A country of roughly 15 million people, Zimbabwe has 16 official languages, with English, Shona, and Ndebele the most common. It was once referred to as the “Jewel of Africa” for its great prosperity during the early years of Robert Mugabe.
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What are 5 interesting facts about Zimbabwe?
7 Interesting Facts about Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe is landlocked.
- Zimbabwe has the most official languages in the world.
- Zimbabwe is a multi-currency country.
- Zimbabwe has five UNESCO World heritage sites.
- Zimbabwe is home to one of the world’s biggest waterfalls.
- Zimbabwe has the largest man-made lake in the world.
What are Zimbabwe famous for?
It is a country of superlatives, thanks to Victoria Falls (the largest waterfall in the world) and Lake Kariba (the largest man-made lake in terms of volume). National parks such as Hwange and Mana Pools teem with wildlife, making Zimbabwe one of the continent’s best places to go on safari.
What is the most interesting thing about Zimbabwe?
- The country with the most official languages in the world is Zimbabwe with 16, it’s a Guinness World Record.
- Zimbabwe was one of the last few African states to attain independence from British colonial rule in 1980.
- Victoria Falls is one of original the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
What is interesting about Zimbabwe culture?
There are many cultures prevalent in this country. The largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe is the Shona. Zimbabwean culture is signified by its trade in carving, pottery, basketry, jewelry, and textiles and are some of the oldest preserved arts of Zimbabwe. These traditional arts are about 2000 years old.
What is the most popular food in Zimbabwe?
Sadza
1 – Maizemeal – Sadza/Isitshwala
What is this? Maizemeal is one of the most common and popular Zimbabwean foods. Sadza is a carbohydrate staple, eaten in many homes across the country. It is eaten with a variety of stews and relishes such as collard greens, beef, chicken, or pork stews, and even Mopani worms.
What is the culture of Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwean tribes and communities are traditionally collectivistic . People tend to put their group or family’s interests before their own, receiving support, protection and a sense of belonging in return. There is a great emphasis on communal gathering within tribes, where people share stories, music, songs and dance.
Is Zimbabwe poor or rich?
Seventy-two percent of Zimbabweans live under the national poverty line, making it the 22nd poorest country in the world.
Why is Zimbabwe so poor?
Zimbabwe was once a rising economy in Africa, with its mining and agricultural industries propelling the country forward. However, Zimbabweans now struggle with war, internal corruption, hyperinflation and industrial mismanagement. A closer look at the country provides insight into the context of poverty in Zimbabwe.
What is the national dish of Zimbabwe?
Sadza
National dish of Zimbabwe: Sadza.
Why you should visit Zimbabwe?
Apart from being attractive in terms of its wildlife, national parks, and nature, Zimbabwe is home to one of the friendliest people in Africa. A lot of visitors give excellent reviews to Zimbabweans and their highly positive attitude toward tourists.
What was Zimbabwe called before?
Prior to its recognized independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, the nation had been known by several names: Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and Zimbabwe Rhodesia.
What religion is Zimbabwe?
According to the 2015 nationwide Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the government statistics agency, 86 percent of the population is Christian, 11 percent reports no religious affiliation, less than 2 percent adheres uniquely to traditional beliefs, and less than 1 percent is Muslim.
Is Zimbabwe safe?
There is a moderate level of crime. People travelling alone may be more vulnerable. Mugging, pick pocketing and jewellery theft are common in city centres, especially after dark. Street lighting can be poor.
What are some Zimbabwe traditions?
Zimbabwe Tradition uses the mbira to govern the weather in times such as droughts and floods. It also chases away harmful spirits and cures sickness. The mbira is used in all celebrations, such as weddings and the installation of new chiefs, as well as death ceremonies.
What do people in Zimbabwe wear?
The traditional dress of Zimbabwe is colourful and consists of wraparound dresses and headdresses for women. Men don a breastplate made from animal skin.
Can you drink the water in Zimbabwe?
The tap water in some areas of Zimbabwe is fine to drink, and in others it is not. We would recommend you always drink bottled water to be safe during our time away and to eliminate any worry you may have.
How does Zimbabwe make money?
The economy of Zimbabwe mainly relies on its tertiary industry, which makes up to 60% of the total GDP as of 2017. Zimbabwe has the second biggest informal economy as a share of its economy, which has a score of 60.6%. Agriculture and mining largely contribute to exports.
Does Zimbabwe get snow?
Photos of Lower Gweru (a settlement in the Midlands province found between Zimbabwe’s capital city of Harare and the city of Bulawayo towards the west) covered in white led many to denounce the whole thing as a hoax, as snow in the country is such an unlikely occurrence.
How do Zimbabweans greet each other?
The common greeting is a firm handshake with the right hand. This may linger for longer than you are accustomed to. Some Zimbabweans may slide their hands up to grasp each other’s thumbs during the handshake. The traditional greeting involves a clap after the handshake.
Was there slavery in Great Zimbabwe?
Schools and universities arose. Timbuktu became a great center of learning as well as of commerce. But her downfall, like Great Zimbabwe’s, involved slavery. When Europe began buying slaves, Africans set up huge trading enterprises on the West African coast and Timbuktu’s economy weakened.