last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Zimbabwe
Location Map of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Open the interactive map
Quick Overview
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Most of its territory lies on a central plateau stretching from the southwest to the northwest at an altitude ranging between 1,200 and 1,600 m.
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Location:
- Latitude/longitude: 7°50' S, 31°3'E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Harare.
- Nature of the state:
- Official languages: The country has 16 official languages, including English.
- Currency: Zimbabwean dollar (reintroduced in mid-2019).
- Population: 14,030,368 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 390,245 km²
- Density: 36 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Mount Nyangani (2,592 m).
- Lowest point: 162 m.
- Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.
- Driving: on the left.
Tourism
Despite a socio-economic context that is far from "smooth sailing" depending on the period, Zimbabwe attracts its share of visitors (2.567 million in 2018) thanks to the Victoria Falls shared with its Zambian neighbor. Like Zambia, the country also boasts many other attractions, particularly natural ones, just waiting to be discovered.
Travel Essentials
- Destination:
- By air: France-Harare.
- Entry requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned return date + visa.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget: €/person.
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best period for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature / ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays /
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 156/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $2,300 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +0.9% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 11.3% (2014)
- Population below the poverty line: 72.3% (2012)
- Life expectancy: 61.1 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -8.5 (2017)
- Population growth: +1.68% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 86.5% (2016)
- Urban population: 32.2% (2018)
- Press freedom: 126/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: Authoritarian regime (134/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook