Location | |
Flag | |
Quick Facts | |
Capital | Harare |
Government | Parliamentary dictatorship |
Currency | United States dollar (de facto) |
Area | 390,580 km2 |
Population | 11,376,676 (July 2002 est.) |
Language | English (official), Shona (official), Sindebele (official) (the language of the Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects |
Religion | syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1% |
Electricity | 220/50Hz (UK plug) |
Calling Code | +263 |
Internet TLD | .zw |
Time Zone | UTC +2 |
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.
The Zambezi river forms the natural 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 Victoria Falls are a major tourist attraction.
Once known as the Breadbasket of Africa, since 2000 Zimbabwe has undergone an economic collapse and the rule of law has gradually but largely broken down.