine and cattle-herding traditions. Administrative boundaries and district structures have evolved since independence as Zambia adjusted governance to improve local services and economic development.

Economy and society

Agriculture is central to the provincial economy: smallholder maize production, cattle ranching and commercial sugarcane estates are prominent. Rural livelihoods often combine cropping, livestock and fishing where seasonal floods occur. The social fabric mixes traditional authorities, market towns and growing service sectors in larger settlements.

Tourism and notable sites

The province is internationally known for Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s best-known natural attractions, and the town of Livingstone serves as the principal gateway for visitors. Other attractions include national parks and wildlife areas, cultural experiences linked to local communities, and outdoor activities along the Zambezi. Conservation and sustainable tourism are important focuses as visitor numbers and ecological pressures continue to shape planning and local economies.

Distinctive facts

Southern Province combines significant natural attractions with extensive agricultural production. Its mix of tourism, traditional livelihoods and commercial farming makes it a key region for both Zambia’s economy and cultural identity.