Brief History of Zimbabwe

The history of Zimbabwe is both fascinating and complex, spanning thousands of years from the early Stone Age cultures to the modern era. Emerging as a significant center of trade and political power, Zimbabwe has experienced a diverse range of historical events and cultural development.

Its early inhabitants left a rich archaeological legacy, which provides vital insights into their way of life, beliefs, and traditions. Today, Zimbabwe stands as a dynamic and vibrant nation that honors its past while cultivating a promising future.

Regrettably, Zimbabwe is quite famous for it’s former ruler Mugabe.  Under the rule of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe underwent significant political and social changes.

As the leader of the country for nearly four decades, Mugabe’s policies significantly impacted the nation’s trajectory, including its economy and international relations. His tenure saw a shift towards greater focus on Zimbabwean nationalism, yet also faced controversial land reforms and growing opposition from both domestic and global actors.

Despite his controversial legacy, Mugabe’s impact on Zimbabwe’s history remains an important subject of discussion and analysis.

About Zimbabwe

Country Code: +263. 

Crime: Crime in Zimbabwe has been a growing concern for both locals and the international community. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in criminal activities such as theft, corruption, and violence. 

The government and law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly to combat this issue, but they face numerous challenges in their efforts. One of these challenges is the rise of terrorism within Zimbabwe, which has added another layer of complexity to the law enforcement landscape.

As extremist groups continue to gain traction and pose a growing threat to the country’s stability, the security forces must adapt to address these new, dangerous opponents. Furthermore, the international community is increasingly focused on this issue, with many countries providing aid and support to help Zimbabwe combat terrorism. 

Currency: the financial system in Zimbabwe is a wreck. They currently use the U.S. dollar and the Zimbabwe dollar, although the Zimbabwe dollar is essentially worthless.  Over the years, they have also used the South African Rand.

Electricity: Type D (3-pin round, triangular pattern), Type G (3-pin rectangular, triangular pattern).

Language: Zimbabwe currently has 16 different official languages. These include Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Chewa, Venda, and Xhosa.

Latitude and Longitude: 19.0154° S, 29.1549° E.

LGBT: Same-sex marriage is banned and LGBT people have no legal protection from harassment and discrimination. In a 2018 survey, 50% of gay men in Zimbabwe had been assaulted while 64% had been disowned by their family.

Population: 15.99 million (2021).

President: Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

Embassies

Embassies of Zimbabwe play a crucial role in fostering diplomatic relations and promoting various forms of cooperation between Zimbabwe and the host countries. These embassies act as a bridge, facilitating communication and coordination between the two nations, while also representing the interests of Zimbabwe on the international stage.

Moreover, they provide essential consular services to Zimbabwean citizens living or traveling abroad, such as support in emergencies or aid with documentation. By fulfilling these functions, the embassies of Zimbabwe make significant contributions to the overall development and advancement of their home country.

British Embassy, 3 Norfolk Road, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Embassy of Canada, 45 Baines Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Embassy of Germany, 52CR+VV4, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Embassy of the U.S., 172 Herbert Chitepo Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe.

National Parks

Zimbabwe is home to several national parks that offer visitors the opportunity to experience the country’s diverse flora and fauna, as well as its cultural heritage. These national parks offer visitors the opportunity to go on game drives, guided walks, and camping trips, among other activities.

They are also important for conservation efforts in Zimbabwe and contribute to the country’s tourism industry. Here are some of the national parks in Zimbabwe.

Hwange National Park:

This is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and is known for its vast elephant herds. It covers an area of over 14,600 square kilometers and has over 100 mammal and 400 bird species.

Mana Pools National Park:

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the Zambezi River. The park is home to large populations of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Matobo National Park:

This park is located in the Matobo Hills and is known for its unique rock formations and cave paintings. It is also home to the endangered black and white rhino.

Chimanimani National Park:

This park is located in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe and is known for its rugged terrain and beautiful waterfalls. It is also home to several bird species, including the rare blue swallow.

Gonarezhou National Park:

This park is located in the southeastern part of Zimbabwe and is known for its large elephant herds and beautiful scenery. It is also home to several rare bird species, including the Pel’s fishing owl.

Top Tourist Attractions

Zimbabwe is home to many beautiful and exciting tourist attractions. Here are some of the top places to visit in Zimbabwe:

Victoria Falls:

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “the smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Visitors can view the falls from several viewpoints and take part in activities such as bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter tours.

Great Zimbabwe National Monument:

This archaeological site features the ruins of an ancient city that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the area.

Eastern Highlands – This mountainous region in eastern Zimbabwe is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities, including hiking, trout fishing, and birdwatching.

Lake Kariba:

This massive man-made lake is a popular destination for fishing and boating, and visitors can also see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos.

Gonarezhou National Park:

This remote park in southeastern Zimbabwe is known for its rugged landscape and diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and wild dogs.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Zimbabwe has to offer.