Zimbabwe officially known as the Republic of Zimbabwe is located in the Sourthern part of Africa between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique.The capital and largest city is Harare. A country of roughly 16 million people, Zimbabwe has 16 official languages, with English, Shona, and Ndebele the most commonly used.

History

In the 1880s, white colonists arrived with Cecil Rhodes's British South Africa Company (BSAC). In 1888, Rhodes obtained a  concession for mining rights from King Lobengula  of the Ndebele  peoples.He presented this concession to persuade the government of the United Kingdom to grant a royal charter to the company over Matebeland, and its subject states such as Mashonaland as well.Rhodes used this document in 1890 to justify sending the Pioneer Column, a group of Europeans protected by well-armed  (BSAP) through Matabeleland and into Shona territory to establish Fort Salisbury (now Harare), and thereby establish company rule over the area.In 1895, the BSAC adopted the name Rhodesia for the territory, in honour of Rhodes. In 1898 "Southern Rhodesia" became the official name for the region south of the Zambezi.Soon after,the Ndebele rebelled against white rule, led by their charismatic religious leader, Mlimo. The War lasted in Matabeleland until 1896, when Mlimo was assassinated. Shona agitators staged unsuccessful revolts (known as chimurenga) against company rule during 1896 and 1897.Following these failed insurrections, the Ndebele and Shona groups were finally subdued by the Rhodes administration.Southern Rhodesia was annexed by the United Kingdom on 12 September 1923. Shortly after annexation, on 1 October 1923, the first constitution for the new Colony of Southern Rhodesia came into force.During 1978-1980,Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People Union (ZAPU) andRobert Mugabe'sZimbabwe African National Union  (ZANU), supported actively by communist powers and neighbouring African nations, initiated guerilla operations against Rhodesia's predominantly white government. Rhodesia's internal conflict intensified, eventually forcing him to open negotiations with the militant nationalists.In March 1978, Smith reached an accord with three African leaders, led by Bishop Muzorera , who offered to leave the white population comfortably entrenched in exchange for the establishment of a biracial democracy. As a result of the internal selection, elections were held in April 1979, concluding with theUnited African National Council  (UANC) carrying a majority of parliamentary seats. On 1 June 1979, Muzorewa, the UANC head, became prime minister and the country's name was changed toZimbabwe Rhodesia.Soon after,on 21 December 1979, delegations from every major interest represented reached the Lancaster House Agreement, with the aim of ending ending the guerrilla war and to hold election.During the elections of February 1980, Robert Mugabe and the ZANU party secured a landslide victory.Prince Charlse, as the representative of Britain, formally granted independence to the new nation of Zimbabwe at a ceremony in Harare in April 1980.

Geography

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa.It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west and southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and northeast. Its northwest corner is roughly 150 meters from Namibia, nearly forming a four-nation quadripoint.The country's extreme east is mountainous, this area being known as the Eastern Highlands, with Mount Nyangani as the highest point at 2,592 m.These highlands are renowned for their great natural beauty, with famous tourist destinations such as Nyanga, Troutbeck, Chimanimani, Vumba and Chirinda Forest at Mount Selinda. About 20% of the country consists of low-lying areas, (the low veld) under 900m. Victoria Falls, one of the world's biggest and most spectacular waterfalls, is located in the country's extreme northwest and is part of the Zambezi river.

Language

English is the main language used in the education and judiciary systems. The bantu launguages Shona and Sindebele are the principal indigenous languages of Zimbabwe. Shona is spoken by 70% of the population, Sindebele by 20%. Other minority Bantu languages include Venda, Tsnga, Shangaan, Kalanga, Sotho, Ndau and Nambya. Less than 2.5%, mainly the white and "Colured" (mixed race) minorities, consider English their native language.^[ English is spoken primarily in the cities, but less so in rural areas. Radio and television news now broadcast in Shona, Sindebele and English.Zimbabwe has 16 official languages and under the constitution, an Act of Parliament may prescribe other languages as officially recognised languages