# Livingstone

> city in Zambia

**Wikidata**: [Q1866604](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1866604)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livingstone,_Zambia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/livingstone

## Summary
Livingstone is a major city in southern Zambia, situated near the Zambezi River and the border with Zimbabwe. Named after 19th-century explorer David Livingstone, it serves as the capital of Zambia's Southern Province and is a key administrative, tourism, and commercial hub. As of 2022, its population is approximately 177,393, with historical growth from 33,000 in 1963 to over 177,000 in recent decades.

## Key Facts
- **Population**: 177,393 (2022 census), up from 136,897 (2010) and 97,488 (2000).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -17.85°, Longitude 25.8667°.
- **Elevation**: 931 meters above sea level.
- **Country**: Zambia, located in Southern Province.
- **Capital Of**: Southern Province and historically Northern Rhodesia.
- **Named After**: Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone.
- **Aliases**: Maramba, リヴィングストン (ザンビア), لفنستون, ليفينجستون, 마람바.
- **Time Zone**: UTC+02:00.
- **UN/LOCODE**: ZMLVI.
- **Website**: https://www.livingstonecouncil.gov.zm/.
- **Twin Towns**: Funchal (Portugal), Santa Fe (Argentina).
- **Border City**: Adjacent to Zimbabwe, near Victoria Falls.
- **Geonames ID**: 910111; **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 89085357.
- **Economic Significance**: Tourism gateway to Victoria Falls and Zambezi River activities.

## FAQs
- **What is Livingstone's historical significance?**  
  It was the capital of Northern Rhodesia from 1907 to 1932 and played a central role in colonial administration. The city is named after David Livingstone, who explored the Zambezi region in the 19th century.

- **How has the population changed over time?**  
  The population grew from 33,000 in 1963 to 177,393 by 2022, reflecting urbanization and economic growth driven by tourism and trade.

- **What natural features are nearby?**  
  The city is situated along the Zambezi River, near Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major tourist attraction.

- **What administrative roles does Livingstone hold?**  
  It is the capital of Zambia's Southern Province and a municipal council headquarters, hosting local government offices and services.

- **Why is the city internationally recognized?**  
  Livingstone is a twin town with Funchal (Portugal) and Santa Fe (Argentina), fostering cultural and economic ties. It is also a border crossing point to Zimbabwe.

## Why It Matters
Livingstone is a critical cultural, economic, and historical center in southern Africa. As a gateway to Victoria Falls, it drives regional tourism, supporting Zambia's economy. Its colonial-era significance as a administrative hub and its namesake’s legacy make it a focal point for historical study. The city’s growth from a small settlement to a metropolitan area with over 177,000 residents underscores its role in Zambia’s urban development.

## Notable For
- **Proximity to Victoria Falls**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and global tourism destination.
- **Border City**: Strategic location for trade and travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- **Historical Administrative Role**: Former capital of Northern Rhodesia (1907–1932).
- **Population Growth**: Consistent expansion from 33,000 (1963) to 177,393 (2022).
- **Twin Towns**: International partnerships with Funchal and Santa Fe.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Named after David Livingstone, symbolizing European exploration history.

## Body

### Geography & Location
Livingstone is situated at coordinates -17.85° latitude and 25.8667° longitude, 931 meters above sea level. It lies in Zambia's Southern Province, bordered by Zimbabwe to the south and the Zambezi River to the east. The city’s proximity to Victoria Falls (10 km north) makes it a tourism and adventure sports hub.

### Demographics
- **2022 Census**: 177,393 residents (preferred population figure).
- **Historical Growth**:  
  - 1963: 33,000  
  - 1969: 45,200  
  - 1974: 58,000  
  - 1990: 76,875  
  - 2000: 97,488  
  - 2010: 136,897  
- **Urbanization**: Rapid expansion reflects its role as a provincial capital and economic center.

### History
Founded in 1905 and named after David Livingstone, the city served as the capital of Northern Rhodesia from 1907 until 1932, when the administrative center moved to Lusaka. Its colonial architecture and museums, such as the Livingstone Museum, preserve its historical legacy.

### Administration
- **Capital Status**: Current capital of Southern Province; historical capital of Northern Rhodesia.
- **Local Governance**: Administered by Livingstone City Council (website: https://www.livingstonecouncil.gov.zm/).
- **International Relations**: Twinned with Funchal (Portugal) and Santa Fe (Argentina).

### Economy & Infrastructure
- **Tourism**: Primary economic driver due to Victoria Falls and Zambezi River activities (rafting, safaris).
- **Transport**: Road and rail links to Zimbabwe via the Kazungula Bridge; Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport serves regional flights.
- **Utilities**: Part of Zambia’s national grid; water sourced from the Zambezi River.

### Culture & Society
- **Categories for People**:  
  - Born in Livingstone: *Category:Births in Livingstone, Zambia*.  
  - Associated individuals: *Category:People of Livingstone, Zambia*.  
- **Cultural Institutions**: Livingstone Museum, Maramba Cultural Village.

### International Recognition
- **Global IDs**:  
  - GeoNames: 910111  
  - OpenStreetMap: 89085357  
  - VIAF: 130172052  
- **Encyclopedia Entries**: Featured in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1926–1947) and Encyclopædia Britannica.

### Symbols & Media
- **Coat of Arms**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Livingstone_Coat_of_arms.jpg.  
- **Banner**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Wikivoyage_banner_of_Livingstone.png.  
- **Media Coverage**: BBC Things ID: d9f36d7d-e5c5-419f-9fbd-94dc46b3e94f.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
4. GeoNames
5. BBC Things
6. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/zm.htm)
7. [Source](https://it-ch.topographic-map.com/map-891x9m/Livingstone/?zoom=19&center=-17.84952%2C25.85407&popup=-17.8493%2C25.8542)
8. Quora