Chipata, with a population around more than 300,000 is the capital of the Eastern Province of Zambia. Having a boma, local markets, a hospital, a shopping centre and a number of schools, Chipata is the business and administrative hub that serves the region. The town is home to the Protea Hotel Chipata, a four star hotel, a golf course, an airport and a mosque. The town is the regional head of the Ngoni of Zambia. Ngoni is the primary language, although Nyanja and English are widely spoken, plus some Indian languages, as a large number of Zambian Indians live in the town. Chipata is located near the border with Malawi, and lies on the Great East Road which connects the capitals Lilongwe 130 km east and Lusaka 550 km west. The town is a popular access point for the South Luangwa National Park.