Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa, situated between the Zambezi and Limpopo River. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the north, and Mozambique to the east. The capital and largest city is Harare, with Bulawayo as the second largest.

Home to roughly 16.9 million people, Zimbabwe is culturally rich, with the Northern Ndebele and Shona making up 95% of the population and many smaller minorities. The country has 16 official languages, with English, Shona, and Ndebele being the most widely used. Zimbabwe is part of several important international groups, including the United Nations, the Southern African Development Community, the African Union, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

The land has a long history, first inhabited by the San and later settled by Bantu peoples around 2,000 years ago. The Shona people built the city of Great Zimbabwe, a major trade center by the 13th century. Over time, several kingdoms like the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, Mutapa, and Rozvi rose to power. In the late 19th century, British control grew, leading to the formation of Southern Rhodesia. After years of struggle, Zimbabwe gained full independence in 1980.

Robert Mugabe led the country from independence until 2017, first as Prime Minister and later as President. His leadership was marked by challenges, including economic difficulties and political changes. In 2017, following widespread protests and economic decline, a coup d'état led to Mugabe's resignation. Emmerson Mnangagwa has been the president of Zimbabwe since then.

Etymology

Further information: Rhodesia (name)

The name "Zimbabwe" comes from the Shona term for Great Zimbabwe, an old city in southeastern Zimbabwe. One idea is that "Zimbabwe" means "houses of stones" in the Shona language. Another idea is that it means "venerated houses," referring to important leaders’ homes.

In the past, the country was called Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia. The name "Zimbabwe" was first used in 1960 by a person named Michael Mawema, and it became the preferred name for the country. It is a name that represents all the people of Zimbabwe, not just one group.

History

Main article: History of Zimbabwe

Pre-colonial era

Further information: Bantu expansion

Archaeological records show that people lived in what is now Zimbabwe as far back as 500,000 years ago. The earliest known inhabitants were likely the San people, known for their cave paintings and arrowheads. Around 2,000 years ago, Bantu-speaking farmers arrived, bringing new ways of life.

From the 9th century, groups speaking proto-Shona languages began to form communities in the middle Limpopo River valley. By the 10th century, these groups moved to the Zimbabwean plateau, where they built great stone cities. One of these early trading states was the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, which traded gold and ivory with Arab merchants from the Indian Ocean coast. Later, the Kingdom of Zimbabwe became a powerful center of trade and culture.

Colonial era and Rhodesia (1888–1964)

Main articles: Company rule in Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland

In the late 1800s, European settlers arrived, led by Cecil Rhodes and his British South Africa Company. They made agreements with local leaders and began to take control of the land. The territory was named "Rhodesia" after Rhodes. The British government took over in 1923, and the area became known as Southern Rhodesia.

During World War I and World War II, people from Southern Rhodesia served the United Kingdom. However, the white minority held most of the power, and black Africans were treated unfairly and forced off their land.

Declaration of independence and civil war (1965–1980)

In 1965, the leader of Southern Rhodesia, Ian Smith, declared independence from Britain without permission. This led to a long struggle between the white government and black freedom fighters. After many years of fighting and talks, the country became independent as Zimbabwe in 1980, with Robert Mugabe as its first leader.

Independence era (1980–present)

Zimbabwe's first president after independence was Canaan Banana. Robert Mugabe became the prime minister. In the years that followed, Zimbabwe faced many challenges, including political changes, economic difficulties, and disputes over land ownership. Leaders changed over time, and the country worked to rebuild and grow despite these obstacles.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west and southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and northeast. Most of the country sits on a high plateau, with the Eastern Highlands in the east being mountainous. The highest point is Mount Nyangani at 2,592 meters.

The country has a subtropical climate with local variations. The rainy season runs from late October to March, and droughts can occur. Zimbabwe is home to many different types of plants and animals, including savannas, woodlands, and forests. However, deforestation and poaching have reduced wildlife in some areas.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Zimbabwe, Elections in Zimbabwe, and Foreign relations of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a republic with a presidential system of government. After a new constitution was adopted in 2013, the semi-presidential system was replaced, and an upper chamber called the Senate was brought back. The lower chamber of Parliament is called the House of Assembly.

The ruling ZANU-PF party has won every election since Zimbabwe's independence. In 2017, a change in leadership happened when Emmerson Mnangagwa became president after a special event.

Armed forces

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces were created after independence in 1980 by combining three different armed groups. Today, the forces include an army and an air force. The army has around 30,000 soldiers, and the air force has about 5,000 personnel.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Provinces of Zimbabwe, Districts of Zimbabwe, and Wards of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is divided into eight provinces and two cities with provincial status. Each province has its own capital city for administration. The provinces are further divided into districts and wards to help with local government services.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's economy relies heavily on minerals, gold, and agriculture. The country is crossed by important trade routes, including the Cairo-Cape Town Highway and the Beira-Lobito Highway. Tourism is also important but has faced challenges in recent years. The information and communications technology sector has been growing quickly.

The mining sector is very important, with large reserves of platinum and significant diamond discoveries. Agriculture used to be a strong part of the economy but has struggled due to changes in land use. Tourism has declined since 2000, though Zimbabwe still has many beautiful places to visit, such as Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. The country faces economic difficulties, including high inflation and limited access to international loans.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's population has grown quickly from just under three million in 1950 to nearly sixteen million today. The two largest groups are the Shona, making up about 82% of the people, and the Ndebele, about 14%. Smaller groups include the Venda, Tonga, Tsonga, Kalanga, Sotho, Ndau, Nambya, Tswana, Xhosa, and Lozi. There are also minority groups such as white Zimbabweans, who make up less than 1% of the population, as well as small numbers of Coloureds, Asians, and others.

Zimbabwe has 16 official languages. English is used in schools and courts. Shona and Ndebele are the main native languages, spoken by most people. Other languages include Venda, Tsonga, and several others. English is most common in cities, while Shona and Ndebele are more common in rural areas. Portuguese is also taught in schools, especially near the border with Mozambique.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has many different cultures, with Shona beliefs and ceremonies being prominent. The Shona people create beautiful sculptures and carvings, often using soapstone and other stones.

Zimbabwe celebrates its independence on April 18, 1980. Big celebrations happen at stadiums in Harare, where people release doves for peace, fly fighter jets, and sing the national anthem. The president lights the flame of independence and gives a speech. Zimbabwe also holds a national beauty pageant called Miss Heritage Zimbabwe.

Arts

See also: Music of Zimbabwe

Traditional Zimbabwean arts include pottery, basketry, textiles, jewellery, and carving. Shona sculpture, which started in the mid-20th century, is very popular around the world. Famous Zimbabwean sculptors include Nicholas Nesbert, Anderson Mukomberanwa, and Tapfuma Gutsa.

Many well-known authors come from Zimbabwe. Charles Mungoshi writes stories in English and Shona. Doris Lessing's famous book The Grass Is Singing is set in old Rhodesia. NoViolet Bulawayo's novel We Need New Names was shortlisted for a major book prize.

Zimbabwean musicians like Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi are known internationally. Theatre is also popular among white Zimbabweans.

Cuisine

Like many African countries, Zimbabweans often eat "mealie meal," made from corn. This is used to make sadza, a thick porridge eaten with vegetables, beans, and meat. Bota is a thinner porridge often eaten for breakfast.

At special events like weddings, families might cook and eat a goat or cow. Afrikaner recipes like biltong (dried meat) and boerewors (spiced sausage) are also popular. Zimbabwean cuisine includes rice, pasta, and potato dishes, with a local favorite being rice with peanut butter served with gravy and vegetables.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Zimbabwe

Football is the most popular sport in Zimbabwe. The national team, The Warriors, has played in the Africa Cup of Nations several times and has won the Southern Africa championship multiple times.

Rugby and cricket are also popular sports. Rugby union has been played in Zimbabwe since the 1980s, and the national team has appeared in the Rugby World Cup.

Media

The media in Zimbabwe has faced challenges but is now more free. Private newspapers like NewsDay have started again, and foreign news channels can report from the country. However, some foreign broadcasters are still banned.

National symbols

The Zimbabwe Bird, a stone carving, appears on Zimbabwe's flags and money. It likely represents an eagle. Balancing rocks, found in places like Matobo National Park, are also featured on Zimbabwean banknotes.

The national anthem is "Raise the Flag of Zimbabwe," written by Professor Solomon Mutswairo and composed by Fred Changundega.