Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and spectacular natural wonders.
Here is a comprehensive overview:
1. Key Facts & Geography
| Feature | Detail |
| Capital & Largest City | Harare (formerly Salisbury) |
| Location | Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. |
| Major Rivers | Zambezi (forms the northern border), Limpopo (forms the southern border). |
| Terrain | Mostly high plateau (Highveld) that runs from southwest to northeast, flanked by lower plains (Lowveld). |
| Highest Point | Mount Inyangani (2,592 m) in the Eastern Highlands. |
| Natural Wonder | Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya—”The Smoke That Thunders”) on the Zambezi River. |
| Population (Est. 2024) | Approximately 16.8 million |
| Official Languages | 16 are recognized, including English, Shona (most widely spoken), and Ndebele. |
| Independence | April 18, 1980 (from the United Kingdom, following the Rhodesian Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965). |
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2. History & Culture
- Great Zimbabwe: The country’s name is derived from the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe, a massive stone-built complex that served as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe from the 13th to 15th centuries. The ruins are a testament to the advanced civilization of the Shona ancestors.
- Ethnic Groups: The population is primarily composed of two main Bantu-speaking groups: the Shona (about 80%) and the Ndebele (about 16%).
- Religion: The majority of the population is Christian, often mixed with traditional indigenous beliefs (syncretic).
- Arts & Music: Traditional music, particularly that played on the mbira (thumb piano), is central to the culture. The genre of Chimurenga (protest music) has a strong history. Shona stone sculpture is internationally acclaimed.
3. Economy and Current Situation
Zimbabwe’s economy is rich in human and natural capital but has faced significant volatility, high inflation, and economic contraction over the past two decades.
- Key Sectors: The economy is heavily reliant on:
- Mining: Gold, platinum group metals, chrome, coal, and nickel are major exports and foreign currency earners.
- Agriculture: Tobacco, maize, cotton, and sugar are important crops.
- Services: Contributing over half of the GDP.
- Currency & Finance: The country operates a multicurrency system, with the ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold, introduced in 2024) and the US dollar ($) as dominant currencies.
- Economic Challenges:
- Debt Distress: High and unsustainable public debt, limiting access to international financing from institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
- High Informality: A large portion of economic activity occurs in the informal sector.
- Climate Vulnerability: The economy is highly exposed to climate change, with frequent droughts affecting agricultural and hydropower output.
4. Major Cities and Attractions
| City | Significance | Notable Attraction |
| Harare | Capital, commercial, and industrial center; nicknamed the “Sunshine City.” | National Gallery of Zimbabwe, National Botanic Garden. |
| Bulawayo | Second-largest city, historical industrial hub, and center of Matabeleland. | National Museum, proximity to Matobo National Park and Khami Ruins. |
| Mutare | Major city in the Eastern Highlands, close to the border with Mozambique. | Scenic Vumba Mountains, Nyanga National Park. |
| Victoria Falls | Major tourism hub. | Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World). |
| Masvingo | Gateway to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. | Great Zimbabwe Ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site). |
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5. Wildlife and Conservation
Zimbabwe is a premier safari destination with extensive conservation efforts.
- National Parks: The country boasts numerous parks and reserves, including:
- Hwange National Park: The largest, known for its large elephant herds.
- Mana Pools National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique walking safaris and diverse wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo).
- Matobo National Park: Features unique granite formations and is home to both black and white rhinoceros.