Zimbabwe is a fascinating Southern African country that has a vibrant culture and ancient history. There are many interesting facts about this country that you should know.
People in Zimbabwe are known for being incredibly friendly and hospitable. The country also has a rich cultural heritage.
Although Zimbabwe isn’t the biggest country in Africa, it has a few distinct characteristics that set it apart from the others, for example, an online casino that has been legal in Zimbabwe since 2002.
1. Zimbabwe is a top producer of Tobacco.
Zimbabwe is one of the top 10 producers of Tobacco in the world. Only 20% of the population consumes cigarettes, and most of the tobacco produced is sold abroad.
2. One of the seven wonders of the world is Victoria Falls, which is a massive waterfall that spans over a mile wide. It’s taller and wider than Niagara Falls.
The falls are formed when the water of the Zambezi River falls into a gorge. It can be heard from a distance of over 24 miles.
3. Zimbabwe became the last African country to get away from its British colonial ruler. On April 18, 1980, it raised its flag in recognition of its independence.
The flag of Zimbabwe features a green stripe that represents the country’s agriculture and vegetation. It also has a yellow strip that represents the country’s mineral wealth. On the other hand, the red stripe refers to the bloodshed during its war of liberation.
The black stripes represent the country’s black majority. The white triangle symbolizes peace, while the red star represents the nation’s aspirations. Lastly, the golden bird is its national emblem.
4. Zimbabwe has numerous currencies. Its currency, the Zimbabwe dollar, started to depreciate in value following an economic crisis that began in 2005. In 2009, the government issued a new $100 billion banknote, which was only worth about 40 cents.
After abandoning the country’s currency, the government started using other foreign exchange systems. Some of these include the US dollar, the euro, the Indian rupee, and the Botswana Pula.
5. Aside from using multiple currencies, the people of Zimbabwe also speak several languages. Due to this, it holds the record for having the most number of official languages. Some of these include Chibarwe, English, and Kalanga.
6. Thousands of painted rocks can be found all across Zimbabwe. This southern African nation has the most concentration of such art. The walls of various caves and rock shelters are adorned with engravings and paintings that portray the daily lives of its former inhabitants.
7. The population of elephants in Zimbabwe is considered to be one of the largest in the world.
As of today, there are over 85,000 elephants in Zimbabwe, making it the second-largest population of its kind in the world after Botswana.
8. During the 1980 Summer Olympics, which was the country’s first appearance in the global competition, its women’s field hockey team won a gold medal. In 2004, and in 2008, Kirsty Coventry, a Zimbabwean athlete, won seven medals in swimming.
9. Zimbabwe is the fourth country to be added to the Mercy Network’s international roster. It was established in 2007 during the country’s economic crisis. Since then, various issues have affected the country, such as blackouts, corruption, and unreliable internet connections.
COFIM, our partner in Zimbabwe, seeks to develop the next generation of leaders by equipping local pastors. Through this partnership, CHF can help churches in the country expand their reach and provide them with the necessary resources to effectively carry out their missions.
10. The landlocked nation of Zimbabwe is bordered by four countries including Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa, and Botswana. It does not have access to the sea or a coastline.
