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Zimbabwe

✨ The city of eternal stone

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the north, Mozambique to the east and northeast, South Africa to the south, and Botswana to the west. Covering about 390,000 square kilometres, it lies mainly on a high plateau, with higher mountains in the east. The Zambezi River forms much of its northern border and feeds Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes by volume.

On the Zambezi, near the border with Zambia, are Victoria Falls, among the world’s largest waterfalls by the width of their falling water. Zimbabwe has a subtropical climate, with a rainy season generally lasting from November to March and a drier period during the rest of the year. Its landscapes include savannas, woodlands, grasslands and rocky areas. Protected regions provide habitats for elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinoceroses and many other species.

Harare is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe. English, Shona and Ndebele are among the country’s officially recognised languages, while several other languages are also spoken. Agriculture is important to the economy, with maize, tobacco, cotton and other crops grown in different regions. Mining is another major activity, with deposits of gold, platinum-group metals, nickel and diamonds.

Zimbabwe has a long human history, reflected especially in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe near Masvingo, which gave the country its modern name. Built mainly between the 11th and 15th centuries, the site was an important centre of a trading society in southern Africa. Zimbabwe became independent from British colonial rule in 1980. Today, agriculture, mining, tourism and services remain important parts of its economy. Its landscapes, wildlife and archaeological heritage contribute to its distinctive place in southern Africa.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that the city of 'Great Zimbabwe' was built without using a single drop of mortar? The builders carved thousands of granite blocks so perfectly that they fit together by themselves like giant Lego pieces! These walls are so solid that they have been standing for over 800 years, despite wind and rain. It is one of the greatest architectural feats of ancient Africa.

In Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls hides a very special forest: a tropical rainforest where it rains 24 hours a day! It is not clouds that make the water fall, but the 'spray' (the mist) from the falls which rises towards the sky. Even when there is not a single cloud and the sun shines brightly, you must wear a raincoat to walk in this forest, otherwise you will end up soaked to the bone!

If you walk in the Matobo Hills, you will see giant rocks that seem to be doing gymnastics: they are called the 'Balancing Rocks.' Imagine huge round stones placed on top of each other in impossible positions! It looks like if you blow on them, they will fall, but in reality, they have been there for millions of years. It is nature that had fun making giant stone castles.