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 9th- 13th century: A large society dominates the area and leaves behind massive stone structures. 15th century: Bantu peoples begin to migrate into the area. 16th-19th century: Portuguese slave traders from Mozambique are active in Zimbabwe. 1888: Becomes a British colony. Combined with Zambia, it is known as Rhodesia. In 1923 the territory is split into Northern and Southern Rhodesia. 1965: A white-run government issues a declaration of independence but Britain ignores it. 1970s: Fighting and violence break out and many white residents leave the country. Recent years: Despite many troubles, Zimbabwe's economy is one of the strongest in southern Africa. It also has developed excellent transportation and power systems. |
ZIMBABWE Republic of Zimbabwe
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| Noun People from Zimbabwe are called Zimbabwean(s). | |
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Location Zimbabwe is located in Southern Africa, northeast of Botswana. |
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Size slightly larger than Montana |
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Coastline Zimbabwe is completely surrounded by land. |
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Terrain Zimbabwe is mostly a high plateau with a higher central plateau and mountains in the east. |
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Land use 7% of Zimbabwe is fertile and can be used to grow crops. Less than 1% of the land is used for permanent crops. 13% is taken up by pastures and meadows. 49% of the land is made up of forests. 31% is left over for other uses. |
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Capital Harare, which is home to more than 600,000 people, is Zimbabwe's capital (1982 estimate). |
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Independence On April 18, 1980 Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain. |
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National holiday Independence Day, April 18 (1980) |
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Languages English is the official language but ChiShona and Si Ndebele are also spoken. |
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Population Over 11 million (1996 est.) |
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Age 44% of all Zimbabweans are between 0-14 years of age. 53% of the population is between 15-64 years old. The remaining 3% are 65 years and over. |
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Life expectancy at birth Male Zimbabweans are expected to live to be 41. Female Zimbabweans are expected to live to be 42. |
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Total fertility rate Women have an average of 4 children each. |
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Ethnic divisions African 98% (Shona 71%, Ndebele 16%, other 11%), white 1%, mixed and Asian 1%. |
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Religions Syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%. |
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Literacy 85% of all Zimbabweans are literate. 90% of males can read and write. 80% of females can read and write. |
