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Country Facts

 

 

 

 

The Zimbabwe Flag

 

  • Green : represents the farming and agriculture in Zimbabwe 
  • Yellow/Gold : represents the abundance mineral wealth
  • Red : represents the bloodshed during the first and second Chimurenga (wars of liberation)
  • Black : represents the black majority
  • White Triangle: represents peace in Zimbabwe
  • Zimbabwe Bird: represents the National Emblem
  • Red Star: represents the nation's aspirations and hope for the future.

 

The Coat of Arms

 

The Coat of Arms depicts two kudus on the left and right, each standing on top of an earthly mound composed of stalks of wheat, a pile of cotton, and a head of maize. At their feet there is also a banner emblazoned with the Zimbabwe national motto (Unity, Freedom, Work). The shield itself is green, featuring 14 waves of alternating white and blue waved lines at top (chief argent), and also at the center of the shield a representation of the ancient Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe is shown. Placed behind the shield are an agricultural hoe (to the left) and an AK-47 automatic rifle (to the right), both of which are tied with twisted strips of green and gold silk. On the crest, the red star and the Great Zimbabwe Bird, which are also depicted in the national flag, are shown.

The meanings of the Zimbabwe Coat of Arms are as follows:

Kudus: the unity of Zimbabwe’s various ethnic groups

  • Earthly Mound: the need to always provide for the Zimbabweans
  • Motto Banner: the need to maintain national unity and the preservation of freedom
  • Shield: the fertility of the country’s soil and water
  • Great Zimbabwe: the historical heritage of the nation
  • Hoe and Rifle: Celebrates the struggle for peace and democracy, as well as the proud work-ethic of the Zimbabwean people.
  • Strips of Silk: the national financial enterprise and the protection of the economy
  • Red Star: hope for the future of Zimbabwe. Conveys the revolutionary nature of the 1980 achievement majority rule, and the struggle towards a fair, equal society.
  • Great Zimbabwe Bird: national identity

 

Country Profile

Map of Zimbabwe

Click here to navigate to the map of Zimbabwe on Google maps.

 

Climate

The country can be divided into three (3) broad climatic regions. The Central plateau, covering most of the country, is generally temperate, whilst low lying areas, such as the Zambezi Valley, are significantly warmer and drier with hot summers. The Eastern Highlands are cooler in climate with much higher year-round rainfall.

Summer rains dominate seasons, usually lasting from November through April. Rainfall frequently occurs in brief but heavy afternoon downpours and dramatic thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can range from 25〬C to the high 30s, even 40s in low-lying areas.

Winter, between May and August, brings slightly lower average daytime temperatures, with little if any rain. Night time temperatures can drop below freezing, especially in the west of the country, something the traveller should remember. Before the onset of the rains, during September and October, hot dry daytime conditions dominate.

 

KEY FACTS ABOUT ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe is one of the emerging economies in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region with high agricultural prospects of becoming the region’s bread basket, and a hub of value-added exploitation of mineral and agricultural commodities.

The country’s highly advanced human capital skills base also offers opportunities for the development of digital and knowledge-based industries, anchored on a well-developed private and public information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure network.

The tourism sector also presents investment opportunities, especially in the development of infrastructure and facilities at Zimbabwe’s major tourism attractions that include renowned world heritage sites.

The country shares borders with Mozambique to the east, Zambia to the north, Botswana and Namibia to the west, and South Africa to the south.

Zimbabwe, though a landlocked country, is characterized by a well-developed road and rail network which provides easy access to the sea ports of Maputo, Beira, Walvis Bay and Durban.

 

COUNTRY PROFILE IN BRIEF

Official name

Republic of Zimbabwe

Other Main Cities and Towns

Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, Marondera, Bindura, Gwanda, Gwanda, Kwekwe, Hwange and Kadoma

Total Area

390 757 km2

Land Surface Area

386 670 km2

Population

+/- 16 million

Literacy Rate

92%

Official Languages

16 official languages: English, Shona, Ndebele, Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Shangani, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa

Religion

84.1 % Christianity, 4.5 % Traditional Religion, 10.2% No Religion, 0.7% Islam, and 0.5% others (2017 ZIMSTATS)

Political and Legal System

A multi-party democratic system of government with separation of power between the three arms of Government namely: the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary (Courts of Law).

The President and Members of Parliament are directly elected by the people. The President appoints Cabinet Ministers from elected and nominated Members of Parliament.

The Supreme Court is the highest court of order and the final court of appeal in Zimbabwe is headed by the Chief Justice.

Main Ports

Beira & Maputo-Mozambique, Durban-South Africa, Walvis Bay-Namibia, Dar es Salaam-Tanzania

GDP Per Capita

US$3024 (World Bank, 2018)

Currency

Multicurrency

Calling code

+263

Internet TLD

.zw

Time

GMT + 2 Hours

Major Export Partners

Zimbabwe exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to the United Kingdom, China, South Africa, France, United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Israel, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia.