Population: 12,463,000

Location: Landlocked in Southern Africa

Languages : English (official), Shona, Sindebele and other African languages.

Religion: Christian, animist tribal religions and Islam

Capital city: Harare

Literacy Rate: 91% (among the highest in Africa)

Life Expectancy: 39.3 years

Interesting facts:

Zimbabwe is home to a number of well-known African kingdoms including the Shona, Nguni, Ndebele and Zulu. It is visited by archaeologists as some of the remains of these ancient empires have produced interesting information about the way that ancient Africans lived in the area including the remains of humans dating back 500,000 years.

Once one of the great hopes of Africa at its independence, today Zimbabwe is in terrible shape due to its once-great Black nationalist leader, Paul Mugabe. Mugabe played an essential role in Zimbabwe’s move to true independence in 1980 when multiracial elections were held for the first time. He was hailed by millions as one of Africa’s great future leaders due to his desire to bring back the balance to his nation through the redistribution of power by way of land reform and other programs.

Yet, he has since led his nation down a road of poverty, isolation from the international community and tyranny. He has eliminated free-press, free speech, many other human rights as well as forcing many into jail or exile who might otherwise have been able to construct a strong, economically viable nation.

Projects:

We are currently developing partnerships which will allow us to offer Zimbabwean products such as basketry, carvings and sculpture.

Products:

You will find our delicious organic, fair trade Zimbabwean coffee at the Gift Basket Stand. It is one of Zimbabwe's hidden treasures with bold smooth flavor and is Mama Afrika's favorite coffee choice.

Related to country:

Zimbabwe is mentioned in the following articles: Ancient Africa, Poverty in Africa and Independence: Challenges of Reconstruction

Fables: The Guinea Fowl Child is a Zimbabwean fable.