Overview

Britain took over the area as Southern Rhodesia in 1923 from the British South Africa Company . Under a 1961 constitution, voting was restricted to maintain the white minority in power. In 1965 the government declared independence but Britain did not recognize the act and demanded complete voting rights for the black African majority. UN sanctions and a guerilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert Mugabe, the first prime minister, (president since 1987), has been the country's only ruler, and has dominated the country's political system since independence.

People

Population: 12,746,990
Life Expectancy: 36.67 years
HIV/AIDS-adult prevalence: 24.6% (2001)
Ethnic Groups: Shona, Ndebele, Other, Mixed & Asian, European
Languages: English (official), Shona, Sindebele, local dialects

Geography

TOTAL AREA: 390,580km2
CLIMATE: tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)
TERRAIN: mostly high plateau with higher central plateau; mountains to the east
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals.

Government

Capital: Harare
Independence: April 18, 1980 (from U.K.)
Government Structure: Parliamentary democracy
Legal System: Mixture of Roman-Dutch & English common law

Economy

GDP (by sector): Agriculture - 18.1%, Industry - 24.3%, Services - 57.7% (2004 estimates)
GDP (per capita) : US$1,900
Population below poverty line: 70%
Currency: Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD)

Other

Fixed line telephone system was once one of the best in Africa but maintenance continues to be a major challenge. Extensive mobile cellular network (GSM). Internet connection available in Harare. Ground transportation via railways, highways and waterways on Lake Kariba. Major airport is in Harare.