It is famous for the fact that, firstly, its population has already reached the two million mark and continues to increase every day. The second feature of this metropolis is the dynamic lifestyle of its citizens, and even the name can be translated as “the one who does not sleep.”
It is from the capital that routes are laid to the famous natural reserves of Zimbabwe, the main attractions of the country. But in the capital you can see a lot of beauty.
Restaurants in the capital
It is clear that a metropolis cannot do without catering establishments, cafes and restaurants. Moreover, there are very simple cafes on every street and elite restaurants, for example, Amanzi; you have to book a table for this establishment several weeks in advance.
In terms of food, the city is ready to offer tourists either a national menu, very simple but satisfying, like corn porridge and meat with vegetables. On the other hand, fans of European cuisine can find cuisine that is more familiar to them - French, Italian.
Attractions map
Harare, like any other capital, is ready to surprise and delight its guests. Many ancient buildings and amazing structures can be seen in the area of the street named after Robert Mugabe and the so-called Second Street. But this is not the most important thing; tourists are much more surprised by the exotic plants growing right on the streets of the city.
Amazing blooming acacias, jacarandas and bougainvilleas are captured in photos of guests of the capital of Zimbabwe. No wonder one of its names can be translated as “City of Flowering Plants.” You can continue your acquaintance with the green kingdom of the capital in the Botanical Garden, where plants from different regions of the country are collected. And in the Mukuvisi Forest Reserve you can meet the equally interesting fauna of Zimbabwe.
Ancient art
To get acquainted with the masterpieces created by the hands of the hardworking residents of Zimbabwe, both modern and deceased, you need to go to the National Gallery in Harare. In addition to the permanent exhibition, unique art exhibitions of national geniuses and young authors are often presented here.
Another area of interest to tourists is sports recreation; in particular, in the vicinity of the city you can find excellent world-class golf courses.
What is the name of the capital of Zimbabwe? What do we, residents of another continent, know about it? That's right, practically nothing. The material in this article will slightly correct this annoying misunderstanding and tell you what it is like, the heart of Zimbabwe - the capital Harare.
General information
Harare is the capital of the small South African state of Zimbabwe. This is the largest city of the republic, its cultural, political and economic center.
The architecture is dominated by the Dutch style, and this is not surprising, because for a long time the country was under colonial rule. The abundance of modern skyscrapers is combined here with low buildings from the beginning of the last century.
Harare is often called the “city of flowering trees”, and for good reason. Its streets are decorated with acacias, jacarandas and bougainvilleas all year round, which delights guests of the capital.
By the way, this is one of the safest cities in Africa in terms of crime, unlike many other megacities where it is scary to go out after sunset.
History of Harare
In the relatively young Republic of Zimbabwe, the capital is also a fairly new city. It was founded in 1890 as the British military base of Salisbury. It has had its current name since 1982.
There are two interesting versions about the origin of the name. According to the first, Harare is named after the leader of the African Shona tribe (Ne-harawa), who often climbed the hill that was later named after him. According to another version, he never closed his eyes and watched from the mountain for a possible invasion of enemies. They said about him “Haarari”, which means “He does not sleep.”
Population of Harare
The capital of Zimbabwe, by Western standards, is not a particularly large metropolis. But the population recently exceeded 2 million people, and this figure is growing every day.
The following places are also interesting to visit:
- Lion and Cheetah Park;
- Chinhoyi Caves National Park;
- Robert McIlwain Park;
- granite hill Spear;
- Mukivisi Gardens;
- Mbare Musica market.
Night life
There is plenty of fun to be had in Harare. Restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs are scattered throughout the city. An iconic place is Eastgate Mall - a seven-story shopping and entertainment center in the busiest area of the capital.
For culinary delights, it is worth visiting Ramambo Lodge, where they prepare unique national dishes from warthog, crocodile and zebra meat. During the meal, performers perform a traditional war dance with spears and shields in front of the guests. And lovers of live music will love the jazz club Mannenburg, where performances take place every day except Sunday.
To understand what Harare is, you need to see it with your own eyes. Like any major city, there is something interesting for everyone.
Zimbabwe on the map of Africa
(all pictures are clickable)
Various sources place Zimbabwe in southern, eastern or central Africa. This is explained by the fact that the state is located at the junction of three subcontinents. It has no access to the sea: it is “propped up” in the south by South Africa, and in the southwest by Botswana. The northern border (including the water border passing through Lake Kariba) is shared with Zambia, and the eastern border with Mozambique.
Geographical position
The territory of Zimbabwe is a continuous rocky plateau located between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. They are cut by numerous tributaries, but in the heat the water arteries become shallow and dry, and in the rainy season they become stormy and dangerous due to the abundance of rapids. In the south and north there are lower areas; in these places the rivers are considered conditionally accessible for navigation.
From west to east, a mountain range stretches across the entire country, dividing Zimbabwe into two climatic zones: the tropics are located to the south, and the northern half of the territory belongs to the subequatorial region. The higher you are above sea level, the cooler it is.
Like many other countries in Africa, Zimbabwe is in the grip of three seasons. Summer begins in November - at this time the most precipitation falls, daily temperatures range from +20 to +28 °C.
The wet period is replaced by winter - dry and cooler, it lasts from March to June. In August, the heat intensifies and reaches its maximum by October, at which time the thermometer often crosses +40 °C.
Flora and fauna
The main part of Zimbabwe's territory is occupied by savannas, which acquire desert features during the hot season. There are quite a lot of open forests and shrubs, but evergreen thickets of relict trees are rapidly declining.
The fauna has suffered from the irrational use of natural resources, but it is still diverse: in this part of the African continent there are elephants and antelopes, giraffes and rhinoceroses, small and large predators (including leopards and lions). There are a lot of snakes and various insects. In low-lying areas near rivers you can find hippos and crocodiles.
State structure
Zimbabwe Map
Zimbabwe is a presidential republic with a bicameral parliament. The Senate contains not only deputies elected by popular vote, but also those appointed by the president, as well as governors and leaders of local tribes.
The state is divided into provinces, there are eight in total, plus the two largest cities have a similar status: Harare (the capital) and Bulawayo. Provinces are made up of individual districts, which in turn are made up of municipalities. The country officially has a multi-party system, but the opposition does not have a noticeable influence on political life and the economy.
Population
Currently, the country's population exceeds 13 million people. At the same time, mortality in Zimbabwe is extremely high: both women and men rarely reach the age of half a century, and every sixth local resident is a carrier of HIV infection.
The rural population prevails over the urban population. Ethnically, the Shona and Ndebele peoples predominate, while Europeans and Asians make up no more than 1%. English is spoken in the country, as well as a dozen local dialects. Despite official statistics that declared Zimbabwe a “Christian state,” most of the aborigines adhere to pagan beliefs and cults.
Economy
The state is capable of exporting no less goods than the entire list of East African countries: the subsoil is rich in gold, diamonds, silver, tin, coal and copper. And yet Zimbabwe is on the list of the poorest countries on the planet. There has been some progress recently (increased mining and agricultural production), but unemployment and poverty levels still remain at record highs.
The entire history of the state is a chronicle of constant struggle: against uninvited visitors from Portugal, British rule, racial discrimination. However, it was during the era of colonization (at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries) that the economy of the country, then known as Southern Rhodesia, was on the rise: agriculture, processing and mining were actively developing.
After gaining long-awaited independence in 1980, a number of reforms were carried out that undermined investor confidence (primarily the nationalization of foreign property). Sanctions imposed by the US and EU after accusing the local government of deviating from the principles of democracy played a big role. A series of internal conflicts have also contributed to Zimbabwe's plight.
Attractions
This country is attractive primarily for its natural beauty - a tenth of its area is occupied by national parks. Visitors dream of looking at Victoria Falls, and extreme sports enthusiasts are delighted by risky rafting on the rapids of the Zambezi. The Chirorodziva cave is worthy of attention, where rock paintings of ancient people are preserved.
Harare is a huge metropolis, where vibrant nightlife and business centers closely coexist with parks and reserves, which are buried in the flowers of acacias and bougainvilleas. People come here to get to know the nature of Africa better, visit national parks, of which there are a great many in Zimbabwe, and see plenty of exotic animals. The city government is trying to attract as many tourists to the city as possible, so now travelers feel comfortable staying in this city: cafes and coffee shops of famous world brands are open, large supermarkets with the most necessary goods, and there are also guides who can easily organize any excursion. Guides will introduce you to the history, tell legends and how it came to be. Zimbabwe is a country with incredible flavor, the cuisine alone is worth it - a strange side dish for us in the form of corn porridge. The best way to feel the atmosphere of the city is at Cafe espresso, which is located on one of the streets in the city center. On the one hand, it seems to shelter visitors from prying eyes behind a dense garden, and on the other, it offers a view of the daily life of the city. The locals, so different from us, create this unique flavor themselves. There is no better place for a romantic dinner than Chisipite. This is not even a restaurant, but a real old mansion with elegant fountains, gardens, flower beds and swimming pools.
Sights of the capital of Zimbabwe
One of the most interesting cultural treasures is the National Gallery, where a variety of antiquities found during excavations are exhibited, and various exhibitions with works by the best masters from different fields are constantly coming here. The National Archives is a symbolic place for all citizens, because it is here that everything that reminds of the rich history of the city is stored. An unofficial attraction is the Mbare market, where you can find a huge number of strange things for your home or souvenirs for your friends. Almost three hundred kilometers from the city is the mysterious Great Zimbabwe. The once incredibly developed and civilized city suddenly fell into sharp decline, which no scientist can explain. The city was the main mining site of the city, and overnight the inhabitants suddenly left their homes and moved to present-day Harare. When talking about attractions, you shouldn’t neglect national parks. In addition to natural zoos, there is a National Botanical Garden of almost fifty hectares with tropical plants.
ZIMBABWE, Republic of Zimbabwe.
General information
Zimbabwe is a country in southern Africa. It borders in the northeast and east with Mozambique, in the south with South Africa, in the west with Botswana, and in the northwest with Zambia. Area 390.8 thousand km2. Population 12.4 million (2007). The capital is Harare. Official languages are English, Shona, Ndebele. The currency is the Zimbabwean dollar. Administrative division: 8 provinces and 2 cities with provincial status.
Zimbabwe is a member of the UN (1980), OAU (1980), AU (2002), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA; 1994), Southern African Development Community (SADC; 1992), IBRD (1980), IMF (1980), WTO (1995).
A. V. Pritvorov.
Political system
Zimbabwe is a unitary state. The Constitution was adopted on April 18, 1980. The form of government is a presidential republic.
The head of state and government is the president, popularly elected for a term of 5 years (the number of re-elections is not limited).
The highest legislative body is the bicameral parliament. Consists of the National Assembly (210 members are directly elected, one from each constituency) and the Senate (93 members - 6 elected from each of the 10 provinces, 18 from the Council of Traditional Chiefs, 5 senators appointed by the president, 10 provincial governors included by position).
Executive power is exercised by the government headed by the president.
Leading political parties in Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front, Zimbabwe African National Union - Ndonga, Movement for Democratic Change, etc.
Nature
Relief. More than 1/2 of the territory is located at an altitude of 1000-1500 m. The vast basement plateaus of Mashona and Matabele stretch from northeast to southwest. The surface of the higher Mashona plateau in the east and north is complicated by the blocky low and middle mountains of Hunyani (1469 m), Umvukwe (1746 m), Inyanga (Mount Inyangani, 2592 m, the highest point of Zimbabwe), etc. In the north and south, the basement plateaus are stepped descend to the high stratified sandy plains of the middle reaches of the Zambezi River and the interfluve of the Limpopo and Sabie. Small areas of strata plains are also common in the west of the country.
Geological structure and minerals. The territory of Zimbabwe lies in the southern part of the Precambrian African Plate, mainly within the Archean Zimbabwe Craton. The main part of the craton is a Late Archean granite-greenstone region, the oldest core of which is formed by tonalite gneisses (over 3.5 billion years old) and fragments of ancient greenstone belts intruded by granites (3.35 billion years old). Younger greenstone belts (2.8 and 2.7 billion years old) are composed of basalts, komatiites, andesites, chlorite-sericite schists, greywackes, quartzites and overlain by clastic rocks (2.67 billion years old). Late Archean granites are developed. The craton is crossed by the northeast-trending Great Dyke igneous massif. In the south, it is overthrust by the sublatitudinal granulite-gneiss belt of Limpopo [repeated metamorphism and deformation around 3.35 and 2.6 billion years ago (main deformations), 2 billion years ago]. In the north and east, the Archean craton is limited by the Zambezi and Mozambique polymetamorphic belts, composed of Early Precambrian formations, including Proterozoic ophiolites (fragments of ancient oceanic crust), reworked during the era of Pan-African tectogenesis (about 550 million years ago). Along the Zambezi and Limpopo belts, fields of pegmatites (age 1.1 billion years) are developed. The Precambrian platform cover is present in the east (volcanogenic-sedimentary rocks of the Lower Proterozoic, penetrated by numerous dikes and dolerite sills) and in the north-west of Zimbabwe (terrigenous red deposits of the Upper Proterozoic).
The Limpopo and Zambezi grabens and the eastern margin of the Kalahari syneclise, which extends from the west into the territory of Zimbabwe, are filled with conglomerates, sandstones, ancient glacial deposits (tillites), coals, siltstones and basalts of the Karoo complex (Upper Carboniferous - Lower Jurassic). The Karoo complex is overlain by Cenozoic continental sediments of the Kalahari group. Cretaceous kimberlite pipes are localized in the western part of the Zimbabwe Craton. Neogene-Quaternary lateritic weathering crusts are widespread.
Zimbabwe's most important mineral resources are ores of chromium, platinum group metals, gold and iron. In terms of reserves of chrome ores, Zimbabwe ranks 3rd in the world (2005), most of them are concentrated in the Great Dyke deposits; in terms of reserves of platinum group metals - 3rd place (2005), the main deposits are Mimosa, Ngezi, Unki (near Gweru). Gold deposits are numerous (several thousand), confined to Archean greenstone belts and granite gneisses. Iron ore deposits are metamorphogenic (Bukhwa, Kwekwe, etc.) and magmatic (Chishanya, etc.). There are deposits of copper ores [stratiform; Shamrock, Umkondo, Copper Queen, Copper King, Mhangura (with silver), etc.], copper-nickel ores [magmatic, confined to intrusions of basic and ultrabasic composition in greenstone belts; Shangani, Trojan (with cobalt), Empress, etc.], nickel-bearing weathering crusts on the rocks of the Great Dyke, deposits of tantalum ores and other rare metals (pegmatite; Bikita in the southeast, Benson in the northeast, etc.), bauxite ( in the area of Lake Connemara), coals (the main coal-bearing basin of Hwange - Entuba and the Lubimbi deposit in the north-west), diamonds (Murova near Zvishavane, Cholocho near Bulawayo). There are also known deposits of emerald, amethyst, apatite, graphite, corundum, kyanite, asbestos, magnesite, pyrite, barite, fluorite, feldspar, muscovite, and natural building materials.
Climate. The northern part of Zimbabwe is located within the subequatorial climate zone, the southern - within the tropical one. The seasonality of climatic conditions is clearly expressed; The warm and rainy season lasts from November to March, relatively cool and dry from April to July, hot and dry from August to November. Average temperatures in the warmest month (November) range from 21°C on the plateau to 27°C on the plains; the coolest (June) - from 13 to 17°C. In the mountains, temperatures are significantly lower, and frosts often occur in winter. Before the onset of the rainy season, temperatures reach a maximum and sometimes exceed 40°C. On average, Zimbabwe receives about 650 mm of precipitation per year, ranging from over 2000 mm on the mountain slopes in the eastern part to 400 mm or less in the south of the country. During the alternation between the rainy and dry seasons, strong winds and thunderstorms with hail are common. Droughts are possible throughout the country, most severe in the southern and western parts.
Inland waters. The river network is quite dense. Most of the territory belongs to the Zambezi and Limpopo river basins. The main divide between these basins runs along the Matabele and Mashona plateaus. The Zambezi River flows along the northwestern border of the country, receiving tributaries Sanyati, Gwai and others; along the southern border - the Limpopo with tributaries Umzingwani, Shashe and others. The south-eastern part of the country belongs to the Sabie River basin, which flows into the Indian Ocean; western - to the internal drainage basin with the largest river Nata, which flows outside Zimbabwe into the Makgadikgadi lowlands.
The rivers are mostly rapids, mostly low-water (especially in the west and southwest) and almost completely dry up in the dry season. Many waterfalls, including Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River (partly within Zimbabwe). Navigation is possible only in certain sections of the Zambezi and Limpopo. The flow of many rivers is regulated. On the Zambezi River is the southern part of the Kariba reservoir, one of the largest in the world. For irrigation needs, the Kyle Reservoir (1.3 km 3) was created on the Mtilikwe River (Sabi River basin) - one of the largest in Zimbabwe.
Annually renewable water resources amount to 12.26 km 3 , including 11.26 km 3 - surface water resources. Over 2,600 million m3 of water are used annually for economic needs, most of which (85%) is spent on agricultural needs (the total area of irrigated land is 174 thousand hectares), 10% is used for municipal water supply, and 5% is consumed by industrial enterprises. Groundwater reserves are small and concentrated in the southern and western parts of the country.
Soils, flora and fauna. Most of the territory is characterized by red-brown soils; red-brown soils predominate on the Mashona plateau; alluvial soils have formed in the Zambezi River valley.
Forests, woodlands and savannas occupy up to 45% of the country's territory. One of Zimbabwe's main environmental problems is deforestation, at a rate of 1.7% per year. The main reasons for deforestation are the expansion of agricultural land and the collection of wood for fuel.
On the Mashona plateau, the most common are dry sparse miombo forests with a predominance of brachystegia, alternating with areas of grasslands. The lower parts of the plateau are characterized by open mopane forests, which tolerate fire well during the dry season. Flooded savannas are developed in the Zambezi River valley. The Matabele plateau is occupied by shrubby savannas, which are replaced at the latitude of the city of Bulawayo by woody savannas with trees (mainly terminalia) more than 6 meters high and well-developed grass cover (hipparenia). To the south, various types of acacias play an important role in the vegetation cover. In the west of the country there are dry deciduous forests of Rhodesian teak wood. On the eastern slopes of the Inyanga Mountains, relict moist evergreen forests have been preserved; The peaks are characterized by mountain meadows and heathland.
The flora includes over 4,500 species of vascular plants. The mountainous regions of the eastern part of the country are distinguished by the greatest diversity and degree of endemism of flora.
Over 220 species of mammals are known, among which the most diverse are chiropterans, rodents, carnivores and artiodactyls. The population of the African elephant (over 66 thousand individuals), giraffe, Burchellian zebra, various antelopes, spotted hyena, lion, etc. is quite high and stable. The populations of the African buffalo and wild dog tend to decline. The steppe lizard, white and black rhinoceroses, oryx, cheetah, aardwolf, etc. are under special protection. Of the birds (over 660 species), the largest number of species are warblers, plovers, finches, etc. The reptile fauna includes 180 species, including including the protected hieroglyphic python. The Nile crocodile is of commercial importance. The northern part of the country is infested with the tsetse fly.
To protect flora and fauna, a number of protected natural areas have been created, occupying about 10% of Zimbabwe’s area; the largest national parks are Gona re Jou, Huanqui, Mana Pools, Matusadona, etc. The World Heritage List includes the wetlands of the Mana Pools National Park, the Sapi and Chevore reserves, as well as the Victoria Falls National Park (in including the Zimbabwean part of Victoria Falls).
Lit.: Whitlow J. R. Land degradation in Zimbabwe. A geographical study. Harare, 1988; Protected species of animals and plants in Zimbabwe. Harare, 1990; Nyamapfene K. The soils of Zimbabwe. Harare, 1991.
N. A. Bozhko (geological structure and minerals), O. A. Klimanova.
Population
The majority of Zimbabwe's population (97.9%) are Bantu people (2007 estimate), of which: Shona - 68.6%, Ndebele - 12.3%, Lozi - 1.2%, Pedi - 1.2%, Zulu - 1.1%, Tonga - 1.1%, Venda - 1%, Tswana - 0.8%, Swazi - 0.5%, Yao - 0.4%, Makua - 0.3%, Bemba - 0 .2%. Among the rest: Afrikaners (0.3%), Gujaratis (0.2%), Greeks (0.1%), Jews (0.1%), Portuguese (0.1%).
Low natural population growth (0.6% in 2007; 3.2% in the late 1970s) is due to the AIDS epidemic (about 20% of the population aged 15-54 years are HIV-infected). The birth rate (27.7 per 1000 inhabitants) slightly exceeds the mortality rate (21.8 per 1000 inhabitants). Fertility rate 3.1 children per woman; infant mortality rate 51 per 1000 live births (2007). The age structure of the population is dominated by people of working age (15-64 years old) - 59.3%, the share of youth (under 15 years old) - 37.2%, people over 65 years old - 3.5%. Average life expectancy is 39.5 years (men - 40.6, women - 38.4 years). The ratio of men and women is approximately equal. The average population density is 32.2 people/km 2 . Urban population about 32% (mid-2000s).
Since the late 1990s, due to the economic crisis, there has been a massive migration of people from rural areas to cities. Due to economic and political instability, the outflow of population to South Africa and Botswana is increasing. Largest cities (thousands of people, 2007): Harare - 1607, Bulawayo - 713.3, Chitungwiza - 352.2, Mutare - 193.6, Gweru - 148.9. The economically active population is estimated to be around 4 million (2006). 66% of workers are employed in agriculture, 24% in the service sector, and 10% in industry (1996). Unemployment rate is about 80% (2005). About 80% of the population lives below the poverty line (2004).
A. V. Pritvorov.
Religion
According to 2006 data, 50-60% of the population of Zimbabwe are followers of Afro-Christian syncretic cults; 14 to 24% adhere to local traditional beliefs; about 25% are Christians; Sunni Muslims (Hanifi and Shafi'i), as well as Ismailis, Hindus and Jews together make up about 1.5% of the country's population.
Among the Afro-Christian syncretic cults, the most influential are the Nazareth Baptist Church, Kitawala, and the Central African Church; There are also various Ethiopian, apostolic, and Zionist cults. Christians live mainly in the central regions of Zimbabwe and large cities. On the territory of Zimbabwe there are parishes of the Roman Catholic Church, the Zimbabwean Diocese and the North African Exarchate (with a cathedra in the city of Harare), the Alexandrian Orthodox Church, the Anglican Church (Church of the Province of Central Africa), as well as parishes and missions of the Anglican Church in South Africa of the traditional rite, parishes of the African Orthodox Church of Zimbabwe, Anglo-Roman tradition. There are communities of various Protestant denominations: Methodists, Presbyterians, Seventh-day Adventists, followers of the Salvation Army, Evangelists, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.
Historical sketch
The oldest monuments of human activity on the territory of Zimbabwe belong to the Acheulean. More recent archaeological sites belong to the circle of "Sango" cultures known throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa; Neolithic monuments are close to cultures known in South Africa. The antiquities of the Early Iron Age are represented by monuments such as Gokomere, Leopards Kopje, Ziva. The local population, who spoke Khoisan languages, was subjugated and subsequently displaced by Bantu-speaking tribes - the ancestors of the modern Shona (Mashona), with whom monuments such as Zimbabwe (fortified settlement) are associated. In the 12th century, the state of the Karanga tribe of the Shona people, Monomotapa, was formed. In 1693 it was conquered by another Shona tribe, the Rozvi. The Rozvi state existed until the Ngoni invasion in 1834. In 1837, tribes appeared on the territory of Zimbabwe, which later became the ethnic basis of the Matabele (Ndebele). They founded their own state in the Matopo Mountains region with its capital at Inyati (then Bulawayo). Within a few years, the Matabele (Ndebele) had conquered much of southwestern Zimbabwe and reduced the Shona to tributary rule.
In the mid-19th century, Europeans began to enter Zimbabwe. In 1888, S. Rhodes's emissaries managed to obtain a limited mining concession from the Matabele leader Lobengula. In 1890, Europeans began to develop areas inhabited by the Shona, and Fort Salisbury was founded (now the capital of Zimbabwe - Harare). In 1893, as a result of a short military campaign, Lobengula's state was conquered. The de facto establishment of British colonial rule was the cause of the Matabele and Mashona rebellion of 1896-97. It was brutally suppressed by the Europeans. In 1898, the lands south of the Zambezi River, seized by the British South Africa Company founded by S. Rhodes and called Southern Rhodesia, were declared a British protectorate. The subsequent immigration of white people into Zimbabwe from Great Britain, the United States and the Union of South Africa (SAA) led to the massive expropriation of African lands and their relocation to reserves.
In 1922, a referendum was held among the white population of Southern Rhodesia on the issue of the protectorate joining South Africa. This idea did not receive the support of referendum participants. In 1923, Great Britain granted Southern Rhodesia the status of a “self-governing” colony, whose government pursued a policy of discrimination against the African population. In accordance with the provisions of the Land Allocation Act of 1930, a “white” zone was created, in which only white settlers could buy land; In 1934, the Industrial Conciliation Act was passed, which prohibited African workers from joining trade unions.
In 1953, Southern Rhodesia became part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Africans were given the opportunity to create national political organizations. The Urban Youth League, formed in 1955 in Salisbury, transformed in 1957 into the African National Congress (ANC). This political organization was headed by former employees of the social security system - J. Nkomo, J. Nyandoro and J. R. Chikerema. At the beginning of 1959, the ANC was banned by the authorities. In subsequent years, new political associations emerged, headed by J. Nkomo - the National Democratic Party, the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), and the People's Guardian Council. All of them were also banned by the government and operated illegally. In 1963, the Shona-oriented Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), led by priest N. Sitole, emerged from ZAPU, which represented the interests of the Matabele.
After the liquidation of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland at the end of 1963 and the formation of independent Zambia and Malawi in 1964, the white population of Southern Rhodesia declared their intention to create their own state. On November 11, 1965, the head of government, J. D. Smith, unilaterally proclaimed the independence of Southern Rhodesia (since 1970 the Republic of Rhodesia). At that time, 250 thousand whites and about 6 million Africans lived in it. Smith's government continued its discriminatory policies against the African population. This was the main reason for the non-recognition of Southern Rhodesia by the international community. In 1966, the UN Security Council imposed trade sanctions against Southern Rhodesia. At the end of 1972, the armed struggle of the African population against the Smith regime began. Rhodesian partisans enjoyed the support of many African states, primarily Angola and Mozambique (after 1975). In 1976, ZAPU and ZANU united to form the Patriotic Front (PF), which received international support and was recognized by the OAU as the sole legitimate representative of the people of Zimbabwe.
In 1978, J. D. Smith signed an agreement with moderate representatives of the national movement A. T. Muzoreva and N. Sitole to resolve the internal political situation and scheduled parliamentary elections for April 1979. PF leaders called on their supporters to boycott the elections, as a result of which the African National Council, led by Muzorewa, won the elections. The Muzorewa-Smith coalition government was formed, which proclaimed the creation of the Republic of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. However, attempts by the ruling circles of the new state to achieve its recognition were unsuccessful. In this situation, the British government considered it necessary to convene a conference in London on 10.9-21.12.1979 with the participation of the warring Zimbabwean parties. At the meeting, an agreement was reached on the cessation of hostilities and the immediate holding of elections, and a temporary constitution was developed, valid until 1990.
In the parliamentary elections in February 1980, in which all Africans received the right to participate, ZANU won, led by the new leader R. Mugabe, who gained wide popularity during the period of armed struggle (in the elections ZANU and ZAPU acted as independent political organizations). On April 18, 1980, the independent Republic of Zimbabwe was proclaimed as part of the Commonwealth. The main goals of Mugabe’s domestic policy were to achieve national reconciliation and the reconstruction of society on “socialist” principles. He brought several representatives of the white community into the cabinet, assured white landowners that their property would not be confiscated, and increased purchase prices for agricultural products. At the same time, the government did not dare to radically restructure the country's economy, which was still divided into two sectors - “African” and “European”. In the field of foreign policy, a policy of non-alignment was proclaimed. Since 1980, Zimbabwe has been a member of the UN and OAU; in 1981 it established diplomatic relations with the USSR.
In the 1985 parliamentary elections, ZANU again won. In 1987, in accordance with the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution, the president (R. Mugabe) became the head of the executive branch of Zimbabwe. At the end of 1989, ZAPU and ZANU created a single political organization, ZANU-PF. The parliamentary elections of 1990 and 1995 brought her victory. In 1990 and 1996, Mugabe was re-elected president of the country.
In the 2nd half of the 1990s, the economic situation in Zimbabwe worsened, prices for essential goods and gasoline began to rise rapidly, and the exchange rate of the Zimbabwean dollar fell sharply. The land problem remained unresolved. The de facto introduction of a one-party system also caused discontent among the population. In 1997-98, protests against the Mugabe regime took place in Harare and other cities of the country. In order to strengthen its position in 2000, the government authorized the illegal seizure by Africans of several farms belonging to white citizens of Zimbabwe. This caused a wave of violence in the country. Many white farmers lost their land and were killed.
The 2000 parliamentary elections (foreign observers were not allowed to attend) took place in an atmosphere of internal instability. ZANU-PF won again. Opposition parties - the Movement for Democratic Change and the Zimbabwe-Ndonga African National Union (ZANU-Ndonga) - tried to challenge the election results in the country's Supreme Court. The court recognized the opposition's arguments as justified, but did not cancel the voting results. In March 2002, R. Mugabe again became head of state. Zimbabwe's membership in the Commonwealth was suspended for human rights violations and rigging the presidential election results. 12/17/2003 Zimbabwe left the Commonwealth.
Formed after the 2005 parliamentary elections, the ZANU-PF government was faced with a further increase in unemployment, especially among youth, a catastrophic increase in external debt, acute shortages of food and essential goods, power outages, etc. Its attempts to gain popular support through populist measures (demonstrative liquidation of slums in 2005) were not successful (200 thousand residents were left homeless) and caused condemnation from international organizations.
Lit.: Republic of Zimbabwe: Directory. M., 1985; Stoneman S., Cliffe L. Zimbabwe: politics, economics and society. L., 1989; Dashwood N. S. Zimbabwe: the political economy of transformation. Toronto a. o., 2000; Africa south of the Sahara. 2006. L., 2005.
L. Ya. Prokopenko.
Farm
Zimbabwe was one of the most developed countries in Africa until the late 1990s; The economy was based on agriculture, mining and tourism. Since the early 2000s, Zimbabwe's economy has been in deep crisis. During 1999-2005, production volume in all sectors of the economy decreased by more than 2 times. The country, which previously exported agricultural products, is experiencing severe food shortages; The problem of shortage of fuel, electricity, medicines, etc. is also relevant. Income from tourism, the most dynamically developing industry (the main areas are Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Kariba Reservoir), decreased from 700 to 194 million dollars in 1999-2004. The inflation rate is one of the highest in the world (32% in 1998, over 3000% at the beginning of 2007).
GDP volume is 25.1 billion dollars (at purchasing power parity, 2006; 28 billion dollars in 2001), per capita - 2000 dollars. Human Development Index 0.505 (2003; 145th among 177 countries in the world). Real GDP is declining (-4.4% in 2006; in the 1980s, the average annual GDP growth rate was 3.6%). In the structure of GDP, the service sector accounts for 59.4%, industry - 22.9%, agriculture - 17.7%.
Industry. Mining, based on a rich mineral resource base (over 40 types of minerals are mined in Zimbabwe), provides 4.5% of GDP (2005) and about 1/3 of export earnings. The most important role is played by the extraction of platinum group metals (PGMs) and gold, chromites, and diamonds. In terms of PGM reserves, Zimbabwe ranks 3rd in the world after South Africa and Russia; production is about 12 tons per year (including platinum - over 5 tons, palladium - over 4 tons). The main deposits being developed are Mimosa (about 6 tons of PGM, including about 3 tons of platinum; the capacity of the processing plant operating at the mine is about 170 thousand tons of ore per month; 2007) and Ngezi (over 5.2 tons of PGM, about 2.7 tons platinum; Silous enrichment plant). The Mimosa field is being developed by the Australian Aquarius Platinum Ltd. and the South African Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., Ngezi - Zimbabwe Platinum Mines Ltd.
The South African company Anglo American Platinum Corp. Ltd.” Work is underway to restore the Unki mine near Gweru (scheduled for completion in 2008). Gold mining (over 14 tons in 2006) is carried out mainly in the areas of Kwekwe, Harare, Shurugwi, and Bulawayo. About 1/4 of the known deposits are being developed (most of the deposits are mothballed). The largest companies: the state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corp., the South African Metalion Gold (35% of all production), Mmakau Mining Ltd. and Shaft Sinkers Ltd., China's Duration Gold Ltd. By law, all gold mined in Zimbabwe must be sold to the state-owned company Fidelity Printers and Refiners (a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe). Zimbabwe ranks third in the world in terms of chromite reserves (after South Africa and Kazakhstan). Over 600 thousand tons of chromite are mined (2005; 4th place in the world after South Africa, Kazakhstan and India). Deposits are being developed in the area of the Great Dike and Shurugvi. Leading companies - Zimbabwe Alloys Mines Ltd. and Zimbabwe Mining and Smelting Company; About 60% of production comes from small-scale mining enterprises and cooperatives that develop areas owned by these companies. Plants for the production of chrome ferroalloys in Gweru, Kwekwe (total capacity about 218 thousand tons in 2005). Diamond mining is underway (Murova, Cholocho; about 251 thousand carats in 2005; Murova Diamond Ltd., Rockover Resources Ltd.), nickel (Shangani, Trojan; 8.6 thousand tons, Bindura Nickel Corp.). ), copper (Miriam, Nora; 2.6 thousand tons), iron ore (Kwekwe; 377 thousand tons), lithium (Masvingo; 37.5 thousand tons), coal (Hwange; 2.9 million tons), asbestos (Gweru ; 122 thousand tons), granite, etc.
Electricity production 9.4 billion kWh (2004). The only operating hydroelectric power station is Kariba on the Zambezi River (installed capacity 1260 MW; not fully loaded due to lack of spare parts). A second large hydroelectric power station is being built on the Sengva River (construction frozen; 2007). The largest thermal power plants are in Harare, Bulawayo, Umniati, Hwange (running on local coal). Electricity consumption 11 billion kWh (2004); the deficit is covered by importing electricity from South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique (2.25 billion kWh; 2004). About 20% of the energy consumption structure is oil, supplied via an oil pipeline from the port of Beira (Mozambique) and by rail from South Africa.
The decline in manufacturing production has affected the textile industry the most. The main industries are metallurgy and metalworking (production of copper cable, ferrochrome parts, metal structures), automotive (assembly of Nissan cars, plants in Harare and Mutare), chemical (including paint production), oil refining, tobacco (main centers - Harare , Bulawayo), food (tea in Mutare, sugar in Makhenna, as well as canned meat and fruit, vegetable oil, beer, etc.), textile (cotton processing factories in Harare, Kadoma) and clothing, leather and footwear, furniture, production of building materials. Major centers are Harare and Bulawayo.
Agriculture. Arable lands occupy 8.2% of the country's territory (2005), 1.7 thousand km 2 are irrigated. The main export crop is tobacco (about 1/6 of the export value). Tobacco collection is declining (65 thousand tons in 2005; 227.8 thousand tons in 2000), income from its exports in 2000-2005 decreased by 75%.
Other important export crops are cotton (333 thousand tons in 2001; 30% is processed at local textile enterprises), sugar cane (3290 thousand tons in 2005; also used to produce sugar for domestic consumption). The most important food crop is corn (900 thousand tons in 2005). They also grow (harvest, thousand tons; 2005): cassava 190, peanuts 150, wheat 140, soybeans 84, vegetables and fruits, mainly oranges 93 and bananas 85, tea 22, coffee, sunflower, barley, etc. A promising industry - oriented floriculture for export (mainly roses, carnations). Meat and dairy farming are developed. Livestock (2004; million heads): cattle 5.4, goats 3, sheep 0.6. Significant damage to agriculture is caused by frequent droughts and the widespread occurrence of tsetse flies. River fishing is poorly developed. Despite favorable conditions for the growth of aquaculture, its production does not exceed 0.2 thousand tons (2004).
Transport. The total length of railways is 3.1 thousand km, 313 km are electrified (2005). The length of roads is 97.4 thousand km, including 18.5 thousand km with hard surface (2002). International highways built in the 1990s link Zimbabwe with Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Namibia. International airports in Harare, Bulawayo. River navigation on the Zambezi River (mainly the export of chromites to Mozambique) and the Kariba Reservoir (ports of Binga and Kariba). The length of the oil pipelines is 212 km (Beira, Mozambique - Mutare).
Foreign economic relations. The value of merchandise exports is $1.8 billion, imports are $2.1 billion (2006). Main export items: gold, platinum, ferroalloys, agricultural products (about 1/3 of the value; mainly tobacco, cotton, sugar), textiles, flowers. Main trading partners (2005): South Africa (26.9% of value), China (7.9%), Japan (6.7%), Zambia (5.5%), the Netherlands (5.4%), USA ( 4.9%), Italy (4.5%), Germany (4.4%). Machinery and equipment, oil and petroleum products, chemicals, and food products are imported mainly from South Africa (52.5% of the value), China (5.7%), and Botswana (4.1%).
Lit.: Country profile. Zimbabwe: Annual. L., 1986; Krasnopevtseva T. I. Zimbabwe. M., 1988; Sachikonye L. M. Restructuring or deindustrialization. Uppsala, 1999; Moyana N. V. The political economy of land in Zimbabwe. Gweru, 2002; Zimbabwe millennium development goals. Harare, 2004; Zimbabwe: towards economic sustained growth. Harare, 2004; Zimbabwe: the next 25 years. Harare, 2005; Mobbs R. M. The mineral industry of Zimbabwe // Minerals yearbook. 2005 / United States Geological Survey. N.Y., 2005.
A. V. Pritvorov.
Armedstrength
The Armed Forces (AF) of Zimbabwe number 29 thousand people (2006) and consist of the Ground Forces (LF) and the Air Force. There are also police forces of the republic (19.5 thousand people) and police support units (2.3 thousand people). Military annual budget $255 million (2005). The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is the President of the country. The direct leadership of the Armed Forces is exercised by the Minister of Defense (civilian), appointed by the President.
The ground forces (25 thousand people) include 5 infantry brigades, a presidential security brigade, mechanized and artillery brigades, 4 regiments (anti-aircraft artillery, field artillery, 2 engineering) and other units. The Army is armed with 40 tanks, about 200 armored combat vehicles, 260 field artillery guns, MLRS and mortars, 215 anti-aircraft artillery installations, 17 Strela-2 MANPADS. The Air Force (4 thousand people) has 7 squadrons for various purposes, armed with about 50 combat aircraft, 35 auxiliary aircraft and 12 combat helicopters. All weapons and military equipment are foreign-made.
Aircraft manning - for hire. Basic military training is conducted at national training centers. Officers and military specialists are trained abroad. Mobilization resources amount to 3.1 million people, including 1.9 million people fit for military service.
V.V. Gorbachev.
Healthcare. Sport
In Zimbabwe, per 100 thousand inhabitants there are 16 doctors, 72 paramedical personnel, 2 dentists, 7 pharmacists (2004). Total expenditure on health care is 7.9% of GDP (budget financing - 35.9%, private sector - 64.1%) (2003). Legal regulation of the health care system is carried out by the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe; A national policy to combat AIDS is being implemented (1999), and the Child Health Protection Act is in force (2001). The most common diseases are tuberculosis and AIDS. The main causes of death in the adult population are diseases of the cardiovascular system, AIDS, cancer, and injuries (2004).
The National Olympic Committee of Zimbabwe was created in 1934, recognized by the IOC in 1980. At the Olympic Games, Zimbabwean athletes made their debut in 1980 in Moscow, the women's field hockey team won gold medals. Zimbabwean athletes won the following Olympic awards 24 years later in Athens (2004): K. Coventry won the backstroke (200 m), took 2nd place in the backstroke (100 m) and was awarded a bronze medal in the 200 m medley swimming. One of the most popular sports is football. The national football association was founded in 1950; FIFA member since 1980 (1965-70 as Southern Rhodesia). In 1998 Dynamos (Harare) played in the final of the African Champions League. Goalkeeper B. Grobbelaar, playing for Liverpool (1981-94, 440 matches), won the European Cup (1984). Golfer N. Price won three Grand Slam tournaments in the 1990s: the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) championship in 1992 and 1994 and the British Open (1994).
In 1993 and 1994 he was recognized as the best golfer of the year. In 2003, he became the 99th member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Two Black brothers and sister, Byron, Wayne and Kara, successfully competed in professional tennis tournaments, becoming winners and medalists of many doubles tournaments [including B. Black won the French Open (1994), and W. Black won the US Open (2001) and Australia (2005)]. The Zimbabwe national cricket team is one of the top ten teams in the world.
V. S. Nechaev (health care).
Education. Scientific and cultural institutions
The education system includes: preschool education for children 4-6 years old, compulsory free 7-year primary education for children 6-13 years old, 6-year secondary education. Preschool education covers about 40%, primary - 82%, secondary - 38% of children of the corresponding age. The literacy rate of the population over the age of 15 is 90.7% (2004). Vocational and technical education is carried out on the basis of primary schools in vocational schools. The higher education system includes 9 public universities, including the University of Zimbabwe in Harare (1955, university status since 1970; modern name since 1980), the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo (1991), the University of Education in Bindura (1996; university status since 2000), Midlands State University in Gweru (1999), Open University in Harare (1999), Chinhoyi Technical University (2001), University in Masvingo; 8 polytechnic institutes (in Bulawayo, Harare, Gweru, Masvingo and other cities), as well as colleges providing incomplete higher education: agricultural - in Harare (1950) and Norton (1961), music - in Harare (1948), etc. Among private universities - the international African University in Mutare (1992), Catholic (1999) and Women's (2002) universities - in Harare. Large libraries: in Harare - the Library of Parliament (1923), the National Archives (1935), the library of the University of Zimbabwe (1956); in Bulawayo - Public Library (1896), National Library (1943); Turner Memorial Library in Mutare. Museums: natural history (1901) - in Bulawayo; Humanities Museum (1902), Queen Victoria Museum, National Gallery (1957) - in Harare; Museum of Military History in Gweru (1972); National Museum in Mutare (1945; modern status since 1959; archaeology, history, ethnography). Among the scientific institutions are the Agricultural Research Council (1970; includes 11 research institutes), the Weather Service (1897), the Veterinary Service (1906), the National Herbarium and Botanical Garden (1909), the Tobacco Research Center (1909), the Geological service (1910), Cotton Research Institute (1925), Forestry Commission (1954), Zimbabwe Research Council (1964) - all in Harare.
Mass media
The main periodicals of Zimbabwe are published in English: daily newspapers The Herald (since 1891, in Harare), The Chronicle (since 1894, in Bulawayo), weekly newspapers Zimbabwian Government Gazette (government bulletin), The Manica Post (since 1893, modern name since 1982, in Mutare), The Financial Gazette (since 1969, also distributed in Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa), Sunday newspapers The Sunday Mail, Sunday News, monthly magazines “The Outpost”, “Zimbabwe News” (since 1974, organ of the ZANU-PF Central Committee), “Moto” (since 1982, printed organ of the Catholic Church). The government national corporation Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (since 1958, modern name since 1980) broadcasts television (since 1960, in English) and radio programs (in English and African languages). The national news agency Zimbabwe Inter-African News Agency (ZIANA; since 1981) is controlled by the state.
L. Ya. Prokopenko.
Literature
Zimbabwean literature develops in English, as well as in the Shona and Ndebele languages. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the folklore of the Shona, Ndebele and other peoples of Zimbabwe was recorded. In the 1910-20s, novels by the missionary A. S. Crips, a representative of the so-called settler literature (or “white” literature), appeared, in which the traditional African way of life was idealized and the English colonists were denounced. A. E. Chipamaungu, A. Chipundzu, S. Mutsvairo and others, in works written in Shona and Ndebele, reflected on the fate of the homeland, which had been colonized, and reflected the conflict between the old and new cultures. Since the mid-20th century, English-language literature has become most widespread. The current state of Zimbabwean society is interpreted in the works of S. Chimsoro, S. Chinodya, D. Marechera, Ch. Mungoshi and others. The history of colonization and the national liberation struggle is the main theme of the works of S. Tizora, A. E. Chipamaungu and others. In historical In the novels of S. Samkange and S. Mutswaira, marked by the extensive use of ethnographic material, the pre-colonial history of the continent is shown as an alternative to Western civilization. The theme of popular protest is reflected in the novels of V. Katiyo, J. Ndhlala and others.
Lit.: Zimunya V. M. Those years of drought and hunger: the birth of African fiction in English in Zimbabwe. Gweru, 1982; Bamiro E. O. The English language and the construction of cultural and social identity in Zimbabwean and Trinbagonian literatures. N. Y., 2000.
N. S. Frolova.
Fine arts and architecture
Numerous rock paintings, including those from the Paleolithic era, have been discovered on the territory of Zimbabwe. Early contour drawings - figures of wild animals accurately rendered in red ocher; later images (using yellow, red-brown, white and black paint) - painted human figures, domestic animals, ritual scenes full of expression and movement with landscape elements (rocks, rivers, trees with fruits). In the Bambata Cave (in the Matopo Mountains) the world's first “pencils” were found - brown and reddish hematite sticks. The development of rock art only ceased in the 1830s with the invasion of the Matabele (Ndebele) nomads. Numerous petroglyphs (compositions of circles, dots, spirals, images of animals) found in the north-west of the country could not be dated. In the 19th century, the ruins of stone complexes were discovered: Zimbabwe (fortification), Dlo-Dlo, Inyanga and many others. The layout of modern settlements resembles ancient complexes (residential and outbuildings are surrounded by walls made of wood and clay); characterized by round adobe huts or huts on a clay-coated frame made of poles with a conical roof; the walls are painted with geometric patterns. At the end of the 19th century, cities appeared, planned on a checkerboard grid, built up with low-rise brick buildings. Since the 1950s, multi-storey buildings in the spirit of modern Western European architecture have been built in the capital Harare and other cities (architects Y. Elliot, J. A. Jellicoe, L. Spencer, etc.). Since the 1960s, professional fine art has emerged. Local painters (S. Songo, J. Ndandarika, T. Mukarobgwa) create realistic landscapes and genre scenes. Sculptors (T. Dube, J. Likoto, B. Mteki) implement traditional images of African sculpture. In the decorative and applied arts, glazed and non-glazed ceramics (artist M. Mabogo), batik with ornaments and pictorial motifs (J. Hlativayo) were mastered. Among artistic crafts, wood carving, pottery (pots and jugs with painted geometric patterns), and weaving are developed.
Lit.: Arnold M. Zimbabwean stone sculpture. 2nd ed. Bulawayo, 1986; Jackson R. Historic buildings of Harare. Harare, 1986; Mor F. Shona sculpture. Harare, 1987.
Music
The basis of musical culture is the Shona, Ndebele, etc. traditions. A high court tradition existed in the medieval state of Monomotapa. In various rituals and ceremonies, ngoma drums, ngororombe multi-barrel flutes, and lamellaphones are used (for example, mbira in ancestor cults). In the 20th century, under the influence of Western culture, distinctive Afro-European styles of Christian spiritual and urban popular music appeared. In the 1920s, the harmonica, accordion, and banjo entered Zimbabwe from South Africa, and the guitar in the 1940s-60s. The African music and dance genre Makwaya has spread. American music - blues, spirituals - has won recognition; Jazz ensembles were organized (“Musarurwa”, etc.). The repertoire of modern city choirs includes works by South African composers, English and American secular songs, etc. In the 1970s and 80s, jit became one of the most popular urban music and dance genres. The most famous performing musicians are J. Kainga, Y. Hadebe, J. Sibanda, N. Mapundu, P. Benhura. The ensemble created by T. Mapfumo in the 1980s, which combined electro-acoustic instruments with traditional xylophones and singing in a national manner, received international recognition. The Kwanongoma College of Music in Bulawayo has been promoting national heritage since the early 1960s. Since that time, music and dance festivals have been regularly held with the support of municipal authorities and social organizations. The main collection of audio and video recordings of traditional and urban popular music is in the National Archives of Zimbabwe in Harare.