# Zimbabwe

> sovereign state in southern Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q954](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q954)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zimbabwe

## Summary

Zimbabwe is a landlocked sovereign state in southern Africa that gained independence from British rule on April 18, 1980, replacing Southern Rhodesia. The country is bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana, with Harare as its capital city. It operates as a republic with Emmerson Mnangagwa serving as both head of state and head of government since November 24, 2017.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name:** Zimbabwe (since April 18, 1980); formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia
- **Capital:** Harare
- **Independence Date:** April 18, 1980
- **Area:** 390,757 square kilometres
- **Population (2022):** 15,178,979
- **Coordinates:** Latitude -19°, Longitude 30°
- **Continent:** Africa
- **Region:** Southern Africa
- **Bordering Countries:** Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana
- **Official Languages:** English, Shona, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Barwe, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Tsonga, Zimbabwe Sign Language, Sesotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Nambya
- **Currency:** United States dollar (adopted 2016), with historical use of Zimbabwean dollar, pound sterling, Australian dollar, euro, rand, yen, renminbi, and Indian rupee
- **Timezone:** UTC+02:00 (Africa/Harare)
- **Driving Side:** Left
- **Telephone Country Code:** +263
- **ISO Codes:** ISO 3166-1 alpha-2: ZW, alpha-3: ZWE, numeric: 716
- **Internet TLD:** .zw
- **Head of State:** Emmerson Mnangagwa (since November 24, 2017)
- **Head of Government:** Emmerson Mnangagwa (since November 24, 2017)
- **Legislative Body:** Parliament of Zimbabwe
- **Motto:** Unity, Freedom, Work
- **National Anthem:** National Anthem of Zimbabwe
- **Highest Point:** Mount Nyangani
- **Lowest Point:** Runde River (162 metres)
- **Literacy Rate:** 89% (2014)
- **Life Expectancy:** 61.163 years (2016)
- **Human Development Index:** 0.593 (2021)
- **Gini Coefficient:** 50.3 (2019)
- **Nominal GDP:** $20,678,055,598 (2022)
- **Unemployment Rate:** 5% (2014)
- **VAT Rate:** 15%
- **Marriageable Age:** 18 years (all genders)
- **Compulsory Education:** ages 6-16
- **Electricity:** 220V, 50Hz (British-type plugs, BS 1363)
- **Emergency Numbers:** 999 (general), 994 (medical), 995 (police), 993 (fire)
- **Licence Plate Code:** ZW (since 1980)
- **Mobile Country Code:** 648
- **Maritime Identification Digits:** 679

## FAQs

**What is Zimbabwe's political history?**

Zimbabwe achieved independence from the United Kingdom on April 18, 1980, following the Rhodesian Bush War. The country was previously known as Southern Rhodesia from 1898 to 1964, then simply Rhodesia from 1964 to 1979, and briefly as Zimbabwe Rhodesia in 1979. The name "Zimbabwe" is derived from Great Zimbabwe, the site of ancient ruins that symbolize the nation's heritage.

**What international organizations is Zimbabwe a member of?**

Zimbabwe is a member of the United Nations (since August 25, 1980), African Union, World Trade Organization, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (since September 29, 1980), International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (since April 10, 1992), International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (since June 19, 1994), African Development Bank, UNESCO (since September 22, 1980), Southern African Development Community, World Meteorological Organization (since January 12, 1981), World Health Organization, World Customs Organization (since March 19, 1981), Interpol (since November 13, 1980), Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (since April 29, 1997), International Telecommunication Union (since February 10, 1981), Universal Postal Union (since July 31, 1981), and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

**What are Zimbabwe's major provinces and cities?**

Zimbabwe consists of ten provinces: Manicaland Province, Mashonaland Central Province, Mashonaland East Province, Mashonaland West Province, Matabeleland North Province, Matabeleland South Province, Midlands Province, Bulawayo Province, Harare Province, and Masvingo Province. Harare is the capital and largest city, while Bulawayo is the second-largest city.

**What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe?**

Zimbabwe has 16 official languages: English (used as first language by approximately 250,000 people and as second language by 5.3 million), Shona, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Barwe, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Tsonga, Zimbabwe Sign Language, Sesotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Nambya. English serves as the de facto official language for government and business purposes.

**What is Zimbabwe's economic situation?**

Zimbabwe's nominal GDP was $20,678,055,598 in 2022. The country uses the United States dollar as its primary currency since 2016, following the collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar due to hyperinflation. The Gini coefficient of 50.3 (2019) indicates significant income inequality. Key economic sectors include agriculture, mining, and tourism. The country faces challenges with unemployment and economic stability.

**What is Zimbabwe's demographic profile?**

As of 2022, Zimbabwe's population was 15,178,979, with approximately 7,705,601 males and 8,614,935 females. The population is predominantly rural, with 11,033,499 rural residents versus 5,287,038 urban residents in 2022. The literacy rate stands at 89% (2014), and the human development index is 0.593 (2021), classifying Zimbabwe as a country with medium human development.

**What are Zimbabwe's geographical features?**

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa covering 390,757 square kilometres. Its highest point is Mount Nyangani, while the lowest point is the Runde River at 162 metres. The country shares borders with Zambia (north), Mozambique (east), South Africa (south), and Botswana (southwest). Water bodies comprise approximately 1% of the total area.

**What is Zimbabwe's governance structure?**

Zimbabwe operates as a republic with a presidential system. Emmerson Mnangagwa has served as both President and head of government since November 24, 2017. The legislative body is the Parliament of Zimbabwe. The country has a multi-party political system, though power has been concentrated under ZANU-PF since independence.

## Why It Matters

Zimbabwe holds significant importance in African and global contexts for several reasons. Historically, the country represents one of Africa's most prominent liberation movements, achieving independence after a protracted armed struggle against colonial rule. The transition from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe in 1980 was watched closely by the international community as a model for decolonization in southern Africa.

Geographically, Zimbabwe occupies a strategic position in southern Africa, landlocked between four countries and serving as a transit route for regional trade. Its location, combined with natural resources including minerals, wildlife, and agricultural land, makes it economically significant despite ongoing challenges.

The country's demographic and linguistic diversity reflects its complex social fabric. With 16 official languages and a population of over 15 million, Zimbabwe exemplifies the multicultural nature of African nations. The high literacy rate of 89% demonstrates a strong commitment to education, while the human development index of 0.593 indicates ongoing development challenges that attract international aid and attention.

Zimbabwe's membership in key international organizations including the United Nations, African Union, and World Trade Organization demonstrates its integration into global governance structures. The country's participation in peacekeeping missions, such as the United Nations–African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur, reflects its commitment to continental and international security.

The nation's cultural heritage, symbolized by the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, provides a sense of historical continuity and national identity that unites its diverse population. This archaeological site, from which the country takes its name, represents a civilization that predates colonial occupation by centuries.

Economically, Zimbabwe's use of multiple currencies, particularly the adoption of the US dollar in 2016, has implications for regional monetary policy and economic integration. The country's agricultural sector, once known as the "breadbasket of Africa," remains critical to food security in the region, though production has fluctuated significantly since the early 2000s.

## Notable For

- **Ancient Heritage:** The ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represent one of the largest stone structures in sub-Saharan Africa built before the colonial era
- **Landlocked Geography:** Zimbabwe is entirely surrounded by four countries—Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana—making it one of Africa's most geographically isolated nations
- **Linguistic Diversity:** With 16 official languages, Zimbabwe has one of the most multilingual official language policies in the world
- **Independence Milestone:** The country achieved independence on April 18, 1980, following one of Africa's longest liberation wars
- **Currency Transition:** Zimbabwe experienced one of the world's most severe cases of hyperinflation, leading to the abandonment of the Zimbabwean dollar in favor of foreign currencies in 2016
- **Wildlife Conservation:** Zimbabwe maintains significant wildlife populations and national parks, supporting safari tourism
- **Literacy Achievement:** A literacy rate of 89% (2014) represents one of the highest in southern Africa
- **Left-Side Driving:** Following British colonial tradition, Zimbabwe drives on the left side of the road
- **Presidential Continuity:** Robert Mugabe served as Prime Minister (1980-1987) and President (1987-2017) for 37 years before his removal
- **Regional Integration:** Member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional bloc of 16 member states

## Body

### History and Political Development

Zimbabwe's modern history begins with the arrival of British colonialists in the late 19th century. The territory was formally annexed as Southern Rhodesia in 1898, named after Cecil Rhodes whose British South Africa Company administered the territory. The name "Rhodesia" remained in use until 1979 when the country briefly became Zimbabwe Rhodesia following the Internal Settlement.

The liberation war, known as the Rhodesian Bush War or Second Chimurenga, lasted from 1964 to 1979, fought between the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), and the white-minority Rhodesian government. Independence was achieved on April 18, 1980, following the Lancaster House Agreement, with Robert Mugabe becoming the first Prime Minister. In 1987, the position of Prime Minister was abolished, and Mugabe assumed the presidency, a role he held until 2017.

On November 24, 2017, Emmerson Mnangagwa succeeded Mugabe following a military intervention and became President. Mnangagwa was re-elected in 2018, though the election was marred by controversy and violence. The country operates as a republic with a presidential system, where the President serves as both head of state and head of government.

### Geography and Natural Features

Zimbabwe covers an area of 390,757 square kilometres, making it the 60th largest country in the world. It is entirely landlocked, bordered by Zambia to the north and northwest (border known as the Zambia–Zimbabwe border), Mozambique to the northeast and east (Mozambique–Zimbabwe border), South Africa to the southeast and south (South Africa–Zimbabwe border), and Botswana to the southwest (Botswana–Zimbabwe border).

The country's highest point is Mount Nyangani, located in the Eastern Highlands near the border with Mozambique. The lowest point is the Runde River at 162 metres above sea level. The capital Harare is located at coordinates latitude -19 and longitude 30, in the northeastern part of the country.

Zimbabwe's geographical position places it in the southern part of Africa, specifically within the Southern Africa region. The country lies within the subtropics, with a climate ranging from tropical to subtropical. Approximately 1% of the country's area consists of water bodies.

The country is divided into ten provinces: Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands, Bulawayo, Harare, and Masvingo. These provinces are further divided into districts and municipalities.

### Demographics and Population

As of the 2022 census, Zimbabwe's population stood at 15,178,979, with 7,705,601 males and 8,614,935 females. The population has grown significantly from 3,752,390 in 1960, though growth rates have slowed in recent decades due to various factors including economic challenges and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The population is predominantly rural, with approximately 11,033,499 people living in rural areas compared to 5,287,038 in urban areas as of 2022. The largest city is the capital Harare, followed by Bulawayo, which serves as the industrial center of the country.

Zimbabwe's population is ethnically diverse, with the Shona people comprising approximately 70% of the population and the Ndebele people making up about 20%. Other ethnic groups include the Manyika, Tsonga, Venda, and various minority groups.

The country has experienced significant emigration, particularly of skilled professionals, due to economic challenges. The diaspora is substantial, with significant populations in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and the United States.

### Languages and Culture

Zimbabwe is remarkable for its multilingual policy, recognizing 16 official languages: English, Shona, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Barwe, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Tsonga, Zimbabwe Sign Language, Sesotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Nambya. This makes Zimbabwe one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

English serves as the de facto official language for government, business, and education, though it is a first language for only approximately 250,000 people (about 1.6% of the population). Approximately 5.3 million Zimbabweans use English as a second language. Shona, spoken by the majority Shona ethnic group, is the most widely spoken indigenous language.

Zimbabwean culture reflects a blend of indigenous African traditions and colonial influences. Traditional music, dance, and art remain important, with the mbira (a traditional instrument) being particularly significant in Shona culture. The country also has a vibrant contemporary music and film industry.

The national motto is "Unity, Freedom, Work" (Unity, Freedom, Work), reflecting the aspirations of independence. The national anthem is the "National Anthem of Zimbabwe." The country celebrates Independence Day on April 18 annually.

### Economy and Development

Zimbabwe's nominal GDP was $20,678,055,598 in 2022, representing a significant economy in the southern African region, though the country faces substantial economic challenges. The economy is characterized by high unemployment (5% in 2014, though actual figures are likely higher), significant income inequality (Gini coefficient of 50.3 in 2019), and reliance on agriculture and mining.

The country experienced catastrophic hyperinflation from 2007 to 2009, with inflation reaching an estimated 500 billion percent in 2008. The Zimbabwean dollar was abandoned in 2009 in favor of foreign currencies. In 2016, the government adopted the US dollar as the primary currency, though other currencies including the euro, British pound, and South African rand are also used.

Agriculture remains a crucial sector, historically earning Zimbabwe the nickname "breadbasket of Africa." Main crops include maize, wheat, tobacco, cotton, and sugarcane. The country also has significant mineral resources including gold, diamonds, platinum, and chrome.

The Human Development Index (HDI) for 2021 was 0.593, classifying Zimbabwe as a country with medium human development. The Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) for 2021 was 0.458, indicating significant losses due to inequality in health, education, and income.

### Education and Social Indicators

Zimbabwe maintains a relatively high literacy rate of 89% as of 2014, one of the highest in Africa. Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16, representing 10 years of compulsory education. The country has a network of primary and secondary schools, as well as universities including the University of Zimbabwe in Harare.

Life expectancy at birth was 61.163 years in 2016, reflecting improvements in healthcare access but also the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other health challenges. The country has faced significant health challenges including outbreaks of cholera and other diseases.

The birth rate has declined from 31.518 per 1,000 population in 2019 to 30.086 in 2022, while the death rate has increased from 8.043 in 2019 to 8.943 in 2022. The total fertility rate was 3.923 in 2014, down from 4.108 in 1999.

### Government and Politics

Zimbabwe is a republic with a presidential system. The President serves as both head of state and head of government. Emmerson Mnangagwa has held both positions since November 24, 2017, following the resignation of Robert Mugabe. The legislative body is the Parliament of Zimbabwe, which consists of the Senate and the House of Assembly.

The country has a multi-party political system, though ZANU-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front) has dominated politics since independence. The main opposition parties include the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and its various factions.

The country operates under the 2013 Constitution, which established a bicameral parliament and strengthened the presidency. The judicial system includes the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and various lower courts.

### International Relations and Memberships

Zimbabwe maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries including Germany (since 1980), Australia, Zambia, Israel, Serbia, Angola, Namibia, Pakistan, South Africa, Taiwan, China, Greece, Russia, Georgia (since July 24, 1992), Kenya, and North Korea (since April 18, 1980).

The country is a member of key international organizations. It joined the United Nations on August 25, 1980, and is a founding member of the African Union. It is also a member of the World Trade Organization, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (since September 29, 1980), International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (since April 10, 1992), and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (since June 19, 1994).

Other memberships include UNESCO (since September 22, 1980), the World Health Organization, Interpol (since November 13, 1980), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (since April 29, 1997), the International Telecommunication Union (since February 10, 1981), the Universal Postal Union (since July 31, 1981), the World Meteorological Organization (since January 12, 1981), the World Customs Organization (since March 19, 1981), and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

### Infrastructure and Daily Life

Zimbabwe operates on left-side driving, following British colonial tradition. The country uses British-style electrical plugs (BS 1363) with a mains voltage of 220V at 50Hz. The country code for telephone calls is +263, and the mobile country code is 648.

Emergency services can be reached at 999 for general emergencies, 995 for police, 994 for medical services, and 993 for fire department. The country has a network of roads and railways, with rail traffic operating on the left side.

The standard internet domain is .zw. The country has a significant online presence, with active communities on various social media platforms. The country code for the Olympic Committee is ZIM, and the Commonwealth sport country code is also ZIM.

### Cultural and National Symbols

The national flag of Zimbabwe features fourteen horizontal stripes of red, yellow, green, and blue, with a white triangle containing a red star with the Zimbabwe bird. The flag was adopted on December 12, 1979, replacing the flag of Rhodesia.

The coat of arms of Zimbabwe features the African fish eagle, representing the nation's future, along with symbols of agriculture and mining. The national emblem appears on official documents and government buildings.

The Zimbabwe bird, a stylized African fish eagle, is a national symbol derived from ancient ruins at Great Zimbabwe. It appears on the national flag and coat of arms, representing the nation's heritage and independence.

The country has been represented in various international competitions, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and African Cup of Nations. The national football team, known as the Warriors, has competed in the Africa Cup of Nations multiple times.

### Historical Population Data

Zimbabwe's population has grown substantially since independence:

- 1960: 3,752,390
- 1970: 5,206,305
- 1980: 7,289,069
- 1990: 10,461,782
- 2000: 12,503,652
- 2010: 13,076,978
- 2022: 15,178,979

The population growth rate has slowed in recent decades, reflecting economic challenges, increased emigration, and the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The country experienced a slight population decline in the early 2000s before recovering.

### Regional Context

Zimbabwe is located in southern Africa, part of the Southern Africa region. It is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional bloc promoting economic integration and cooperation among 16 member states in southern Africa.

The country's location between four nations makes it a transit route for regional trade. The port of Beira in Mozambique serves as an important outlet for Zimbabwean exports, while the border with South Africa handles significant trade and movement of people.

Zimbabwe participates in regional peacekeeping efforts, including the United Nations–African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), demonstrating its commitment to continental security and stability.

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