History of Zimbabwe (1945-Present)
- 1930-1960s - Black opposition to colonial rule grows. Emergence in the 1960s of nationalist groups - the Zimbabwe African People's Union (Zapu) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu).
- 1963 - Federation breaks up when Zambia and Malawi gain independence.
- 1964 - Ian Smith of the Rhodesian Front (RF) becomes prime minister, tries to persuade Britain to grant independence.
- 1965 - Smith unilaterally declares independence under white minority rule, sparking international outrage and economic sanctions.
- 1980 - Veteran pro-independence leader Robert Mugabe and his Zanu party win British-supervised independence elections. Mugabe is named prime minister and includes Zapu leader Joshua Nkomo in his cabinet. Independence on 18 April is internationally recognised.
- 1999 - Economic crisis persists, Zimbabwe's military involvement in DR Congo's civil war becomes increasingly unpopular.
- 2000 - President Mugabe suffers defeat in referendum on draft constitution.
- 2012 April - Political violence reportedly on the rise, with MDC complaining that its rallies have repeatedly been shut down.
Basic Information
- Population - 16.21 Million
- Type of government - Republic
- Major Religions - Zimbabwe religions is composed of Protestant Roman Catholic, Christian and some still follow the traditional African Religions
Culture
- Zimbabwe has many different cultures, which may include beliefs and ceremonies, one of them being Shona. Zimbabwe's largest ethnic group is Shona. The Shona people have created many sculptures and carvings of gods (idols), which are made with the finest materials available.
- Hwange National Park is in west Zimbabwe. Its grasslands and mopane woods are home to large elephant herds, lions and African wild dogs.
- Recreational activities include
- Mandavu Dam - provides a beautiful viewing hide to watch animals coming to drink
- Wilderness trails
- Walks
- Fishing
- Great Zimbabwe is a ruined city in the south-eastern hills of Zimbabwe near Lake Mutirikwe and the town of Masvingo. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the country's Late Iron Age.