Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa.

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa with Harare as its capital. It gained internationally recognized independence in 1980 after a long colonial period.

What it is

Zimbabwe is a landlocked republic in south-central Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. Its territory lies between the Zambezi and Limpopo river systems. The capital and largest city is Harare. The country covers 390,757 km² and has a population estimated between 16 and 17 million.

History and government

Formerly known as Rhodesia, Zimbabwe achieved internationally recognized independence in April 1980 after a prolonged colonial period and white-minority rule under the Unilateral Declaration of Independence era. It is now a unitary republic with a president as head of state and government, and a multi-party political system.

Key details

Zimbabwe has multiple official languages, including English, Shona, and Ndebele. Population estimates vary by source, ranging from about 16 million to nearly 17.5 million. Canada maintains diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe, and Canadian readers may encounter the country in coverage of African politics, development, mining, and migration.