Zimbabwe
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 16
Currency
💱 Botswana pula
Languages
🗣️ Barwe, Chichewa, English, Kalanga, Khoisan languages, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Shona, Sotho, Tonga (Zambia), Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Zimbabwe
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Zimbabwean
Independence
716
Top-Level Domain
.zw
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+263
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Harare
ISO Alpha-2
ZW
ISO Alpha-3
ZWE
UN Code
716
Geographic Coordinates
-20,30
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
390,757#61 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
16,175,966#75 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
42.24
Highest Point (m)
2,592
Lowest Point (m)
200
Land Use
Agricultural land accounts for a significant portion of the land use.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 1,770 square kilometers (2012).
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March), dry season (May to September).
Natural Resources
Coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia
Major Rivers
Zambezi River, Limpopo River, Save River.
Major Lakes
Lake Kariba.
Government Type
Parliamentary republic.
Administrative Divisions
10 provinces and 2 cities with provincial status.
Legal System
Based on Roman-Dutch law and customary law.
Chief of State
President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Head of Government
President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Cabinet
Appointed by the President.
Elections
Presidential and parliamentary elections are held. Dates vary.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; High Court; Magistrates Courts.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly.
Major Political Parties
ZANU-PF, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Botswana pula
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
51.22#97 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
109.68#101 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3,021.43#161 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
9.47
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
37.07
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
48.17
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
104.71#4 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6,854,692
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
9.29#41 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
High; consult recent economic reports for current figures.
Budget
The budget is subject to change; consult recent government publications for details.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.5#120 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.74#121 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves fluctuate; consult recent economic reports for current figures.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates fluctuate; consult a financial website for current information.
GDP by Sector
Primarily agriculture, mining, and services.
Major Industries
Mining, agriculture, and tourism.
Major Export Partners
South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and China.
Major Import Partners
South Africa, China, and Singapore.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
93.23#91 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
29.9
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.5
Net Migration Rate
Negative; many people emigrate for economic opportunities.
Median Age
Approximately 20 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
40.5#169 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 1.5% annual rate of change.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
63.1#197 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
High; consult recent health reports for current figures.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
2.93
Ethnic Groups
Shona, Ndebele, and minority groups.
Religions
Primarily Christianity, with traditional beliefs.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Barwe, Chichewa, English, Kalanga, Khoisan languages, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Shona, Sotho, Tonga (Zambia), Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language
Education
Education System
Zimbabwe's education system follows a structure of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2013)Checked September 29, 2026
11.4
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education in Zimbabwe fluctuates but is generally a significant portion of the budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Zimbabwe and the National University of Science and Technology.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Zimbabwean culture is rich and diverse, influenced by Shona and Ndebele traditions, with music, dance, and art playing central roles.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Robert Mugabe National Youth Day (2026-02-21)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Saturday (2026-04-04)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Independence Day (2026-04-18)
- Worker's Day (2026-05-01)
- Africa Day (2026-05-25)
- Heroes' Day (2026-08-10)
- Defence Forces Day (2026-08-11)
- Unity Day (2026-12-22)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include Sungura, Afro-jazz, and Zimdancehall.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include sadza (a maize-based staple) and various stews.
Sports
Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by cricket and rugby.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA).
Famous People
Famous people include Robert Mugabe, Oliver Mtukudzi, and Kirsty Coventry.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Great Zimbabwe is a major cultural heritage site.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO sites include Great Zimbabwe, Mana Pools National Park, and Khami Ruins.
Annual Tourist Visits
Fluctuating numbers, but generally several hundred thousand annually.
Tourism Overview
Tourism sector recovering; known for wildlife, Victoria Falls, and cultural sites.
Top Tourist Attractions
Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Hwange National Park.
Famous Cities
Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare.
National Parks
Hwange, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, and others.
Protected Areas
Significant protected areas for wildlife conservation.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary; e-visas available for some nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Travel advisories exist, often related to political stability and economic conditions.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare system faces challenges; consult recent reports for information on quality.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary; consult local healthcare providers for details.
Number of Hospitals
Numerous hospitals and clinics operate throughout the country.
Universal Healthcare
Zimbabwe's healthcare system faces significant challenges, and universal healthcare access is limited.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, with varying levels of quality and accessibility.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but response times can vary depending on location.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 999.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 999.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 999.
Crime Rate
Crime rates vary, with some areas experiencing higher incidents of petty and violent crime.
Safety Index
The safety index varies; petty crime is a common concern.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure is a significant portion of the government budget.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services face resource constraints but are available in urban areas.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Zimbabwe's military includes an army, air force, and national guard.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is variable, with significant rural areas lacking reliable supply.
Water Access
Water access is a challenge, particularly in rural areas.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is variable, with improvements needed, particularly in rural areas.
Railways
Zimbabwe has a railway network connecting major cities and to neighboring countries.
Roadways
Roads vary in quality, with significant portions requiring maintenance.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes roads, railways, and air travel.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE), Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), Buffalo Range Airport (BFO), Hwange National Park Airport (HWN), Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base (GWE)
Ports
This landlocked country has no ports.
Public Transit
Public transit includes buses and kombis (minibuses) in urban areas.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
41.64#166 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approximately 78 per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Limited but growing tech startup ecosystem, focused on fintech and agri-tech.
Innovation Index
Ranked relatively low on global innovation indices.
ICT Development Index
Generally low ICT Development Index ranking.
TV Broadcast Stations
Several television stations, both public and private.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio stations, including community and commercial broadcasters.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.77#147 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality is generally poor, particularly in urban areas due to industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a significant issue, stemming from industrial discharge, sewage, and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Renewable energy usage is limited but growing, primarily solar power, hydropower and bio-fuels.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution are major concerns.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, and cyclones pose significant threats.
Waste Management
Waste management is a challenge, with inadequate infrastructure and widespread illegal dumping contributing to environmental problems.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major environmental agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions in various countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union
Major Treaties
Signed and ratified various international treaties related to environmental protection and conservation.
Visa-Free Countries
Zimbabwean citizens can travel visa-free to a number of countries, primarily in Africa and some in Asia.