Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Mozambique to the east, South Africa to the south, and Botswana to the southwest. The country lies between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers.
Geography
Climate
Zimbabwe has a tropical climate, with temperatures varying based on altitude. The low-lying areas experience hot temperatures, while the highlands have a more moderate climate. The country has distinct dry and wet seasons, with most of the rainfall occurring from November to March.
Fauna
Zimbabwe is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceroses. The country’s national parks and reserves, such as Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park, are renowned for their abundant wildlife populations.
Longest Rivers
The Zambezi River is the longest river in Zimbabwe, flowing across the northern part of the country. Other major rivers include the Limpopo River in the south and the Save River in the east.
Highest Mountains
Mount Nyangani, located in the eastern highlands, is the highest mountain in Zimbabwe, reaching an elevation of 2,592 meters (8,504 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
The area that is now Zimbabwe has been inhabited by various hunter-gatherer communities for thousands of years. The earliest known inhabitants were the San people, followed by the Bantu-speaking Shona people who migrated into the region around the 5th century AD.
Kingdoms and Empires
Zimbabwe has a rich history of ancient kingdoms and empires, including the Great Zimbabwe Empire, which flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries. Great Zimbabwe, the capital of the empire, was a major trading center and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Colonization
In the late 19th century, Zimbabwe came under British control and was known as Southern Rhodesia. The British colonial government implemented policies that favored white settlers, leading to land dispossession and economic inequality.
Independence and Modern Era
Zimbabwe gained independence from British rule on April 18, 1980, under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Mugabe. Initially hailed as a hero of the independence movement, Mugabe’s rule became increasingly authoritarian, leading to economic decline and political instability.
Demographics
Zimbabwe has a population of approximately 15 million people, with the majority belonging to the Shona ethnic group. Other ethnic groups include the Ndebele, Tonga, Chewa, and Kalanga. English, Shona, and Sindebele are the official languages.
Administrative Divisions
Zimbabwe is divided into ten provinces, each headed by a provincial governor appointed by the president. The provinces are further divided into districts, wards, and villages.
- Mashonaland Central
- Mashonaland East
- Mashonaland West
- Manicaland
- Midlands
- Masvingo
- Matabeleland North
- Matabeleland South
- Harare (Capital)
- Bulawayo (Second largest city)
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Harare
- Bulawayo
- Chitungwiza
- Mutare
- Gweru
- Epworth
- Kwekwe
- Kadoma
- Masvingo
- Chinhoyi
Education Systems
Education in Zimbabwe is provided by both government and private institutions. Primary education is free and compulsory, while secondary education is not mandatory but widely accessible. The country has several universities, including the University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, and National University of Science and Technology.
Transportation
Airports
Zimbabwe has several airports, including Harare International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls International Airport.
Railways
The National Railways of Zimbabwe operates the country’s railway network, which connects major cities and towns. The railway system includes both passenger and freight services.
Highways
Zimbabwe has an extensive road network, with major highways connecting urban centers. The most important highways include the Harare-Bulawayo Road, the Harare-Mutare Road, and the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road.
Country Facts
- Population: 15 million
- Capital: Harare
- Language: English, Shona, Sindebele
- Religion: Christianity (predominantly Protestant and Roman Catholic)
- Race: Majority African, with minority White and Asian populations
- Currency: Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL)
- ISO Country Codes: ZW, ZWE
- International Calling Code: +263
- Top-Level Domain: .zw