 |
 |
 |
Formerly the British Crown colony of Southern Rhodesia, Zimbabwe's earliest inhabitants are traced back to the 5th century.
In the 1900's it evolved into a "white man's country" orchestrated by the British, with almost 300,000 resident Europeans within its borders.
This takeover of sorts prompted national pride and local guerrilla wars that soon became a major civil war, one that eventually began the change to a black-majority rule and its independence from the United Kingdom in 1980. Once it gained its freedom, it called itself Zimbabwe, a name meaning "house of the chief."
Since Independence Day, Robert Mugabe, the nation's first prime minister, has dominated the country's political system. At the start of his administration he established a one-party socialist institution.
During his long term in office, his reputation as a champion of the anticolonial movement has changed (for the worse) to an authoritarian ruler responsible for ruining the country’s economy and for egregious human rights abuses.
In the March 2008 elections, Mugabe was defeated by Morgan Tsvangirai. Mugabe, however, refused to step down, saying the vote count was incomplete. When results were finally released, Tsvangirai had the majority of the votes, but not the required 50%, causing a runoff election.
In the runoff in June, Mugabe was elected to a sixth term. However, the opposition party elected Lovemore Moyo to the post of speaker of Parliament – the first time a member of the opposition held the post since 1980. Due to opposition’s win, Mugabe and Tsvangirai have agreed to a power-sharing deal where they will share executive authority. Tsvangirai will serve as prime minister and Mugabe will continue as president.
In 2008, a major cholera outbreak killed over 500 and infected over 12,000. The inflation had increased by 7,000% since 2007, unemployment was 80% and the dollar was basically worthless.
However, the platinum mining sector is lucrative along with other mineral exports and tourism is growing, adding to the earning capabilities of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is currently the biggest trading partner of South Africa. |
| |
|
 |
|
- Official Name Republic of Zimbabwe
- Population 12,462,879
- Capital City Harare (pop. 1,600,000)
- Currency Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWD)
- Currency Converter
- Languages English (official), Shona, Sindebele, and numerous tribal dialects
- National Day April 18
- Religions Syncretic (50%), Christian (25%), others
- Country Dialing Code 263
- Electricity Zimbabwe uses 220 volts AC (50 Hz)
- Electrical adapters, products and tips
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
- Land Area 390,624 sq km (150,820 sq miles)
- Coastline 0 (landlocked)
- Highest Point Inyangani - 8,503 ft. (2,592 m)
- Lowest Point Intersection of the Runde and Save Rivers - 531 ft. (162m)
- Land Divisions 8 provinces and 2 cities with provincial status, provinces include: Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Midlands. Provincial cites include: Bulawayo and Harare.
|
| |
|
 |
|
Located south of the Equator on the southern edge of the tropics, Zimbabwe is in both the eastern and southern hemispheres. This landlocked country is positioned in southern Africa, and bordered by the countries of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa.
The Inyanga and Udizi Mountains stretch along Zimbabwe's eastern border with Mozambique, and the country's highest point and lowest point are both found there.
The Mafungabusa plateau (or Veld) covers the majority of land, central and east; the average elevation here is near 4,500 ft. The Matobo Hills and Chizarira Hills anchor that plateau, north and south.
Major bodies of water include Lake Kariba on the western border with Zambia and Victoria Falls on the far western border with Zambia.
Important river systems include the Zambezi, Limpopo, Runde and Save and their numerous tributaries.
Additional landforms include escarpments (steep slopes) along the Zambezi River and deep river valleys within the central plateau. In addition, savanna grasslands cover the southern reaches, while evergreen forests are common central and east, especially in the mountain areas. |
| |
|  |
|
- Latitude/Longitude 17º 50' S, 31º 03' E
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|  |
|
|
|
| |
|  |
|
|
|
|
| |
|  |
|
Known worldwide for its outstanding game preserves, national parks and incredible varieties of wildlife, Zimbabwe (must sees) include the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Hwange National Park, the city of Bulawayo, Kariba Dam, and of course, Victoria Falls, which it shares begrudgingly with Zambia.
As for Victoria Falls, it is simply one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. Preserved in its natural state, the falls and the surrounding area has been declared a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from too much commercialisation.
The Great Zimbabwe National Monument stands over a ruined city that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. The ruins at Great Zimbabwe are some of the oldest and largest structures located in Southern Africa.
The city of Bulawayo is important because of its strategic position. It is the nearest large city to Hwange National Park, Matopo National Park and Victoria Falls.
Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe. The park lies in the west, on the main road between Bulawayo and the widely noted Victoria Falls. The Park is home to over 100 mammal species, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores.
The Kariba Dam is a hydroelectric dam in the Kariba Gorge of the Zambezi river basin between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the largest dams in the world, standing 128 m (420 ft) tall and 579 m (1,900 ft) long.
Traveler's should note that Zimbabwe has become a cash society, with very few establishments accepting international credit or debit cards. ATMs in the country are generally incompatible with international networks and are unreliable. Check cashing facilities are effectively nonexistent. Travelers should bring adequate cash for their planned visit or wire money through Western Union.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
|
| |
|  |
|
Much of the fall and most of winter in Zimbabwe is dry and cool. The rainy season, or Green Season, November - April is quite hot with the heaviest rains falling in the eastern mountain forests. The far south is arid with very little rainfall.
Positioned on the southern edge of the tropics, in general terms, Zimbabwe seasons are just the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere; Spring: September - October, Summer: late October - mid-March, Fall: late March - April, Winter: May - August.
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
A group of curious children...
A foggy morning in Harare...
Victoria Falls...
Tribal healers in Zimbabwe...
A stunning sunset in Zimbabwe...
A classic African travel poster... |
| |
|
