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Zimbabwe

Capital:Harare
Population:16.7M
Currency:Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD)
Language:English (official), Shona, Sindebele
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Zimbabwe has an interesting variety of customs. Humility is an esteemed attribute. Zimbabweans are usually optimistic, courteous and friendly. They are more open among friends than with strangers. Zimbabweans are sensitive to racism and discrimination because of many years of colonial subjugation.

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Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation · Student Life

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    4/18

    Independence Day

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Family visits are important this time of year. Many businesses close for two to three weeks allowing for urban dwellers to return to their rural relatives.

    Many Zimbabweans mix Christmas and traditional beliefs, Many celebrations may have Christian sermons, followed by dancing and singing to drums and horns, slaughtering cattle to appease their ancestors, and feasting upon the beef.

    Soliciting gifts from one’s relatives on Christmas day is proper and expresses kinship and family ties. One custom states that when two people meet the first to ask for “Christmas” will be the recipient of a gift from the other person. A person may seek gifts from as many people as possible in this manner but never from the same person twice. Many cities also host a “Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund” in which the wealthy are urged to give to the poor.

Dates of Interest

  • December 25th

    Family visits are important this time of year. Many businesses close for two to three weeks allowing for urban dwellers to return to their rural relatives. Many Zimbabweans mix Christmas and traditional beliefs, Many celebrations may have Christian sermons, followed by dancing and singing to drums and horns, slaughtering cattle to appease their ancestors, and feasting upon the beef. Soliciting gifts from one's relatives on Christmas day is proper and expresses kinship and family ties. One custom states that when two people meet the first to ask for 'Christmas' will be the recipient of a gift from the other person. A person may seek gifts from as many people as possible in this manner but never from the same person twice. Many cities also host a 'Mayor's Christmas Cheer Fund' in which the wealthy are urged to give to the poor.

How do people greet each other in Zimbabwe?

A handshake is the common greeting, sometimes accompanied by clapping hands when asking how things are.

Do

  • Shake hands when greeting
  • Greet strangers you pass, especially in rural areas
  • In urban areas, follow English-style customs including titles

Don’t

  • Don't expect titles to be used outside urban areas

What are the dining customs in Zimbabwe?

Sadza, a stiff maize porridge, is the staple served at nearly every meal, and tea is popular with meals and in the office. The hostess usually serves each plate.

Do

  • Wash your hands with the water provided before eating
  • Leave a little food behind to show you are not greedy
  • Ask permission of others before leaving the table

Don’t

  • Don't refuse offers of refreshments or food

Good to know

  • Western utensils are common, but eating with fingers is also common in rural areas
  • Breakfast is eaten before work, the main meal after work, and lunch is usually light

What etiquette should I know when visiting people in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabweans are hospitable and welcome unannounced visits, valuing patience and politeness in conversation.

Do

  • Be patient and polite in conversation
  • Bring small practical gifts, which are appreciated
  • Give and accept items with both hands

Good to know

  • Humility is an esteemed attribute
  • Zimbabweans are more reserved with strangers and sensitive to racism and discrimination

How should I dress in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabweans generally wear Western-style clothing, and dressing neatly in clean clothes is important.

Do

  • Wear neat, clean clothing

Good to know

  • Traditional African dress is reserved for performances or special occasions
  • It is not uncommon for a woman to wear a scarf on her head

What gestures are important in Zimbabwe?

Gestures carry meaning: clapping can express gratitude, and eye contact norms differ from Western ones.

Do

  • Give and accept items with both hands
  • Clap hands as a gesture of gratitude

Don’t

  • Don't use direct eye contact during conversation, especially in rural areas, as it shows a lack of respect

What is family life like in Zimbabwe?

The father is usually the family leader making final decisions, though the mother also has influence, and family ties are strong and important.

Don’t

  • Don't suggest nursing homes, as the concept is highly offensive

Good to know

  • Extended families living together are common in rural areas, while urban families tend to be more nuclear
  • The elderly are considered a family treasure and always have a place in the home
  • Polygamy is still common among some groups

What sports and recreation are popular in Zimbabwe?

Soccer is the most popular sport in Zimbabwe.

Good to know

  • Other sports include track and field, cricket, rugby, wrestling, and horse racing

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Zimbabwe

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD)
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The climate on the central plateau is moderate in all seasons with warm days and cool nights. Homes do not have central heating or air-conditioning, although room heaters and fireplaces are used on winter nights (May-August). Annual rainfall averages about 28 inches on the highveld (Harare), more in the Eastern Highlands, and much less in the lowveld of the southeast and the Zambezi Valley. The sun shines nearly every day, even at the height of the warm rainy season (November-April). In Harare, the average low temperature in winter is 45°F at night, though frost occasionally occurs. The average daily temperature in summer is 75°F, with temperatures seldom surpassing 90°F.
Airports
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Sadza (Corn Porridge)

Soup

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Early Civilizations

    700 – 1888

    Shona-speaking Bantu peoples established complex societies across the Zimbabwe plateau, constructing the Great Zimbabwe stone enclosures between the 9th and 13th centuries as a center of trade linking the interior to coastal Swahili and Arabian merchants. The Monomotapa domain rose to regional dominance between 1200 and 1600, and the Rozvi branch later supplanted it. The Ndebele, an offshoot of the Zulu, migrated northward around 1830 and established control over much of the Shona population until European colonization.

  2. British South Africa Company

    1888 – 1923

    Cecil Rhodes secured mineral concessions from local chiefs in 1888, and the British South Africa Company was chartered the following year, establishing Salisbury in 1890 and formally naming the territory Rhodesia in 1895. Company administration oversaw white settler expansion, the suppression of Ndebele and Shona uprisings in the 1890s, and the gradual displacement of indigenous land rights. The company's charter was abrogated in 1922 following a whites-only referendum that chose self-governance over absorption into South Africa.

  3. Colonial Rhodesia

    1923 – 1965

    Southern Rhodesia became a self-governing British colony in 1923, with political power firmly concentrated among white settlers. Britain organized the short-lived Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from 1953 to 1963, which dissolved as Zambia and Malawi moved toward independence. Ian Smith's Rhodesian Front government, elected in 1964, pressed Britain for independence without majority rule, setting the stage for a unilateral break.

  4. Unilateral Independence & Bush War

    1965 – 1980

    Ian Smith's Unilateral Declaration of Independence in November 1965 brought UN sanctions and international isolation while entrenching white-minority rule under a 1969 republican constitution. ZANU and ZAPU nationalist movements launched a sustained guerrilla insurgency — the Second Chimurenga — from the early 1970s onward, drawing support from neighboring Mozambique and Zambia. Mounting military pressure and international negotiations produced the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979, paving the way for free elections and legal independence.

  5. Mugabe Era

    1980 – 2017

    Zimbabwe achieved internationally recognized independence in April 1980 with Robert Mugabe as prime minister, transitioning to an executive presidency in 1987 and consolidating one-party dominance. The early post-independence period was marred by the Gukurahundi massacres in Matabeleland, in which an estimated 20,000 Ndebele civilians were killed by the Fifth Brigade. From 2000 onward, a chaotic Fast Track Land Reform programme triggered economic collapse, hyperinflation, and mass emigration, while Mugabe repeatedly suppressed opposition and rigged elections until a military-assisted coup removed him in November 2017.

  6. Post-Mugabe Zimbabwe

    2017 – present

    Emmerson Mnangagwa assumed the presidency following Mugabe's forced resignation in 2017, promising economic reform and a new openness to foreign investment under a 'Zimbabwe is Open for Business' platform. Political repression, corruption, and currency instability persisted, however, and disputed elections in 2018 and 2023 maintained ZANU-PF dominance amid opposition allegations of fraud. Zimbabwe continues to grapple with rebuilding its economy and institutions after decades of mismanagement and international isolation.

Overview

Primarily of the Bantu group of south and central Africa, the black Zimbabweans are divided into two major language groups, which are subdivided into several ethnic groups. The Mashona (Shona speakers), who constitute about 75% of the population, have lived in the area the longest and are the majority language group. The Matabele (Sindebele speakers), representing about 20% of the population and centered in the southwest around Bulawayo, arrived within the last 150 years.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 700

    Arabian and Persians trade with ivory, rhino horn, gold, shells and slaves

    Arabian and Persians trade with ivory, rhino horn, gold, shells and slaves.

  2. 700

    Shona people began their rule and built a city called Zimbabwe.

    Shona people began their rule and built a city called Zimbabwe.

  3. 1200 – 1600

    Rise and decline of the Monomotapa domain.

    Rise and decline of the Monomotapa domain, thought to have been associated with Great Zimbabwe and to have been involved in gold mining and international trade.

  4. 1500

    Rowzi branch rebelled

    Rowzi branch rebelled and formed the Changamire Empire Christianity was introduced by the Portuguese explorers.

  5. 1830

    Ndebele people fleeing Zulu violence move north

    Ndebele people fleeing Zulu violence and Boer migration in present-day South Africa move north and settle in what becomes known as Matabeleland. European slave traders establish coastal ports for the increasing traffic in slaves destined for the Americas.

  6. 1893

    The British South African Company occupied the region and called the territory Rhodesia.

    The British South African Company occupied the region and called the territory Rhodesia.

  7. 1897

    Great Britain recognized southern and northern Rhodesia as separate territories.

    Great Britain recognized southern and northern Rhodesia as separate territories.

View full timeline (20 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • Victoria Falls carries more water than any other waterfall. It is 355 feet high.

  • The name Zimbabwe was derived from the stone structures of Great Zimbabwe or Dzimbahwe which means "houses of stone".

  • The local name for the Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya, "the smoke that thunders".

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Geography and Environment

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers of south-central Africa. Elevations range from below 2,000 feet in the river basins to over 7,000 feet in the Eastern Highlands. Harare and most population centers are located on the highveld, a savanna-covered plateau, some 4,000-5,000 feet above sea level. Zimbabwe covers 150,000 square miles. The landscape varies from flat and rolling ranges, to farmland and mountains, all marked by granite outcroppings.
Terrain
mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld); mountains in east
Climate
The climate on the central plateau is moderate in all seasons with warm days and cool nights. Homes do not have central heating or air-conditioning, although room heaters and fireplaces are used on winter nights (May-August). Annual rainfall averages about 28 inches on the highveld (Harare), more in the Eastern Highlands, and much less in the lowveld of the southeast and the Zambezi Valley. The sun shines nearly every day, even at the height of the warm rainy season (November-April). In Harare, the average low temperature in winter is 45°F at night, though frost occasionally occurs. The average daily temperature in summer is 75°F, with temperatures seldom surpassing 90°F.
Natural Hazards
recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare
Current Environmental Issues
deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly reduced by poaching; poor mining practices have led to toxic waste and heavy metal pollution
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

English (official), Shona, Sindebele

  • English

Population

Population
16,665,409
Population in Major Urban Areas
HARARE (capital) 1.542 million
Nationality Noun
Zimbabwean(s)
Ethnic Groups
African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%, other 2%), mixed and Asian 1%, white less than 1%
Language Note
English is the official language of the republic and is spoken by most educated people. In rural areas English is less commonly spoken. Ndebele and Shona and are commonly spoken. People often speak more than one language and many mix parts of several languages in daily speech.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write English

An average primary level school in is approximately 41 years old. Students typically enrolled in each classroom ranges from 30 to 40 children though sometimes it can be higher. Classrooms are equipped with tables, benches or chairs, and a few textbooks. Each classroom has long tables that may accommodate 8 to 10 students depending on the student density. Zimbabwe’s public education system reform become worse in recent years and the government was forced to further cut costs. This resulted in general shortage of books, science equipment and other essential learning facilities. Additionally, there are no computer or audio visual equipment in some schools.

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Zimbabwe has undergone significant fluctuations over the past several decades, reflecting the country's turbulent social, economic, and public health history. As of the most recent available data, life expectancy in Zimbabwe stands at approximately 61 to 62 years overall, with women living slightly longer than men — roughly 63 to 64 years for females compared to around 59 to 60 years for males. Zimbabwe experienced one of the most dramatic collapses in life expectancy ever recorded for a country not at war. During the 1990s and early 2000s, a devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic, compounded by a severe economic crisis, caused life expectancy to plummet from a high of around 62 years in the late 1980s to a historic low of approximately 44 years by the mid-2000s. At its peak, Zimbabwe had one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, with adult infection rates exceeding 20 percent. The subsequent recovery has been notable. Increased access to antiretroviral therapy, international health assistance, and public health initiatives contributed to a meaningful rebound in life expectancy from the late 2000s onward. The HIV prevalence rate among adults has since dropped to around 11 to 12 percent, a significant improvement, though the disease remains a major public health challenge. Beyond HIV/AIDS, life expectancy in Zimbabwe continues to be shaped by factors including access to clean water and sanitation, maternal and child mortality rates, malnutrition, and an underfunded healthcare system. Infant mortality remains a concern, with rates estimated at roughly 35 to 40 deaths per 1,000 live births, which pulls down overall life expectancy figures. Cholera outbreaks, which recurred as recently as 2023, highlight the ongoing vulnerabilities in public health infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe has made measurable progress. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, disease prevention programs, and economic stabilization will be critical to sustaining and improving life expectancy gains in the coming decades.
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
very high

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Zimbabwe has undergone significant fluctuations over the past several decades, reflecting the country's turbulent social, economic, and public health history. As of the most recent available data, life expectancy in Zimbabwe stands at approximately 61 to 62 years overall, with women living slightly longer than men — roughly 63 to 64 years for females compared to around 59 to 60 years for males. Zimbabwe experienced one of the most dramatic collapses in life expectancy ever recorded for a country not at war. During the 1990s and early 2000s, a devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic, compounded by a severe economic crisis, caused life expectancy to plummet from a high of around 62 years in the late 1980s to a historic low of approximately 44 years by the mid-2000s. At its peak, Zimbabwe had one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, with adult infection rates exceeding 20 percent. The subsequent recovery has been notable. Increased access to antiretroviral therapy, international health assistance, and public health initiatives contributed to a meaningful rebound in life expectancy from the late 2000s onward. The HIV prevalence rate among adults has since dropped to around 11 to 12 percent, a significant improvement, though the disease remains a major public health challenge. Beyond HIV/AIDS, life expectancy in Zimbabwe continues to be shaped by factors including access to clean water and sanitation, maternal and child mortality rates, malnutrition, and an underfunded healthcare system. Infant mortality remains a concern, with rates estimated at roughly 35 to 40 deaths per 1,000 live births, which pulls down overall life expectancy figures. Cholera outbreaks, which recurred as recently as 2023, highlight the ongoing vulnerabilities in public health infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe has made measurable progress. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, disease prevention programs, and economic stabilization will be critical to sustaining and improving life expectancy gains in the coming decades.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Zimbabwe
Full Country Name
Republic of Zimbabwe
Former Name
Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary democracy
Legal System
mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common law
Executive Branch
chief of state: Executive President Emmerson Dambudzo MNANGAGWA (since 24 November 2017); Vice President Constantino CHIWENGA (since 28 December 2017) and Vice President Kembo MOHADI (since 28 December 2017); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: Executive President Emmerson Dambudzo MNANGAGWA (since 24 November 2017); Vice President Constantino CHIWENGA (since 28 December 2017) and Vice President Kembo MOHADI (since 28 December 2017); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; responsible to the National Assembly elections: presidential candidates nominated with a nomination paper signed by registered voters and elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 23 August 2023 (next to be held in 2028); co-vice presidents appointed by the president election results: Emmerson MNANGAGWA reelected president in the August 2023 general election; percent of vote - Emmerson MNANGAGWA (ZANU-PF) 52.6%, Nelson CHAMISA (CCC) 44.0%, other 3.4%
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate (80 seats; 60 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote, 16 appointed by the president, and 18 reserved for chiefs; members serve five-year terms) and a National Assembly (280 seats; 210 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 60 seats reserved for women elected by proportional representation, and 10 seats reserved for youths elected by proportional representation; members serve five-year terms). Elections: National Assembly last held on 23–24 August 2023 (next to be held in 2028); Senate last held on 23–24 August 2023 (next to be held in 2028). Election results: National Assembly – percent of vote by party – ZANU-PF 54.9%, CCC 21.8%, other and independent 23.3%; seats by party – ZANU-PF 190, CCC 73, other 17. Senate – seats by party – ZANU-PF 57, CCC 21, other 2.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; High Court
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
21-Dec-79
Independence
18 April 1980 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 18 April (1980)

Capital City

Capital Name
Harare
Capital - geographic coordinate
17 49 S, 31 02 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

named after a village of Harare at the site of the present capital; the village name derived from a Shona chieftain, NE-HARAWA, whose name meant "he who does not sleep"

Military

Branches: Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF): Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Harare, Zimbabwe

172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare

Telephone: (263)-4-250-593/4

Emergency, after-hours telephone: (263)-4-250-595

Fax: (263)-4-250-343.

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Economy

Zimbabwe's economy continues to grapple with deep-seated structural challenges, including chronic fiscal deficits, currency instability, high inflation, and persistent shortages of foreign exchange.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD)
GDP — official exchange rate
$3,207,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
5.3%
Gini Index
56.8
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News & Weather

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Climate Overview

The climate on the central plateau is moderate in all seasons with warm days and cool nights. Homes do not have central heating or air-conditioning, although room heaters and fireplaces are used on winter nights (May-August). Annual rainfall averages about 28 inches on the highveld (Harare), more in the Eastern Highlands, and much less in the lowveld of the southeast and the Zambezi Valley. The sun shines nearly every day, even at the height of the warm rainy season (November-April). In Harare, the average low temperature in winter is 45°F at night, though frost occasionally occurs. The average daily temperature in summer is 75°F, with temperatures seldom surpassing 90°F.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Zimbabwe?
The population of Zimbabwe is approximately 16.7M.
How do people greet each other in Zimbabwe?
A handshake is the common greeting, sometimes accompanied by clapping hands when asking how things are. Do: Shake hands when greeting Greet strangers you pass, especially in rural areas In urban areas, follow English-style customs including titles Don't: Don't expect titles to be used outside urban areas
What are the dining customs in Zimbabwe?
Sadza, a stiff maize porridge, is the staple served at nearly every meal, and tea is popular with meals and in the office. The hostess usually serves each plate. Do: Wash your hands with the water provided before eating Leave a little food behind to show you are not greedy Ask permission of others before leaving the table Don't: Don't refuse offers of refreshments or food Western utensils are common, but eating with fingers is also common in rural areas Breakfast is eaten before work, the main meal after work, and lunch is usually light
What etiquette should I know when visiting people in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabweans are hospitable and welcome unannounced visits, valuing patience and politeness in conversation. Do: Be patient and polite in conversation Bring small practical gifts, which are appreciated Give and accept items with both hands Humility is an esteemed attribute Zimbabweans are more reserved with strangers and sensitive to racism and discrimination
How should I dress in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabweans generally wear Western-style clothing, and dressing neatly in clean clothes is important. Do: Wear neat, clean clothing Traditional African dress is reserved for performances or special occasions It is not uncommon for a woman to wear a scarf on her head
What gestures are important in Zimbabwe?
Gestures carry meaning: clapping can express gratitude, and eye contact norms differ from Western ones. Do: Give and accept items with both hands Clap hands as a gesture of gratitude Don't: Don't use direct eye contact during conversation, especially in rural areas, as it shows a lack of respect
What is family life like in Zimbabwe?
The father is usually the family leader making final decisions, though the mother also has influence, and family ties are strong and important. Don't: Don't suggest nursing homes, as the concept is highly offensive Extended families living together are common in rural areas, while urban families tend to be more nuclear The elderly are considered a family treasure and always have a place in the home Polygamy is still common among some groups
What sports and recreation are popular in Zimbabwe?
Soccer is the most popular sport in Zimbabwe. Other sports include track and field, cricket, rugby, wrestling, and horse racing
What is the capital of Zimbabwe?
Harare is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe. Situated in the northeastern part of the country on a high plateau, it serves as the nation's political, economic, and cultural hub. Originally founded in 1890 as Fort Salisbury by British South Africa Company settlers, it was renamed Harare in 1982 following independence. Today it remains the seat of government and the center of commerce, finance, and transport for the country.
Where is Zimbabwe located?
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. It sits on a high plateau between the Zambezi River to the north and the Limpopo River to the south. The country lies entirely within the tropics and shares its region with several other southern African nations. Its elevation moderates what would otherwise be a more extreme tropical climate, giving much of the country relatively mild temperatures year-round.
What countries border Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe shares borders with four countries. Zambia lies to the north and northwest, separated in large part by the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba. Mozambique borders Zimbabwe to the east and northeast, while South Africa lies to the south along the Limpopo River. Botswana borders Zimbabwe to the southwest, and the four nations share a rare quadripoint near the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers.
What religion is practiced in Zimbabwe?
Syncretic belief — a blending of Christian and indigenous African spiritual practices — is the most widely observed form of religion in Zimbabwe, followed by roughly 50% of the population. An additional 25% identify as practicing Christians, while approximately 24% adhere to traditional indigenous beliefs exclusively. This religious landscape reflects the country's colonial history alongside deeply rooted precolonial spiritual traditions that continue to shape cultural life, ceremony, and community practice.
What is the currency of Zimbabwe?
The official currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe Dollar, with the ISO code ZWD. The currency has had a turbulent history; hyperinflation in the late 2000s rendered the original dollar virtually worthless, prompting the government to abandon it in favor of foreign currencies for nearly a decade. Subsequent reintroduction efforts have aimed to stabilize monetary policy, though economic volatility has continued to affect the currency's reliability and public confidence.
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe recognizes multiple official languages, with English serving as the primary language of government, education, and formal business. Shona, spoken by the majority Shona ethnic group, is the most widely used indigenous language in daily life, while Sindebele (also called Ndebele) is predominant in the southwestern regions of the country. This multilingual environment reflects Zimbabwe's diverse ethnic composition, and many Zimbabweans speak two or more of these languages fluently.
What is Zimbabwe known for?
Zimbabwe is known internationally for Victoria Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders, which plunges 355 feet and carries more water than any other waterfall — called Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "the smoke that thunders," by local peoples. The country is also renowned for the ancient stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe, from which the nation takes its name (derived from Dzimbahwe, meaning "houses of stone"). Zimbabwe is a significant producer and exporter of tobacco and platinum, and its rich wildlife — including elephants, lions, and buffalo in parks such as Hwange National Park — draws visitors from around the world.

Last reviewed 2026

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