Zimbabwe
From Imakoopedia
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| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | Harare |
| Government | parliamentary democracy |
| Currency | Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD) |
| Area | total: 390,580 sq km water: 3,910 sq km land: 386,670 sq km |
| Population | 11,376,676 (July 2002 est.) |
| Language | English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects |
| Religion | syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1% |
Zimbabwe is a country in Southern Africa. It is landlocked and is surrounded by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and north.
Although the country is landlocked, its great rivers are used for transport. The Zambezi forms the natural riverine boundary with Zambia and when in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water. The falls have been a major tourist attraction.
Once known as the Breadbasket of Africa, in recent times Zimbabwe has undergone a politically induced economic depression. Due to political activities many white farmers have fled the country as refugees and a lot of farm land has been taken out of production and redistributed to gangs who support the government. Press freedoms have been curtailed and law and order has been compromised by armed gangs.
| Table of contents |
Regions
- Administrative divisions
- 8 provinces:
- Manicaland
- Mashonaland Central
- Mashonaland East
- Mashonaland West
- Masvingo
- Matabeleland North
- Matabeleland South
- Midlands
Cities
Ports and harbors
Other destinations
- Victoria Falls are a popular tourist destination, with its own international airport and many hotels, tours, and safari operators.
Understand
Climate
Tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March). Although there are recurring droughts, floods and severe storms are rare.
Terrain
Mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld); mountains in east
- Elevation extremes
- lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save rivers 162 m
highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m
History
The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia).
UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980.
- Constitution
- 21 December 1979
- Independence
- 18 April 1980 (from UK)
- National holiday
- Independence Day, 18 April (1980)
Robert MUGABE, the nation's first African prime minister, has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated the country's political system since independence. His misguided land redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE rigged the 2002 presidential election to have himself reelected.
Get in
By plane
By train
By car
By bus
By boat
Get around
Talk
- Languages
- English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Learn
Work
Stay safe
Given the high degree of lawlessness in the country, intending travellers to Zimbabwe should take great care with their personal security and safety.
Stay healthy
Respect
Contact
External links
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