| Kaoma | |
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Kaoma
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Zambia |
| Admin. division | Western Province |
| District | Kaoma District |
| Elevation | 3,763 ft (1,147 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 14,200 |
Kaoma is a town in Zambia. It is the headquarters of Kaoma District in the Western Province.
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Kaoma is located approximately 460 kilometres (290 mi), by road, west of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia and its largest city.[1] At Kaoma, the Great West Road (M9), meets the Kaoma-Kasempa Road (D301). This location lies west of Kafue National Park. The coordinates of the town are:14 48 00S, 24 48 00E (Latitude:-14.8000; Longitude:24.8000).[2]
Kaoma has previously been known by other names including: Nkoya, Mankoya, Mankoye, Nankoya, Nunkoya.[3] The official name of the town was changed to Kaoma in 1964. The name Nkoya came from the first Zambian ethnic group to settle in the area around the 6th Century. The Nkoya people can be found in Kaoma and the surrounding areas such as Mumbwa, Mulobezi, Kazungula, Mungulula (Mongu), Kalabo, Lukulu amongst other districts. The Nkoya people celebrate an annual traditional ceremony called the Kazanga Ceremony, which is held between April and August in Kaoma District, under Chief Mwene Mutondo and Chief Kahare of the Nkoya people.
In 2006, the population of Kaoma was estimated at 14,200.[4]
The landmarks within the town of Kaoma or close to its borders include the following:
A new district hospital is under construction, to replace the old buildings of the old hospital, which was constructed in the 1950s. Funding for the new hospital is through donations from overseas charitable organizations including:
