The Land of Great Rivers and Ancient Kingdoms
Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa known for its ancient civilizations, mighty Victoria Falls, and resilient people. Despite decades of political and economic challenges, Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most historically rich and naturally beautiful nations.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Zimbabwe’s heritage stretches from prehistoric stone cities to modern struggles for independence and progress.
Key Historical Timeline:
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11th–15th Century: Rise of the Great Zimbabwe Kingdom, a powerful trading empire built in stone.
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1888: British colonization under Cecil Rhodes; renamed Southern Rhodesia.
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1923: Becomes a self-governing British colony.
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1965: White minority government declares unilateral independence under Ian Smith.
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1980 (Apr 18): Official independence as the Republic of Zimbabwe after long liberation struggle; Robert Mugabe becomes first prime minister.
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2000s: Economic crises and land reform controversies.
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2017: End of Mugabe’s rule; Emmerson Mnangagwa becomes president.
Zimbabwe remains a nation of deep heritage, cultural pride, and ongoing transformation.
🧭 Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of Zimbabwe |
| Capital City | Harare |
| President | Emmerson Mnangagwa (as of 2025) |
| Vice Presidents | Constantino Chiwenga & Kembo Mohadi |
| Government Type | Presidential Republic |
| Area | ~390,757 sq. km |
| Population | ~16.5 million (2025 est.) |
| Currency | Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) |
| Time Zone | Central Africa Time (UTC+2) |
| Dial Code | +263 |
| Top-Level Domain | .zw |
| National Motto | “Unity, Freedom, Work” |
⚖️ Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| President | Emmerson Mnangagwa |
| Vice Presidents | Constantino Chiwenga, Kembo Mohadi |
| Government Type | Presidential Republic |
| Legislature | Bicameral – National Assembly and Senate |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court and Constitutional Court |
| Administrative Capital | Harare |
Zimbabwe’s governance emphasizes economic recovery, re-engagement with global partners, and agricultural modernization.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Division | Details |
|---|---|
| Provinces | 10 |
| Districts | 85+ administrative districts |
| Major Cities | Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo, Victoria Falls |
Provinces of Zimbabwe:
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Harare
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Bulawayo
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Manicaland
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Mashonaland Central
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Mashonaland East
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Mashonaland West
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Masvingo
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Matabeleland North
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Matabeleland South
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Midlands
🌐 Geography & Environment
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Location: Landlocked country in Southern Africa bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique.
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Major Rivers: Zambezi River (north) and Limpopo River (south).
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Terrain: High plateaus, savannas, and mountains.
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Climate: Tropical, moderated by altitude; rainy season from November to March.
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Natural Wonders: Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Matobo Hills, Eastern Highlands.
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Natural Resources: Gold, platinum, diamonds, coal, chrome, and fertile farmland.
Zimbabwe is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World — Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”).
Local Government Structure
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Administered through provincial councils, rural district councils, and urban councils
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Traditional leadership plays a role in customary law and local governance
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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:
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Economic stabilization
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Constitutionalism and rule of law
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Electoral reforms and anti-corruption
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Youth empowerment and job creation
Law Enforcement & Safety
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Main agencies:
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Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
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Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA)
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Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO)
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Urban areas generally secure, though political tensions and protests occur during elections
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Government working on improving justice accessibility and human rights
🕌 Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Christianity (~85%), Traditional African beliefs (~10%), Others (~5%) |
| Official Languages | English, Shona, Ndebele (plus 13 national languages) |
| Ethnic Groups | Shona (~70%), Ndebele (~20%), others (~10%) |
Cultural Highlights:
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Traditional Music: Mbira (thumb piano) and marimba ensembles
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Cuisine: Sadza, Nyama (meat stew), Muriwo (greens)
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Dress: Bright patterned fabrics, symbolic beadwork
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Festivals: Independence Day (Apr 18), Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), Zimbabwe International Trade Fair
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Values: Strong family bonds, respect for elders, and storytelling traditions
Zimbabwean art and sculpture are internationally acclaimed, especially the Shona stone carvings.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Tobacco, maize, cotton, sugarcane, tea, horticulture |
| Mining | Gold, platinum, diamonds, lithium, coal |
| Tourism | Victoria Falls, Hwange, Great Zimbabwe ruins |
| Manufacturing | Food processing, steel, textiles |
| Energy | Hydropower from Kariba Dam and solar projects |
| Trade Partners | South Africa, China, UAE, India |
| Economic Vision | “Vision 2030” – upper-middle income economy by 2030 |
Zimbabwe’s economy is rebuilding through mineral exports, tourism, and agricultural revival.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Education System | Free primary education; strong literacy tradition |
| Top Universities | University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University |
| Literacy Rate | ~94% (one of the highest in Africa) |
| Healthcare System | Public hospitals and expanding private facilities |
| Life Expectancy | ~63 years |
| Focus Areas | Education, healthcare reform, and rural development |
Zimbabwe’s education system is among the most developed in Sub-Saharan Africa.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Airports | Robert Gabriel Mugabe Intl (Harare), Victoria Falls Intl, Joshua Nkomo Intl |
| Railways | Connects with South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique |
| Roads | Extensive national highway network under rehabilitation |
| Energy Projects | Solar farms and hydro expansions at Kariba |
| Urban Development | Smart city plan for new industrial zones |
Victoria Falls International Airport serves as a major hub for Southern African tourism.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
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Victoria Falls: One of the world’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls
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Great Zimbabwe Ruins: Ancient stone city and symbol of African civilization
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Hwange National Park: Big Five safari destination
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Matobo Hills: Granite rock formations and rock art sites
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Lake Kariba: World’s largest man-made lake
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Eastern Highlands: Lush mountains and tea plantations
Zimbabwe offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Membership | Since 1980 |
| Regional Membership | African Union, SADC, COMESA |
| Foreign Policy Focus | Economic diplomacy and re-engagement |
| Major Partners | South Africa, China, UAE, Russia |
| Strategic Role | Key player in Southern African trade and tourism corridor |
Zimbabwe is actively re-engaging with international partners for economic stability and investment.
📝 Summary
Zimbabwe stands as a nation of great resilience, natural wonders, and cultural depth. From the thunder of Victoria Falls to the legacy of Great Zimbabwe, it continues to symbolize Africa’s ancient glory and enduring spirit.
📢 News & Articles
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“Victoria Falls: The Smoke That Thunders”
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“Zimbabwe’s Economic Renewal and Mining Boom”
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“The Legacy of Great Zimbabwe Civilization”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, sharing reliable, educational insights about every African nation — from history to modern development.
📬 Contact Us
For verified information or partnership opportunities regarding Zimbabwe’s history, economy, or tourism, contact our editorial team.