Zimbabwe
From World travel guide
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| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | Harare |
| Government | parliamentary democracy |
| Currency | Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD) |
| Area | total: 390,580 sq km water: 3,910 sq km land: 386,670 sq km |
| Population | 11,376,676 (July 2002 est.) |
| Language | English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects |
| Religion | syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1% |
Zimbabwe is a country in Southern Africa. It is landlocked and is surrounded by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and north.
Although the country is landlocked, its great rivers are used for transport. The Zambezi forms the natural riverine boundary with Zambia and when in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water. The falls have been a major tourist attraction.
Once known as the Breadbasket of Africa, in recent times Zimbabwe has undergone a politically induced economic depression. Due to political activities many white farmers have fled the country as refugees and a lot of farm land has been taken out of production and redistributed to gangs who support the government. Press freedoms have been curtailed and law and order has been compromised by armed gangs.
Contents |
Regions
- Administrative divisions
- 8 provinces:
- Manicaland
- Mashonaland Central
- Mashonaland East
- Mashonaland West
- Masvingo
- Matabeleland North
- Matabeleland South
- Midlands
Cities
- Harare - Capital
- Bulawayo -
- Victoria Falls
Ports and harbors
Other destinations
- Victoria Falls is a popular tourist destination. For specific information on getting in, sleeping, dining, activities, etc., see either Livingstone (located in Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).
- Great Zimbabwe - the archeological remains of a Southern African ancient city, located in present-day Zimbabwe which was once the centre of a vast empire known as the Munhumutapa Empire (also called Monomotapa Empire) covering the modern states of Zimbabwe (which took its name from this city) and Mozambique.
Understand
History
The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the British South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980.
Following a guerrilla struggle in the late 1970s, the former Rhodesia changed its name to Zimbabwe with Robert Mugabe as its leader. From 2000 onwards, Mugabe has instituted a policy of land redistribution in favour of putative veterans of this struggle - the results of which have been widespread lawlessness, sanctions and a mass exodus of the remaining white population. The prospects of change seem remote at present.
Climate
Tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March). Although there are recurring droughts, floods and severe storms are rare.
Terrain
Mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld); mountains in east
Elevation extremes : lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save rivers 162 m highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m
Get in
By plane
Harare International Airport has a number of international flights, mainly to other African countries. When coming from Europe you can fly directly with Air Zimbabwe or the better choice British Airways [1]. However, a good option is to fly with South African Airways [2] via Johannesburg. SAA operates to quite a few European airports and has many flights to South Africa and other African destinations. When coming from South Africa you can also use the no-frills airline Kulula.com [3].
By car
Zimbabwe is accessible by road from the countries that surround it.
From South Africa
The N1 highway from South Africa will take you from Cape Town via Bloemfontein and Johannesburg/Pretoria right to Harare. Please note that this is a Toll Road, meaning that you have to pay a certain fee to use it, especially when coming closer to Zimbabwe. You can reach the N1 from nearly anywhere in South Africa, as it goes straight through the country.
By bus
By boat
Because it is landlocked, there is no way you can get into Zimbabwe by boat. Along the Zambezi you have the Cabora Bassa Dam that blocks the Zambezi river route.
Get around
Talk
- Languages
- English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects
Buy
The official currency is the Zimbabwean dollar. The official exchange rate is fixed at a completely artificial 55 Zim dollars to 1 US dollar, while black market rates fluctuate rapidly and, at time of writing (2005), hover around a far more realistic 1500:1. You can only sell your forex at official selling points, else you risk being arrested.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
There are various hotels and motels in the town. If you are on a safari tour there are chalets and camping sites in most of the safaris areas. Several hotels have international partnerships, such a Meikles Hotel, Crown Monomotapa Hotel, Holiday Inn in Harare and Bulawayo.
You also have access to lodges in the towns.
Learn
Work
Stay safe
Given the high degree of lawlessness in the country, intending travellers to Zimbabwe should take great care with their personal security and safety.
Stay healthy
Respect
Contact
External links
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