The
Republic of Zimbabwe was formerly known as Southern Rhodesia. Zimbabwe
means “great houses of stone” in the Shona language.
Zimbabwe became an independent state on 18 April 1980. The capital
is Harare.
Zimbabwe has a tropical climate with a rainy season usually from
November to March.
Zimbabwe’s main imports are machinery and transport equipment,
other manufactures, fuels, food products and chemicals. Their main
exports are cotton, gold, platinum, tobacco, ferroalloys and textiles/clothing.
The official languages are English, Shona (a Bantu language) and
Ndebele. 70% of the population is Shona and 20% are the second most
populous group Ndebele.
About 50% of the population in the country comprises of Syncretics
(part Christian and part indigenous beliefs) 25% are Christians
and the rest follow indigenous beliefs.
The currencies used are the UK pound, South African rand, Euro,
Botswana pula and US dollar. Mineral exports, tourism and agriculture
are the main foreign currency earners of the country.
Zimbabwe has a semi-presidential system republic. It has a centralized
government and is divided into eight provinces and two cities with
provincial status for administrative purposes.
Football, together with rugby union and cricket are the famous sport
in the country.
Zimbabwe has an excellent tropical climate. The country is situated
on a raised plateau and therefore relatively cooler than its neighbors.
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