Overview of Zimbabwe

Profile

Zimbabwe is a country built on the plateau between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, with its name derived from "stone houses" originating from the ancient trading city of Great Zimbabwe. After independence from Britain in 1980, the country was supported by rich mineral resources and agriculture, but experienced land reform and hyperinflation from the 2000s onwards. Currently, tourism, mining, and exports of tobacco and cotton are the pillars of the economy, with travelers from around the world visiting for Victoria Falls and diverse wildlife. In recent years, the introduction of the US dollar and gold-backed currency ZiG has aimed to stabilize finances.

Official name: Republic of Zimbabwe
Common name: Zimbabwe
Numeric code: 716
Alpha-3 code: ZWE
Alpha-2 code: ZW
Population: Approximately 16 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 42 people/km2
Primary languages: English, Shona, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Tswana, Venda
Major religions: Christianity, Traditional Religions
National anthem: Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe (Blessed be the Land of Zimbabwe)
Calling code: +263
Internet TLD: .zw

History

From the Great Zimbabwe Kingdom through colonial Rhodesia era to independence in 1980. After Robert Mugabe's long-term rule, regime change occurred in 2017.

Around the 12th century, the Great Zimbabwe Kingdom flourished, supplying gold and ivory to Indian Ocean trade. Subsequently, kingdoms such as Monomotapa and Ndebele rose and fell. From 1888, the British South Africa Company led by Cecil Rhodes took control, becoming Southern Rhodesia. In 1965, the white minority government unilaterally declared independence, naming itself the Republic of Rhodesia, but after guerrilla warfare and international sanctions, reached the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979. In 1980, the Republic of Zimbabwe was born through multi-racial elections. The Mugabe regime caused economic crisis through land reform and foreign conflicts, stepping down in 2017 following military intervention. Since then, under President Mnangagwa, the country has been seeking economic reconstruction and normalization of international relations.

Geography & climate

Most of the country consists of Highveld plateau at 1,000-1,500m elevation, bordered by the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers to the north and south. The eastern region features mountainous terrain centered on Mount Nyangani, with distinctive landscapes dotted with granite domes (kopjes).

Savanna type (Highland subtropical)

Area: Africa / 390757 km²
Capital: Harare
Largest city: Harare
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Kariba
Bordering countries: Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa

Natural resources

Gold, Platinum Group Metals, Diamonds, Chrome, Lithium, Coal, Nickel, Copper, Iron Ore, Asbestos, Forest Resources, Hydropower (Kariba Dam)

Politics

Government: Presidential Republic

Economy

Currency: Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)

GDP (nominal): 283.7 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 593 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Shona, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Tswana, Venda

Time zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Shona people, Ndebele people, Chewa people, Tonga people, Venda people, Tswana people, Sotho people, European Zimbabweans, Asian Zimbabweans

Life expectancy

Approximately 61 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 88%

National sports

Football, Cricket, Rugby, Golf, Swimming, Netball, Athletics