Zimbabwe

A Land of Ancient Civilizations, Natural Wonders, and Resilience

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Victoria Falls, and Great Zimbabwe ruins, the country also faces challenges from decades of economic and political instability, but continues to push for reform and revival under new leadership.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Inhabited by Shona and Ndebele people for centuries

  • Home to the Great Zimbabwe civilization (11th–15th century)

  • Colonized by Britain as Southern Rhodesia in the late 19th century

  • Declared independence unilaterally in 1965 under white-minority rule

  • Gained internationally recognized independence on April 18, 1980, with Robert Mugabe as the first Prime Minister

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of Zimbabwe
Capital Harare
Continent Africa (Southern)
Official Languages English, Shona, Sindebele (Ndebele)
Recognized Languages 16 national languages including Chewa, Kalanga, Tonga, and others
Currency Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), USD widely used
Area Approx. 390,757 sq. km
Population Approx. 16.9 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Central Africa Time (UTC+2)
ISO Code ZW
Internet TLD .zw
Calling Code +263

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Christianity (Protestant, Catholic) ~85%
Traditional African Religions ~10%
Other / Unaffiliated ~5%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga & Kembo Mohadi
Government Type Presidential republic
Legislature Bicameral – National Assembly and Senate
Judiciary Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, High Courts

Administrative Divisions (Provinces)

Zimbabwe is divided into 10 provinces, including 2 cities with provincial status:

  • Bulawayo (City)

  • Harare (City & Capital)

  • Manicaland (Mutare)

  • Mashonaland Central (Bindura)

  • Mashonaland East (Marondera)

  • Mashonaland West (Chinhoyi)

  • Masvingo (Masvingo)

  • Matabeleland North (Lupane)

  • Matabeleland South (Gwanda)

  • Midlands (Gweru)

Local Government Structure

  • Administered through provincial councils, rural district councils, and urban councils

  • Traditional leadership plays a role in customary law and local governance

  • Ongoing efforts to enhance decentralization and community-based development

Leadership & Governance

Zimbabwe’s political landscape has been shaped by liberation history, but faces demands for democratic reforms and good governance.
Focus areas:

  • Economic stabilization

  • Constitutionalism and rule of law

  • Electoral reforms and anti-corruption

  • Youth empowerment and job creation

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Main agencies:

    • Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)

    • Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA)

    • Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO)

  • Urban areas generally secure, though political tensions and protests occur during elections

  • Government working on improving justice accessibility and human rights

Economy & Industry

  • Key Sectors:

    • Mining – gold, platinum, diamonds, lithium

    • Agriculture – tobacco, maize, cotton, sugar

    • Tourism – Victoria Falls, national parks

    • Manufacturing and informal trade

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 31.4 billion

  • Economic challenges include inflation, currency volatility, and sanctions

  • Current focus: economic revival, reengagement with international community

Education & Institutions

  • Free primary education with emphasis on universal literacy

  • Notable institutions:

    • University of Zimbabwe (UZ)

    • Midlands State University (MSU)

    • National University of Science and Technology (NUST)

  • Issues:

    • Brain drain

    • Inconsistent education quality and infrastructure

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare system is affordable but under-resourced

  • Major hospitals:

    • Parirenyatwa Hospital (Harare)

    • Mpilo Central Hospital (Bulawayo)

  • Challenges:

    • Medicine shortages, understaffing, aging infrastructure

    • Rise of private healthcare for middle-class and expats

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads: National highways connect provinces; maintenance varies

  • Railways: Operated by National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), facing modernization needs

  • Airports:

    • Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare)

    • Victoria Falls International Airport

    • Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport (Bulawayo)

  • Tourism links enhanced by regional air and road connectivity

Tourism & Attractions

Natural:

  • Victoria Falls – one of the world’s largest waterfalls

  • Hwange National Park – elephants, lions, safari lodges

  • Matobo Hills – granite formations and cave paintings

  • Eastern Highlands – mountains, rivers, and waterfalls

Cultural:

  • Great Zimbabwe ruins – ancient stone city and UNESCO site

  • Local crafts, music, and traditional dances

Tourism status: High potential, hindered by infrastructure gaps and international perception, but improving

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic Groups: Shona (majority), Ndebele, Tonga, Venda, and others

  • Languages:

    • English (official)

    • Shona, Sindebele, and 13 other official languages

  • Cuisine: Sadza (maize porridge), beef stew, peanut butter dishes, wild vegetables

  • Culture:

    • Mbira music, storytelling, stone sculpture

    • National pride in traditional values and resilience

Summary

Zimbabwe is a nation of extraordinary history, natural wonders, and cultural richness. Despite enduring economic and political setbacks, it continues to strive for recovery, democracy, and sustainable growth. With global attention on its reform path and tourism potential, Zimbabwe holds promise as a rising Southern African power.