# Chipata (Fort Jameson)

> city

**Wikidata**: [Q856151](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q856151)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipata)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chipata-fort-jameson

## Summary  
Chipata, formerly known as Fort Jameson, is a city in eastern Zambia and the capital of Eastern Province. Founded in 1899, it serves as a key administrative and economic hub in the region, with a population of approximately 141,800 as of 2022.  

## Key Facts  
- Founded in **1899** as Fort Jameson.  
- Capital of **Eastern Province**, Zambia.  
- Population: **141,800** (2022 demographic balance), up from **116,627** (2010 census) and **73,110** (2000 census).  
- Coordinates: **-13.6386° latitude**, **32.6453° longitude**.  
- Elevation: **1,140 meters** above sea level.  
- Time zone: **UTC+02:00**.  
- Alternative names: **Fort Jameson**, **Chipatá**.  
- VIAF ID: **146651173**; GeoNames ID: **918702**.  
- Wikimedia Commons category: **Chipata**.  

## FAQs  
**Q: Why was Chipata formerly called Fort Jameson?**  
A: The city was named after Sir Leander Starr Jameson, a British colonial administrator, upon its founding in 1899. The name was later changed to Chipata.  

**Q: What is Chipata's role in Zambia's administrative structure?**  
A: It is the capital of Eastern Province, making it a central hub for regional governance and services.  

**Q: How has Chipata's population grown over time?**  
A: The population has steadily increased from **8,000** (1963) to **141,800** (2022), reflecting urbanization trends in Zambia.  

**Q: What geographic features define Chipata's location?**  
A: Situated at **1,140 meters** elevation in Eastern Province, it lies near the border with Malawi and serves as a gateway to South Luangwa National Park.  

**Q: Is Chipata connected to major transportation networks?**  
A: Yes, it is a critical junction for road and rail transport, including the TAZARA Railway linking Zambia to Tanzania.  

## Why It Matters  
Chipata is a vital economic and administrative center in eastern Zambia, driving regional trade, agriculture, and tourism. Its strategic location near the Malawi border and natural attractions like South Luangwa National Park underscores its role in fostering cross-border commerce and wildlife conservation efforts. The city’s population growth and infrastructure development reflect broader national trends of urbanization and economic diversification.  

## Notable For  
- **Historical significance**: Founded as a British colonial outpost in 1899.  
- **Administrative importance**: Capital of Eastern Province, housing key government and institutional offices.  
- **Transportation hub**: Junction for the TAZARA Railway and major road networks.  
- **Agricultural center**: Surrounded by fertile farmland supporting crop production and livestock rearing.  
- **Tourism gateway**: Proximity to South Luangwa National Park, a renowned wildlife reserve.  

## Body  

### History  
Chipata was established in **1899** as **Fort Jameson** by British colonial authorities, named after Sir Leander Starr Jameson. The city’s name was later changed to Chipata, reflecting local heritage. Its founding marked the expansion of colonial influence in northeastern Rhodesia (modern-day Zambia).  

### Geography & Climate  
- **Coordinates**: **-13.6386° S**, **32.6453° E**.  
- **Elevation**: **1,140 meters** above sea level, situated in the Eastern Province.  
- **Time zone**: **UTC+02:00** (Central African Time).  
- The city experiences a subtropical climate, influenced by its highland location.  

### Demographics  
- **2022 population**: **141,800** (demographic balance).  
- Historical census data:  
  - **1963**: 8,000  
  - **1969**: 13,300  
  - **1974**: 16,600  
  - **1990**: 52,213  
  - **2000**: 73,110  
  - **2010**: 116,627  
- Serves as a focal point for rural-urban migration in Eastern Province.  

### Economy & Infrastructure  
- **Agriculture**: Local economy relies on farming (e.g., maize, groundnuts) and livestock.  
- **Transportation**:  
  - **TAZARA Railway**: Connects Chipata to Tanzania and Dar es Salaam.  
  - **Road networks**: Links to Lusaka, Lilongwe (Malawi), and South Luangwa National Park.  
- **Markets**: Hosts bustling markets like **Chipata Main Market**, trading goods from across the region.  

### Administrative & Cultural Significance  
- **Capital of Eastern Province**: Houses provincial government offices, hospitals, and educational institutions.  
- **Cultural diversity**: Reflects a mix of ethnic groups, including the **Chewa** people, and hosts annual festivals celebrating local traditions.  
- **Tourism**: Gateway to **South Luangwa National Park**, famed for walking safaris and wildlife viewing.  

### Global Recognition  
- **Wikimedia presence**: Featured in 41 language Wikipedias (e.g., English, French, Spanish) and a dedicated Commons category.  
- **Library and archival IDs**: VIAF (**146651173**), BnF (**12477705x**), Library of Congress (**n85230097**).  
- **Geospatial identifiers**: GeoNames (**918702**), OpenStreetMap (**6378481619**).  

### Related Entities  
- **Eastern Province**: The province it governs, known for agriculture and natural reserves.  
- **TAZARA Railway**: A critical rail link between Zambia and Tanzania, passing through Chipata.  
- **South Luangwa National Park**: A major tourist destination accessible via the city.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://www.citypopulation.de/de/zambia/cities/)
5. [Source](https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/1324492/umfrage/groesste-staedte-in-sambia/)
6. BBC Things