Thursday, July 16, 2009

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe (pronounced /zɪmˈbɑːbweɪ/), (officially the Republic of Zimbabwe and formerly Southern Rhodesia, the Republic of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe Rhodesia) is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the continent of Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three official languages; English; Shona, a Bantu language and Ndebele.

Zimbabwe began as a part of the British crown colony of Rhodesia. Today, Zimbabwe is under the control of President Robert Mugabe, who has been in power since the country's long war for independence. His rule has been characterized by economic mismanagement, hyperinflation, and widespread reports of human rights abuses. [2] The collapse of the nation's economy and widespread poverty and unemployment has increased support for Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change.

Contents



Republic of Zimbabwe
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Unity, Freedom, Work"
Anthem: Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe (Shona)
Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe (Sindebele)
"Blessed be the land of Zimbabwe"

Capital
(and largest city)
Harare
17°50′S 31°3′E / 17.833°S 31.05°E / -17.833; 31.05
Official languages English
Recognised regional languages Shona, Ndebele
Demonym Zimbabwean
Government Semi presidential, parliamentary, consociationalist republic
- President Robert Mugabe
- Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
- Vice President Joseph Msika
Joice Mujuru
- Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khuphe
Arthur Mutambara
Independence from the United Kingdom
- Proclaimed November 11, 1965
- Recognized April 18, 1980
Area
- Total 390,757 km2 (60th)
150,871 sq mi
- Water (%) 1
Population
- January 2008 estimate 13,349,0001 (68th)
- Density 33/km2 (170th)
85/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2007 estimate
- Total $2.212 billion[1]
- Per capita $188[1]
Gini (2003) 56.8 (high)
HDI (2007) 0.513 (medium) (151st)
Currency Zimbabwean dollar 2 (ZWD)
Time zone Central Africa Time
Drives on the left
Internet TLD .zw (not currently active)
Calling code 263

No comments: