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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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