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Zimbabwe
Africa
A landlocked country in southern Africa known for its rich history, diverse wildlife, and complex political landscape.
N/A
Population
N/A
Area (km²)
Harare
Capital
7
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
7 Events
September 05, 2025 - The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry launches Tourism Month celebrations, featuring events leading to World Tourism Day on September 27, aimed at promoting small to medium tourism enterprises.
July 19, 2025 - The Sables rugby team qualifies for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991, defeating Namibia 30–16 at the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda, marking a sporting milestone.
December 31, 2024 - Throughout the year: Authorities undermine democratic processes through repression of civil society, political pluralism, and media; over 160 arrests target activists, officials, and union leaders; economic challenges include exchange rate volatility, energy crises, and low investment.
October 02, 2024 - Mnangagwa vows to implement measures to halt the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency's slide, amid hyperinflation and economic instability; the new gold-backed unit depreciates sharply post-launch in April.
April 03, 2024 - President Mnangagwa declares a state of national disaster due to severe drought affecting half the maize crop, impacting 7.7 million people and exacerbating food insecurity; humanitarian aid appeals follow.
December 31, 2023 - Throughout the year: Human rights situation deteriorates with increased repression of opposition, civil society, and media; credible reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings persist, with no meaningful government reforms.
August 23, 2023 - August 23–24: General elections are held for president, parliament, and local authorities; incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa (ZANU-PF) wins re-election with 52.6% of the vote amid widespread allegations of fraud, voter suppression, and violence; opposition leader Nelson Chamisa (Citizens' Coalition for Change) rejects results, calling for protests that are suppressed by security forces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zimbabwe
100 Questions
Zimbabwe is in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique.
The capital is Harare.
Around 17 million people as of 2025 estimates.
English, Shona, and Ndebele are official; many other local languages are also recognized.
Tropical, moderated by altitude, with rainy (November–March) and dry (April–October) seasons.
The Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL), though U.S. dollars and South African rand are widely used.
Green, gold, red, and black stripes with a white triangle containing a red star and a Zimbabwe bird.
Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, and Masvingo.
On April 18, 1980, from Britain.
Robert Mugabe.
Canaan Banana.
Emmerson Mnangagwa (as of 2025).
A presidential republic.
Shona (majority), Ndebele, and smaller groups such as Tonga and Chewa.
Christianity, mixed with traditional beliefs.
Around $36 billion in 2025 estimates.
About $2,100.
Around 89%, one of the highest in Africa.
About 62 years.
Around 3.6 children per woman.
Around 60%.
Gold, tobacco, platinum, diamonds, and agricultural goods.
Fuel, machinery, chemicals, and food.
Gold, platinum, diamonds, coal, chrome, and fertile soil.
For Victoria Falls, wildlife, Great Zimbabwe ruins, and political history.
A political, cultural, and economic hub.
Industrial city and cultural capital of the Ndebele people.
One of the world’s largest waterfalls, a UNESCO site.
Ruins of a medieval city, symbol of national pride.
Mount Nyangani (2,592 m).
Sadza (maize porridge), vegetables, meat, and beans.
A thick maize porridge, the national staple.
Leafy vegetable stew eaten with sadza.
Meat, often grilled or stewed.
Maheu, tea, beer, and local brews.
Football, cricket, rugby, athletics, and swimming.
The Warriors.
Yes, several times, though with limited success.
Not yet.
Peter Ndlovu, Knowledge Musona.
Yes, winning medals in hockey, swimming, and athletics.
Kirsty Coventry (swimming), Peter Ndlovu (football), Tom Cox (hockey).
Sungura, gospel, Afro-jazz, and traditional mbira music.
Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, Jah Prayzah.
A traditional thumb piano, central to Zimbabwean culture.
Jerusarema, Mbende, and Ndebele dances.
Colorful cloth wraps, beads, and leather garments.
They contribute heavily to farming, households, and informal trade.
Around 87%.
Around 91%.
Very high, with much of the economy informal.
Around 60%.
Maize, tobacco, cotton, wheat, and sugarcane.
Cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry.
Under pressure, with shortages of medicine and staff.
HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, and cholera.
Around 11% of adults.
High but improving.
Still very high.
“Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe” (“Raise Our Flag of Zimbabwe”).
“Unity, Freedom, Work.”
The sable antelope.
The Zimbabwe bird (based on soapstone carvings at Great Zimbabwe).
The flame lily.
Elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo.
Hwange, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, and Matobo.
Large elephant herds and diverse wildlife.
UNESCO site with unique river ecosystems.
Part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
Around 92%.
Around $2,100 annually.
Declining, but still above replacement.
Around 40%.
Mostly subsistence farmers.
Hydropower, coal, and solar.
High in solar and hydro.
Hyperinflation, debt, and lack of investment.
Governance, elections, and corruption.
Zimbabwe’s long-serving leader (1980–2017), controversial for liberation and later authoritarianism.
Redistribution of land from white farmers to black Zimbabweans, leading to economic collapse.
Mediates elections and supports Zimbabwe politically.
Provides aid in health, food security, and education.
Provides aid but enforces sanctions on leadership.
Invests in mining, infrastructure, and trade.
A key trading partner and host to millions of Zimbabwean migrants.
Very high, though fluctuating year to year.
Moderate, higher around Harare and fertile regions.
Stone sculpture, basketry, beadwork, and wood carving.
World-famous stone art, often depicting spirits.
April 18, celebrated with parades and cultural events.
Honors liberation war fighters, celebrated in August.
December 22, marking the 1987 unity accord.
Around 4% difference.
Around 9 years.
Lower than in rural areas.
HIV/AIDS control and maternal care.
Teacher shortages, underfunding, and rural access.
Around 5 people per household.
Moderate, with emigration slowing overall growth.
It is rich in history, culture, and resources, but also a symbol of Africa’s struggle with post-colonial governance and economic challenges.