Ten fun facts about Zimbabwe

1. A Country of Ruins

The Republic of Zimbabwe, formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, is a country located in Southern Africa. Its name, Zimbabwe, is derived from the Shona language and translates to "great houses of stone". This is a reference to the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, an ancient city in the country that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the Iron Age. The ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a major tourist attraction in the country.

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2. A Country in Transition

On 18 April 1980, Zimbabwe achieved independence and the capital city of Harare was established. This marked a significant milestone in the nation's history, as it was the first time the country had been free from colonial rule. Since then, Zimbabwe has gone through many changes, both politically and economically, but the capital city of Harare remains a symbol of the nation's independence and progress.

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3. A Tropical Paradise with Lots of Rain

Zimbabwe is a country located in Southern Africa, boasting a tropical climate with a rainy season that typically runs from November to March. This season brings with it an abundance of rainfall, making it an ideal time for agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting. The country's tropical climate also brings with it warm temperatures year-round, making it a great destination for those looking to escape the cold winter months.

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4. Zimbabwe's diverse economy

Zimbabwe is a country with a diverse economy, with its main imports being machinery and transport equipment, other manufactured goods, fuels, food products and chemicals. On the other hand, its main exports are cotton, gold, platinum, tobacco, ferroalloys and textiles/clothing. These exports are essential to the country's economy, as they provide a significant source of income and help to create jobs. Additionally, the imports are necessary for the country to maintain its infrastructure and to keep up with the latest technological advancements.

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5. English and Shona Co-exist.

In Zimbabwe, English is the official language, but the majority of the population speaks Shona, a Bantu language. Approximately 70% of Zimbabweans are Shona, while the Ndebele, the second most populous group, make up 20% of the population.

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6. Zimbabwe's syncretic population

In Zimbabwe, a diverse population of Syncretics, Christians, and those who follow indigenous beliefs make up the country's population. Approximately half of the population is Syncretic, combining both Christian and indigenous beliefs, while 25% are Christian and the remaining 25% adhere to traditional indigenous beliefs.

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7. Zimbabwe's 5 currencies accepted

Zimbabwe is a country that relies heavily on its mineral exports, tourism and agriculture for foreign currency. As such, the currencies used in Zimbabwe are the UK pound, South African rand, Euro, Botswana pula and US dollar. These five currencies are accepted in Zimbabwe, allowing for a wide range of international trade and investment. The country's mineral exports, tourism and agriculture are the main sources of foreign currency, providing a strong foundation for the country's economy.

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8. Semi-Pres. Republic with Centralized Gov.

Zimbabwe is a semi-presidential system republic, with a centralized government and eight provinces, plus two cities with provincial status. These provinces are divided into districts, and the two cities are further divided into municipalities. Each province is headed by a Provincial Governor, appointed by the President, and each district is headed by a District Administrator, appointed by the Minister of Local Government. The two cities are administered by elected mayors and city councils. This system of government ensures that Zimbabwe is well-governed and that its citizens are provided with the necessary services.

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9. Zimbabwe's Popular Sports

In Zimbabwe, football, rugby union, and cricket are all popular sports. These three sports have become a major part of the country's culture, with many people playing and watching them. Football is especially popular, with the national team having won the African Cup of Nations in 2017. Rugby union is also widely played, with the national team having competed in the Rugby World Cup in 2019. Cricket is also a popular sport in Zimbabwe, with the national team having competed in the Cricket World Cup in 2019.

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10. A Country Blessed with an Excellent Tropical Climate

Zimbabwe is a country blessed with an excellent tropical climate, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the heat. Situated on a raised plateau, Zimbabwe is cooler than its neighbors, providing a pleasant respite from the sweltering temperatures of the region. With its temperate climate, Zimbabwe is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the African continent.

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