Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, Africa's paradise, is blessed with spectacular variety and beauty yet remains a quiet and spacious haven for the discerning visitor.
Situated on a high plateau between the Limpopo and the Zambezi rivers, Zimbabwe offers visitors majestic landscapes, impressive ruins of past civilisations, excellent game viewing safaris, hotels and restaurants of international standard, and much more.
Without doubt Zimbabwe's most famous landmark is the Victoria Falls - created by the Zambezi River cascading over a rocky ledge some 1 700m wide, into a gorge 100m below. Boat trips, canoeing and white water rafting are available on the Zambezi above the falls. Equally majestic are the 700 year old Great Zimbabwe Ruins, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Southern Africa. The site museum houses most of the Great
Zimbabwe archaeological finds. Lake Kariba - a vast man-made lake serves as a source of countless leisure activities. To the east are the Highlands, fine walking and fishing country, while in the west is the other-worldly jumble of granite rocks that make up the MATOPOS NATIONAL PARK. In this land of contrasts the visitor will find side-by-side, the old and the new - be it a building or a way of life.
What never changes are the friendly faces of the people of Zimbabwe who welcome visitors wherever they go.
Population: The present estimate is 12 122 000 (2008)
Size: 390 757km2
Neighbouring countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique.
Language: There are three official languages, with English being the language of record
Capital City: Harare
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Socio-economic statistics: In addition to abundant wildlife and exceptional game parks, Zimbabwe offers a rich variety for tourists that includes the Great Zimbabwe ruins, the spectacular Victoria Falls and the mighty Zambezi River. Numerous activities - including bungee jumping from the railway bridge and white-water rafting - have evolved around thise famous landmark.
Economy: Mining, agriculture and tourism are the biggest contributors to the economy.
Iconic attraction: Victoria Falls
Other major attractions: Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Hwange National Park and Khami Ruins National Park.
Places to see: Harare, Lake Kariba, Hwange National Park, Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Motobo Hills near Bulawayo.
Climate: Moderate, wet from November to May. An average summer temperature of 21o C, down to 14o C in winter.
Currency: Zimbawe Dollar. The US$ is official currency.
Time zone: GMT +2
National Day: 18 April, 1980