Zimbabwe

Published : August 13, 2016 | Last modified on July 4th, 2017 at 2:27 pm

The Republic of Zimbabwe is a country located in the Southern African region.

Zimbabwe is 390,757 sq km and is bordered on all sides by other countries (Zambia in the north, South Africa in the South, Botswana in the west and Mozambique and Malawi in the east).
Name Of Zimbabwe:
Zimbabwe
Other Names:
During the colonial period the country was called Southern Rhodesia and Rhodesia after Ian Smith’s governments Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965. These names where in commemoration of Cecil J Rhodes.
History:
The country takes its name from the ancient Great Zimbabwe ruins located 26km south east of Masvingo Town in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. The ruins in the shona chikaranga dialect spoken by the locals of the area are called ” Dzimba dze Mabwe” which translates to “place of stones” or “house of stones”

Geography of Zimbabwe:
Location:
Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia
Geographic coordinates:
20 00 S, 30 00 E
Map references:
Africa
Area:
Total: 390,757 sq km
Land: 386,847 sq km
Water: 3,910 sq km
Country comparison to the world: 61
Land boundaries:
Total: 3,229 km
Border Countries:
Botswana 834 km, Mozambique 1,402 km, South Africa 230 km, Zambia 763 km
Coastline:
0 km (Landlocked)
Maritime claims:
None (Landlocked)
Climate:
Tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)
Terrain:
Mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld); mountains in east
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save Rivers 162 m
Highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m
Natural resources:
Coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals
Land use:
Agricultural land: 42.5%
Arable land 10.9%; permanent crops 0.3%; permanent pasture 31.3%
Forest: 39.5%
Other: 18% (2011 est.)
Irrigated land:
1,735 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources:
20 cu km (2011)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
Total: 4.21 cu km/yr (14%/7%/79%)
Per capita: 333.5 cu m/yr (2002)
Natural hazards:
Recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare
Environment – current issues:
Deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd – once the largest concentration of the species in the world – has been significantly reduced by poaching; poor mining practices have led to toxic waste and heavy metal pollution
Environment – international agreements:
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography – Note:
Landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with Zambia; in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria Falls on the river forms the world’s largest curtain of falling water; Lake Kariba on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border forms the world’s largest reservoir by volume (180 cu km; 43 cu mi)
Zimbabwe Population:
Zimbabwe’s population after the 2012 population census stood at 13 061 239, up from 11 634 663 in 2002. The census result showed an annual population increase of 1,1 percent from the previous 2002 census. Estimates from 2015 suggest the population to have increased from 13 061 293 to 14 229 541.

Population:
14,229,541 (est 2015)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 37.88% (male 2,723,586/female 2,666,624)
15-24 years: 21.65% (male 1,550,518/female 1,530,737)
25-54 years: 33.4% (male 2,485,086/female 2,267,125)
55-64 years: 3.57% (male 184,517/female 324,079)
65 years and over: 3.49% (male 193,928/female 303,341) (est 2015)
Population pyramid:
Dependency ratios:
Total dependency ratio: 80.4%
Youth dependency ratio: 75%
Elderly dependency ratio: 5.3%
Potential support ratio: 18.7% (2015 est.)
Median age:
Total: 20.35 year
Male: 20.4 years
Female: 20.7 years (2015 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.21% (2015 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 39
Birth rate:
32.26 births/1,000 population (2015 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 34
Death rate:
10.13 deaths/1,000 population (2015 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 41
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population
Note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2015 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 77
Urbanization:
Urban population: 32.4% of total population (2015)
Rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (est 2010-15)
Major urban areas – population:
Harare (capital city) 1.501 million (2015)
Bulawayo (second capital) 721 087 (est 2015)
Sex ratio:
At birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.57 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (est. 2015)
Maternal mortality rate:
443 deaths/100,000 live births (est. 2015)
Country comparison to the world: 15
Infant mortality rate:
Total: 26.11 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 28.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 23.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2015 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 69
Life expectancy at birth:
Total population: 57.05 years
Male: 56.54 years
Female: 57.57 years (2015 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 205
Total fertility rate:
3.53 children born/woman (2015 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 45
Contraceptive prevalence rate:
58.5% (2010/11)
Physicians density:
0.08 physicians/1,000 population (2011)
Hospital bed density:
1.7 beds/1,000 population (2011)
Drinking water source:
Improved:
Urban: 97% of population
Rural: 67.3% of population
Total: 76.9% of population
Unimproved:
Urban: 3% of population
Rural: 32.7% of population
Total: 23.1% of population (est. 2015)
Sanitation facility access:
Improved:
Urban: 49.3% of population
Rural: 30.8% of population
Total: 36.8% of population
Unimproved:
Urban: 50.7% of population
Rural: 69.2% of population
Total: 63.2% of population (est. 2015)
HIV/AIDS – adult prevalence rate:
16.74% (est. 2014)
Country comparison to the world: 5
HIV/AIDS – people living with HIV/AIDS:
1,550,300 (2014 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 4
HIV/AIDS – deaths:
38,600 (est. 2014)
Country comparison to the world: 6
Major infectious diseases:
Degree of risk: very high
Food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
Vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever
Water contact disease: schistosomiasis
Animal contact disease: rabies (2013)
Obesity – adult prevalence rate:
8.4% (2014)
Country comparison to the world: 143
Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
11.2% (2014)
Country comparison to the world: 69
Education expenditures:
2% of GDP (2010)
Country comparison to the world: 155
Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write English
Total population: 86.5%
Male: 88.5%
Female: 84.6% (2015 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Total: 11 years
Male: 11 years
Female: 11 years (2012)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
Total: 8.7%
Male: 7.7%
Female: 9.8% (2012 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 116
Environment of Zimbabwe:
Environment – Current Issues:
Zimbabwe is currently facing varied environmental issues which range from deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; a dwindling black rhinoceros and elephant herd. The country used to have within its borders the largest concentration of elephant and rhinoceros species in the world; these have reduced over the years due to factors like poaching; animal poisoning for ivory and poor mining practices. Resettlement programs have been a major factor in environmental degradation and soil erosion, in the process reducing agricultural yields. Over-grazing and agriculture, combined with the erosion, are causing desertification in some areas.Despite these environmental issues, Zimbabwe has some 1,747 species of trees among its 4,500 species of higher plants. The country is also home to a number of safari animals like elephants, lions, and hippos. In total 270 species of mammals are found in Zimbabwe along with 180 reptiles and 661 birds.
Some 30 different mineral deposits are dispersed throughout the country; and these range from substantial deposits of coal, platinum and chromium ore; smaller deposits of asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium and tin.
Most arable land in the country is located in the north and east; the lower lying land in the south and west is primarily suitable for grazing. There are a large number of tourist attractions, including the 26 national parks and game reserves.
Environment – international agreements:
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Environmental policy and manifestation:
Party to international agreements – Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
Villages, Towns & Cities in Zimbabwe:
The country is made up of villages, towns and cities:

Sites in Zimbabwe:

Allan Wilson Memorial
Amadzimba Cave
Amakhosi Cultural Centre
Angwa River Forts
Bangala Recreational Park
Bambiri Rock Engravings
Bambata Cave
Batoka George
Big Tree
Binga Hot Springs
Birchenough Bridge
Borrowdale
Bridal Veil Falls
Bulawayo Centenary Park
Bulawayo Central Park
Bulawayo Home Industries Centre
Bushman’s Point
Cave Of Hands
Chamavara Cave
Charara Safari Area
Chete Safari Area
Chore Safari Area
Chibvumani
Chiloto Cliffs
Chimanimani Eland Sanctuary
Chimanimani National Park
Chimanimani Mountains
Chimanimani Falls
Chinhoyi Caves Recreational Park
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
Chinge Safari Area
Chiredzi Canals
Chirinda Forest Reserve
Chirisa Safari Area
Christmass Pass
Chisumbanje Estate
Chizarira National Park
Chumnungwa
Dambarare
Danagombe
Deka Safari Area
Dengeni Cave
Devil’s Cataract
Diana’s Vow Painting Rock
Dhlodhlo Ruins
Doma Safari Area
Dombozanga Shelter
Domboshava Cave
Devuli Hills
Eastern Highlands
Fort Victoria
Fort Hill
Fossil Forest
Gambarimwe Cave
Gonarezhou National Park
Gulubahwe Cave
Great Zimbabwe
Halfway House Ruin
Harare Snake Park
Harare Kopje Toposcope
Hartley Safari Area
Hillside Dams and Waterworks
Hippo Valley Estates
Harleigh Ruins
Himalaya Mountain
Hot Springs
Hurungwe Safari Area
Hwange National Park
Hunyani Hills
Imire Game Range
Indaba Tree Matopo’s
Inyanga Mountains
Inyangani Mountain
Inyangombe Falls
Jumbo Ancient Works
Kagumbudzi
Khami Ruins
Kazuma Pan National Park
Kariba Dam
Kingsley Fair Bridge Memorial
Kyle Recreational Park
Lake Kariba Recreational Park
Lake Robertson Recreational Park
Limpopo River
Lion And Cheetah Park
Lobengula’s Grave
Makumbe Cave
Malapati Safari
Mana Pools National Park
Manjirenji Recreational Park
Mangwe Fort
Manyanga Ruins
Markwe Cave
Mashava Hills
Matanda Achiwawa
Matetsi Safari
Matopo Hills
Matobo National Park
Matusasonha National Park
Mavuradonha Mountains
Mazoe Citrus Estates
Mazwi Nature Reserve
Manemba Cave
Matendera Ruins
Mbembesi Memorial
Mcilwaine National Park
Memorial Cross
Mguza Nature Reserve
Mkavasine National Estates
Moodies Pass
Mpinge Pass
Mthakwazi Crafts
Mtetengwe River
Mkube Cave
Mukuvisi Woodlands
Muromo Farm
Musimbira Ruins
Mutoko Ruins
Mutorashanga Pass
Mutota’s Ruins
Murehwa Cave
Muromo Rock Paintings
Mutoko Cave
Mtoa Ruins
Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre
Mzilikazi Memorial
Mzilikazi Grave
Naletale
Nanke Cave
National Botanical Gardens
National Gallery of Bulawayo
Natural History Museum
Natural Railway Museum
Ndube Hills
Ngezi Recreational Park
Nhunguza Ruins
Nswatugi Cave
Nyahokwe
Nyanga Archeological Sites
Nyanga National Park
Nyangwe
Nyazongo Shelter
Old Jesuit Mission
Romongwe Cave
Silolanwe Cave
Pongo Memorial
Providential Pass
Redcliff Limeworks
Ruanga Ruins
Ruchera Caves
Runde River
Rusvingo rwa Chiwawa
Rusvingo rwa Kasekete
Sanyati George
Sapi Safari Area
Save River
Sebakwe Recreational Park
Shangani Battle Field
Sibilobilo Safari Area
Silozwane Cave
Somerby Cave
Surtic Rocks Paintings
Triangle Canal
Trangle Estates
Tshabalala Sanctuary
Tshangula Cave
Tsindi Hill
Tuli Safari Area
Turwi Canal
Umfurudzi Safari Area
Umzingwane Recreational Area
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Bridge
Vumba Mountains
World’s View Farm
World View Matopos
Zambezi Escarpment
Zambezi National Park
Zambezi River
Zhongombe Ruins
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds

Government of Zimbabwe:
Country Name:
Conventional long form: Republic of Zimbabwe
Conventional short form: Zimbabwe
Former: Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia
Type of Government:
Parliamentary democracy
Capital:
Harare
Second Capital:
Bulawayo
Geographic coordinates:
17 49 S, 31 02 E
Administrative divisions:
8 provinces and 2 cities with provincial status; Bulawayo, Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands
Independence from Britain:
18 April 1980 (from the UK)
National Holidays:

New Year- 1st January
Easter- (Good Friday – Easter Monday)
Independence day- 18th April
Workers day- 1st May
Africa day- 25th May
Heroes day-11th August
Defence forces day-12th August
Unity day- 22nd December
Christmas-25th December

Constitution:
Previous 1965 (at Rhodesian Independence), 1979 (Lancaster House Agreement), 1980 (at Zimbabwean Independence); latest final draft completed January 2013, approved by referendum 16 March 2013, approved by Parliament 9 May 2013; amended many times in 2013; a few more significant amendments in 2015
Legal System:
Mixed legal system of English common law, Roman-Dutch civil law, and customary law
Citizenship:
Birthright citizenship
Dual citizenship is not recognized
Residency required for naturalization
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive Branch of Government:
Head of State, Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces:
President Robert Gabriel Mugabe has been the executive President since 1st January 1988 and he was recently re-elected for a five year term in the 2013 harmonised elections .
Vice Presidents:

Emmerson Dambudzo Mnagwagwa
Phelekezela Mphoko(both since 12 December 2014)

Cabinet:
The Executive President heads a Government of which he is the Chairman of the Cabinet of senior Ministers and Ministers. The Cabinet Ministers are effectively his nominees from structures within the ruling party . The Cabinet decides on policy and prepares legislation to be considered by the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
Cabinet operates through Ministers and each minister is in charge of a ministerial portfolio . The President has the overall prerogative over ministries . Changes of Ministers are made in reshuffles . The Cabinet currently comprises of 38 ministries
Legislature:
The legislative body is a bicameral Parliament, which consists of an upper house , the Senate, and a lower house , the House of Assembly. The national assembly members are chosen by universal adult suffrage:
Senate:
The Senate consists of 80 members, whereby 60 members are directly elected in multi-seat constituencies-6 seats in each of the countries provinces. 16 members are indirectly elected by the regional governing councils, 2 reserved for the National Council of Chiefs and 2 reserved for members with disabilities. Members of the Senate serve 5 year terms.The leader of the Senate is the President of the Senate . The current President of the Senate is Dr Edna Madzongwe. The Senates main role is that , as guardian of the declaration of rights, the Senate ensures that a Bill is consistent with these rights to facilitate this, it has a Senate legal committee to study bills and to report to the Senate. Although the Senate cannot prevent a Bill from becoming an Act, it can delay its passage.
House of Assembly:
The House of Assembly consists of 270 seats, whereby 210 members are directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 60 seats reserved for women directly elected by proportional representation vote. Members of the house serve for five years. The current speaker of the House is Honorable Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda.

The last general elections were held on 31 July 2013 the next will be held in 2018.
Judiciary:
The highest court of the land is the Supreme Court which consists of the Chief Justice, and 4 judges.
Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, an independent body consisting of the Chief Justice, Public Service Commission Chairman, Attorney General, and 2-3 members appointed by the president; judges normally serve until age 65 but can elect to serve until age 70. Other subordinate courts are High Court, Regional Magistrate courts, and Special Courts
Political parties and their leaders:

Freedom Party -Cosmas Mponda
Movement for Democratic Change – Ncube or MDC-N- Welshman Ncube
Movement for Democratic Change – Renewal or MDC-R -Tendai Biti
Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai or MDC-T- Morgan TSVANGIRAI
Transform Zimbabwe or TZ -Jacob Ngarivhume
United Parties-Abel Muzorehwa
Zimbabwe African National Union-Ndonga or ZANU-Ndonga
Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front or ZANU-PF -Robert Gabriel Mugabe
Zimbabwe African Peoples Union or ZAPU-Dumiso Dabengwa