Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is an incredibly beautiful, land-locked nation in the centre of Southern Africa. Despite its political and economic struggles, it remains a country of breath-taking beauty and lush landscapes. Famously bordering on the magnificent Victoria Falls and stunning Zambezi River, this is a country of astounding beauty and is by no means short of attractions and activities.

Zimbabwe, previously known as Rhodesia during its colonial days, has been the focus of many explorers during the last few centuries. It was Rhodes that orchestrated the building on the first railway line through the country which stretches across the entire African continent, and David Livingstone was the explorer to hear the thunderous sound and say the spray of the world’s largest natural waterfall, the Victoria Falls; named after his sovereign Queen Victoria.

Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and Matopas rock formations are among the country’s most famous attractions. Just an hour outside of the town of Bulawayo, the Zimbabwe Ruins of the historical Great Zimbabwe can be found; the kingdom belonging to the first organised community of Zimbabwe during the pre colonial days.

Zimbabwe received its independence in 1980 and has struggled to maintain a democratic state ever since. However, despite its unstable economy and the fragile political state, thousands of tourists make their way to the country every year, wishing to explore its African roots and be spellbound by its beauty.

Zimbabwe has a unique landscape, atmosphere, community and culture which set it apart from its fellow Southern African nations. The beauty of this country will easily allow you to forget it’s complicated structure; indulge yourself in the magnificent Victoria Falls, astounding structures of Motopas, observe the African wildlife and take yourself back in time to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

ZIMABABWE FACTS AND FIGURES

Area:
390,757 sq. km

Capital:
Harare

Largest towns:
Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare

Population (estimate):
12,523,000

Official language:
English, Shona, Matabele

Currency:
The use of the Zimbabwean dollar as an official currency was effectively abandoned on 12 April 2009. This was a result of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe legalizing the use of foreign currencies for transactions in January 2009.

Foreign currencies such as the South African Rand, Botswana Pula, Pound Sterling and the United States Dollar are used instead

Head of state:
President Robert Mugabe

Life expectancy:
43 years

Literacy:
91%