Learn About Zimbabwe


	A rainbow over the Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe is a nation located in southeastern Africa. It is a landlocked country, bordered by four other nations: Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, and South Africa.

The Republic of Zimbabwe won independence under black majority rule in 1980. This followed years of guerrilla war waged by black nationalists against a government controlled by the country's white minority. A former British colony, Zimbabwe at one time was called Southern Rhodesia and then Rhodesia. For a brief period, in 1979, it was known as Zimbabwe-Rhodesia.

Zimbabwe takes its name from the Zimbabwe ruins, an ancient historical site in the southeastern part of the country that was once a center of African kingdoms.

The Land
Most of Zimbabwe consists of a plateau, which reaches its highest elevation in the highveld region near the center of the country. Occupying almost one quarter of the land and ranging from about 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 meters) above sea level, the highveld is Zimbabwe's most fertile area. At the eastern edge of the plateau is a mountainous region called the Eastern Highlands. This is the site of the country's highest peak, Mount Inyangani, which rises to more than 8,500 feet (2,591 meters).

Zimbabwe's major rivers include the Limpopo in the south and the Zambezi in the northwest. The spectacular Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba, formed by the Kariba Dam, are located on the Zambezi, on Zimbabwe's border with Zambia. The Kariba Dam is an important source of hydroelectric power for both countries.

Climate. Although it is a tropical country, Zimbabwe has a moderate climate, due to its high elevation. Summer temperatures average between 77 and 86°F (25 to 30°C). Winter temperatures range from about 59 to 68°F (15 to 20°C). The highveld has the most pleasant climate. Rainfall varies, with the higher elevations receiving the greatest amount. Drought often occurs in parts of the country because of inadequate rainfall.

Major Cities. Harare (formerly called Salisbury) is Zimbabwe's capital and largest city, with a population of about 1 million in its metropolitan area. Founded by white settlers in 1890, it is a modern city and the center of the country's commerce and industry. Bulawayo is second in population and economic importance. Situated in Matabeleland, it also dates from the late 1800s.

History and Government
A people who were probably Bantu entered the area by about the 5th century A.D., displacing the Pygmies and the Bushmen. The huge stone complex from which the present country takes its name was built over hundreds of years. During the 1300s and 1400s, Zimbabwe reached its height as a religious and trading center.

In 1855 the Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone sighted Victoria Falls. In the late 1800s the British empire-builder Cecil Rhodes persuaded the Ndebele king, Lobengula, to grant mining rights to the whites. In 1889 his British South Africa Company was granted a charter by Britain to rule the area. Named Southern Rhodesia, it became a self-governing British colony in 1923. It was still governed by a white minority, since few Africans had the right to vote. In 1953, Southern Rhodesia joined with Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and Nyasaland (now Malawi) to form the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The federation collapsed in 1963 because of pressure from black Africans who resisted political control by the whites.

In 1964, Rhodesia dropped the word "Southern" from its name and demanded full sovereignty. But Britain refused and suggested changes in Rhodesia's constitution that would give black Africans a greater share in the government instead. White Rhodesians rejected these suggestions and declared Rhodesia independent in 1965.

Struggle for Majority Rule. Britain refused to recognize Rhodesia's independence. It insisted that the black population be represented in the legislature and that plans be made for majority rule. In 1966 the United Nations Security Council imposed economic sanctions against Rhodesia's white government by banning trade.

Africans who opposed the white government formed a guerrilla group called the Patriotic Front. Eventually, world opinion and continued guerrilla fighting forced the white government to accept some form of black majority rule.

In 1978 the white prime minister, Ian Smith, and three black nationalist leaders agreed on a new constitution. It gave voting rights to the black Africans and provided safeguards for the whites. Elections were held in 1979, and a black government headed by Prime Minister Abel Muzorewa was put into place. The name of the country was changed to Zimbabwe-Rhodesia.

Write about it:
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country. What does it mean to be a “landlocked” country? Give your own explanation, if you don’t know, make a prediction before asking your teacher. What countries “lock” Zimbabwe?

Mystery of Great Zimbabwe
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/israel/zimbabwe.html
Learn about how the first whispered reports of a fabulous stone palace in the heart of southern Africa began dribbling into the coastal trading ports of Mozambique in the 16th century.