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20:37, 14 May 2009: 69.117.208.176 (talk) triggered filter 50, performing the action "edit" on Zimbabwe. Actions taken: none; Filter description: Shouting (examine)

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CHEYEOOO IM SO AHHMAZINN IN AHLLL SHAPES ND SIZESSSS YAHH DIGZZ EMMM
The names of most of the provinces were generated from the [[Mashonaland]] and [[Matabeleland]] divide at the time of colonisation: [[Mashonaland]] was the territory occupied first by the British South Africa Company Pioneer Column and [[Matabeleland]] the territory conquered during the [[First Matabele War]]. This corresponds roughly to the precolonial territory of the [[Shona people]] and the [[Matabele people]], although there are significant ethnic minorities in most provinces. Each province is headed by a Provincial Governor, appointed by the [[President of Zimbabwe|President]].<ref name=constitution>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms/UsefulResourses/ZimbabweConstitution.pdf |format=PDF|title=Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> The provincial government is run by a Provincial Administrator, appointed by the Public Service Commission. Other government functions at provincial level are carried out by provincial offices of national government departments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms%5CActs%5CTitle29_LOCAL_GOVERNMENT/PROVINCIAL_COUNCILS_AND_ADMINISTRATION_ACT_29_11.pdf |format=PDF|title=Provincial Councils and Administration Act (Chapter 29:11)|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref>

The provinces are subdivided into 59 [[Districts of Zimbabwe|districts]] and 1,200 [[Municipalities of Zimbabwe|wards]] (sometimes referred to as municipalities). Each district is headed by a District Administrator, appointed by the Public Service Commission. There is also a Rural District Council, which appoints a Chief Executive Officer. The Rural District Council comprises elected ward councillors, the District Administrator and one representative of the chiefs (traditional leaders appointed under customary law) in the district. Other government functions at district level are carried out by district offices of national government departments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms%5CActs%5CTitle29_LOCAL_GOVERNMENT/RURAL_DISTRICT_COUNCILS_ACT_29_13.pdf |format=PDF|title=Rural District Councils Act (Chapter 29:13)|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref>

At ward level there is a Ward Development Committee, comprising the elected ward councillor, the kraalheads (traditional leaders subordinate to chiefs) and representatives of Village Development Committees. Wards are subdivided into villages, each of which has an elected Village Development Committee and a Headman (traditional leader subordinate to the kraalhead).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms%5CActs%5CTitle29_LOCAL_GOVERNMENT/TRADITIONAL_LEADERS_ACT_29_17.pdf |format=PDF|title=Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17)|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref>
At ward level there is a Ward Development Committee, comprising the elected ward councillor, the kraalheads (traditional leaders subordinate to chiefs) and representatives of Village Development Committees. Wards are subdivided into villages, each of which has an elected Village Development Committee and a Headman (traditional leader subordinate to the kraalhead).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms%5CActs%5CTitle29_LOCAL_GOVERNMENT/TRADITIONAL_LEADERS_ACT_29_17.pdf |format=PDF|title=Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17)|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref>


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'{{pp-move-indef}} {{Infobox Country |native_name = Republic of Zimbabwe |common_name = Zimbabwe |image_flag =Flag of Zimbabwe.svg |image_coat =Coat_of_Arms_of_Zimbabwe.svg |image_map =LocationZimbabwe.svg |national_motto ="Unity, Freedom, Work" |national_anthem ={{lang|sn-Latn|''[[National Anthem of Zimbabwe|Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe]]''}}{{nbsp|2}}<small>([[Shona language|Shona]])</small><br />{{lang|nd|''[[National Anthem of Zimbabwe|Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe]]''}}{{nbsp|2}}<small>([[Northern Ndebele language|Sindebele]])<br />"Blessed be the land of Zimbabwe"</small> |official_languages = [[South African English|English]] |regional_languages = [[Shona language|Shona]], [[Northern Ndebele language|isiNdebele]] |demonym = [[List of Zimbabweans|Zimbabwean]] |capital =[[Harare]] |latd=17 |latm=50 |latNS=S |longd=31 |longm=3 |longEW=E |largest_city = bulawayo |government_type =[[semi-presidential system|Semi presidential]], [[parliamentary republic|parliamentary]], [[Consociationalism|consociationalist]] [[republic]] |leader_title1 =[[List of Presidents of Zimbabwe|President]] |leader_name1 = [[Robert Mugabe]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Zimbabwe|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] |leader_title3 = [[Vice President of Zimbabwe|Vice President]] |leader_name3 = [[Joseph Msika]]<br />[[Joice Mujuru]] |leader_title4 = [[Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe|Deputy Prime Minister]] |leader_name4 = [[Thokozani Khuphe]]<br />[[Arthur Mutambara]] |area_rank =60th |area_magnitude =1 E11 |area_km2 =390,757 |area_sq_mi =150,871 |percent_water =1 |population_estimate =13,349,000<sup>1</sup><!--UN WPP--> |population_estimate_rank =68th |population_estimate_year =January 2008 |populationk= |population_census_year = |population_density_km2 =33 |population_density_sq_mi =85 |population_density_rank =170th |GDP_PPP =$2.212 billion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=698&s=PPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=47&pr1.y=6 |title=Zimbabwe|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2009-04-22}}</ref> |GDP_PPP_rank = |GDP_PPP_year =2007 |GDP_PPP_per_capita =$188<ref name=imf2/> |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = |sovereignty_type =[[Independence]] |sovereignty_note =from the [[United Kingdom]] |established_event1 =[[Rhodesia]] |established_event2 =Zimbabwe |established_date1 =November 11, 1965 |established_date2 =April 18, 1980 |Gini =56.8 |Gini_year =2003 |Gini_category =<span style="color:#e0584e;">high</span> |FSI =110.1 {{increase}} 1.2 |FSI_year =2007 |FSI_rank =4th |FSI_category =<span style="color:red;">Alert</span> |HDI ={{increase}} 0.513 |HDI_rank =151st |HDI_year =2007 |HDI_category =<span style="color:#ffcc00">medium</span> |currency =[[Zimbabwean dollar]] <sup>2</sup> |currency_code =ZWD |country_code =ZW |time_zone =[[Central Africa Time]] |cut_offset =+2 |time_zone_DST =Not observed |c.u.t_offset_DST =+2 |drives_on = left |cctld =[[.zw]] |calling_code =263 |footnotes =<sup>1</sup> Estimates explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS.<br /> <sup>2</sup> Although it is still the official currency, the [[United States dollar]], [[South African rand]], [[Botswanan pula]], [[Pound sterling]] and [[Euro]] are mostly used instead as the local currency is practically worthless. The US Dollar has been adopted as the official currency for all government transactions with the new power-sharing regime. }} '''Zimbabwe''' ({{pronEng|zɪmˈbɑːbweɪ}}), (officially the '''Republic of Zimbabwe''' and formerly '''[[Southern Rhodesia]]''', the '''[[Rhodesia|Republic of Rhodesia]]''' and '''[[Zimbabwe Rhodesia]]''') is a [[landlocked country]] located in the southern part of the [[continent]] of [[Africa]], between the [[Zambezi]] and [[Limpopo River|Limpopo]] rivers. It is bordered by [[South Africa]] to the south, [[Botswana]] to the southwest, [[Zambia]] to the northwest and [[Mozambique]] to the east. The [[official language]] of Zimbabwe is [[South African English|English]]; however the majority of the population speaks [[Shona language|Shona]], a [[Bantu languages|Bantu language]]. Its other native language, [[Northern Ndebele language|Sindebele]], is spoken by the [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Matabele people]]. Zimbabwe today is under the reign of [[List of Presidents of Zimbabwe|President]] [[Robert Mugabe]]. [[Human rights in Zimbabwe|Human rights]] abuses<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/Regions/Africa/Zimbabwe|title=Zimbabwe|publisher=Amnesty International|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> and [[Economy of Zimbabwe|economic]] mismanagement leading to [[Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe|hyperinflation]] and impoverishment have increased popular support for newly sworn-in Prime Minister [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] and the opposition [[Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai]]. == Etymology == The name ''Zimbabwe'' derives from "''Dzimba dza mabwe''" meaning "great houses of stone" in the [[Shona language]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.somalipress.com/zimbabwe-overview/zimbabwe-big-house-stone-1145.html|title=Zimbabwe - big house of stone|publisher=Somali Press|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> Its use as the country's name is a tribute to [[Great Zimbabwe]], site of the capital of the [[Monomotapa|Empire of Great Zimbabwe]]. In other languages, such as German, the initial [[Z]] is replaced with an [[S]] so as to produce the same sound in the phonics of the said language; for example ''Zimbabwe'' is spelled "Simbabwe".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/de/Laenderinformationen/01-Laender/Simbabwe.html|title=Simbabwe|publisher=Auswärtiges Amt|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> == History == {{main|History of Zimbabwe}} By the [[Middle Ages]], there was a [[Bantu]] civilization in the region, as evidenced by ruins at [[Great Zimbabwe]] and other smaller sites, whose outstanding achievement is a unique dry stone architecture. Around the early 10th century, trade developed with [[Muslim]] [[merchant]]s on the [[Indian Ocean]] coast, helping to develop Great Zimbabwe in the 11th century. The state traded [[gold]], [[ivory]] and [[copper]] for [[cloth]] and [[glass]]. It ceased to be the leading Shona state in the mid 15th century. From circa 1250–1629, the area that is known as Zimbabwe today was ruled under the [[Mutapa Empire]], also known as ''Mwene Mutapa'', ''Monomotapa'' or ''the Empire of Great Zimbabwe'', which was renowned for its gold trade routes with [[Arabs]]. However, [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] settlers destroyed the trade and began a series of wars which left the empire in near collapse in the early 17th century.<ref>{{cite book |title=Historical Archaeology |last=Hall |first=Martin |authorlink= |coauthors=Stephen W. Silliman |year=2005 |publisher=Wiley Blackwell |location= |isbn=978-1405107518 |page= |pages=241–244 |url= }}</ref> In 1834, the [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Ndebele people]] arrived while fleeing from the [[Zulu]] leader [[Shaka]], making the area their new empire, [[Matabeleland]]. In 1837–38, the Shona were conquered by the [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Ndebele]], who arrived from south of the Limpopo and forced them to pay tribute and concentrate in northern Zimbabwe. In the 1880s, the British arrived with [[Cecil Rhodes]]'s [[British South Africa Company]]. In 1898, the name [[Southern Rhodesia]] was adopted.<ref name="conquered">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtrek.org/odyssey/africa/062699/062699monicabula.html|title=So Who Was Shaka Zulu- Really?|publisher=The Odyssey|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> === Colonial era (1888–1965) === {{main|Southern Rhodesia|Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland}} [[File:Matabeleland.png|thumb|left|[[Matabeleland]] in the 1800s.]] In 1888, British [[colonialist]] [[Cecil Rhodes]] obtained a concession for [[Rudd Concession|mining rights]] from [[King Lobengula]] of the [[Ndebele]] peoples.<ref name="mining">Hensman, Howard. ''Cecil Rhodes: A Study of a Career''. p. 106–107.</ref> Cecil Rhodes presented this concession to persuade the government of the [[United Kingdom]] to grant a [[royal charter]] to his [[British South Africa Company (BSAC)]] over [[Matabeleland]], and its subject states such as [[Mashonaland]]. Rhodes sought permission to negotiate similar concessions covering all territory between the [[Limpopo River]] and [[Lake Tanganyika]], then known as 'Zambesia'. In accordance with the terms of aforementioned concessions and treaties,<ref name="treaties">Parsons, Neil. ''A New History of Southern Africa, Second Edition'', 1993. London: Macmillan. pp. 178–181.</ref> Cecil Rhodes promoted the colonisation of the region's land, and British control over labour, precious metals and other mineral resources.<ref name="bsac">Bryce, James. ''Impressions of South Africa''. p. 170.</ref> In 1895 the BSAC adopted the name '[[The Rhodesias#Origin of the name 'Rhodesia'|Rhodesia']] for the territory of Zambesia, in honour of Cecil Rhodes. In 1898 '[[Southern Rhodesia]]' became the official denotation for the region south of the Zambezi,<ref name="adopted">{{cite web|url=http://www.nrzam.org.uk/NRJ/V3N1/V3N1.htm |publisher=Gray, J. A. (1956)|title="A Country in Search of a Name." ''The Northern Rhodesia Journal'' '''III''' (1) (1956). p. 78.|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> which later became Zimbabwe. The region to the north was administered separately by the BSAC and later named [[Northern Rhodesia]] (now [[Zambia]]). The Shona staged unsuccessful revolts (known as [[Chimurenga]]) against encroachment upon their lands, by clients of BSAC and Cecil Rhodes in 1896 and 1897.<ref name="revolts">Palamarek, Ernie. ''Hatari''. p. 132.</ref> Following the failed insurrections of 1896–97 the Ndebele and Shona groups became subject to Rhodes's administration thus precipitating [[European ethnic groups|European]] settlement en masse which led to land distribution disproportionately favouring Europeans, displacing the Shona, Ndebele, and other [[indigenous]] peoples. Southern Rhodesia became a [[self-governing colony|self-governing]] [[British Empire|British colony]] in October 1923, subsequent to a 1922 referendum. [[Rhodesian]]s served on behalf of the United Kingdom during [[World War II]], mainly in the [[East African Campaign (World War II)|East African Campaign]] against [[Axis powers of World War II|Axis]] forces in [[Italian East Africa]]. In 1953; in the face of African opposition,<ref name="fed">Parsons (1993). p. 292.</ref> Britain consolidated the two colonies of Rhodesia with [[Nyasaland]] (now [[Malawi]]) in the ill-fated [[Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland]] which was dominated by Southern Rhodesia. Growing [[African nationalism]] and general dissent, particularly in Nyasaland, admonished Britain to dissolve the Union in 1963, forming three colonies. As colonial rule was ending throughout the continent and as African-majority governments assumed control in neighbouring [[Northern Rhodesia]] and in [[Nyasaland]], the white-minority Rhodesia government led by [[Ian Smith]] made a [[Unilateral Declaration of Independence (Rhodesia)|Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI)]] from the United Kingdom on 11 November, 1965. The United Kingdom deemed this an act of rebellion, but did not re-establish control by force. The white-minority government declared itself a "[[republic]]" in 1970. A [[civil war]] ensued, with [[Joshua Nkomo]]'s [[ZAPU]] and [[Robert Mugabe]]'s [[ZANU]] using assistance from the governments of [[Zambia]] and [[Mozambique]]. Although Smith's declaration was not recognised by the United Kingdom nor any other significant power, Southern Rhodesia dropped the designation 'Southern', and claimed nation status as the [[Rhodesia|Republic of Rhodesia]] in 1970.<ref name="declaration">Judd, Denis. ''Empire: The British Imperial Experience from 1765 to the Present''. p. 372.</ref><ref name="desig">Parsons (1993). pp. 318–320.</ref> === UDI and civil war (1965–1979) === {{main|Rhodesia|Rhodesian Bush War|Zimbabwe Rhodesia|Lancaster House Agreement}} [[File:Udi2-rho.jpg|thumb|[[Ian Smith]] signing the [[Unilateral Declaration of Independence (Rhodesia)|Unilateral Declaration of Independence]] on 11 November 1965 with his cabinet watching.]] After the [[Unilateral Declaration of Independence (Rhodesia)|Unilateral Declaration of Independence]] (UDI), the British government requested [[United Nations]] [[economic sanctions]] against [[Rhodesia]] as negotiations with the Smith administration in 1966 and 1968 ended in stalemate. The Smith administration declared itself a [[republic]] in 1970 which was recognised only by South Africa,<ref name="only">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/World-Leaders-2003/Malawi-POLITICAL-BACKGROUND.html|title=Malawi political background|publisher=NationsEncyclopedia.com|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref><ref name="stalemate">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/World-Leaders-2003/Zambia-POLITICAL-BACKGROUND.html|title=Zambia political background|publisher=NationsEncyclopedia.com|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> then governed by its [[apartheid]] administration. Over the years, the [[guerrilla]] fighting against Smith's UDI government intensified. As a result, the Smith government opened negotiations with the leaders of the Patriotic Fronts — [[Zimbabwe African National Union]] (ZANU), led by [[Robert Mugabe]], and the [[Zimbabwe African People's Union]] (ZAPU), led by [[Joshua Nkomo]]. [[File:Lancaster-House-Agreement.png|thumb|left|Bishop [[Abel Muzorewa]] signs the Lancaster House Agreement seated next to [[British Foreign Minister]] [[Lord Peter Carrington]].]] In March 1978, with his regime near the brink of collapse, Smith signed an accord with three African leaders, led by Bishop [[Abel Muzorewa]], who offered safeguards for white [[civilian]]s. As a result of the [[Internal Settlement]], [[Zimbabwe Rhodesia general election, 1979|elections]] were held in April 1979. The [[United African National Council]] (UANC) party won a majority in this election. On 1 June, 1979, the leader of UANC, [[Abel Muzorewa]], became the country's [[prime minister]] and the country's name was changed to [[Zimbabwe Rhodesia]]. The internal settlement left control of the country's [[police]], security forces, [[civil service]] and [[judiciary]] in white hands. It assured whites of about one-third of the seats in parliament.<ref name="endsanctions">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/1/newsid_2492000/2492915.stm|title=On This Day|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> However, on June 12, the [[United States Senate]] voted to end economic sanctions against Zimbabwe Rhodesia. Following the [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 1979|fifth Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]] (CHOGM), held in [[Lusaka]], [[Zambia]] from 1–7 August, 1979, the [[United Kingdom|British]] government invited Muzorewa and the leaders of the [[Patriotic Front]] to participate in a constitutional conference at [[Lancaster House]]. The purpose of the conference was to discuss and reach agreement on the terms of an independence constitution and that elections should be supervised under British authority to enable Rhodesia to proceed to legal independence and the parties to settle their differences by political means. [[Lord Carrington]], [[Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs]] of the United Kingdom, chaired the conference.<ref name="chair">Chung, Fay. ''Re-living the Second Chimurenga: memories from the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe'', Preben (INT) Kaarsholm. p. 242.</ref> The conference took place from 10 September–15 December 1979 with 47 [[plenary]] sessions. On 1 December 1979, delegations from the British and Rhodesian governments and the Patriotic Front signed the [[Lancaster House Agreement]], ending the [[civil war]].<ref name="lancaster">Preston, Matthew. ''Ending Civil War: Rhodesia and Lebanon in Perspective.'' p. 25.</ref> === Independence (1980–1999) === {{main|Gukurahundi}} {{seealso|History of Zimbabwe}} Britain's [[Lord Soames]] was appointed governor to oversee the disarming of [[revolution]]ary [[guerrilla]]s, the holding of elections and the granting of independence to an uneasy [[coalition]] government with [[Joshua Nkomo]], head of ZAPU. In the [[Zimbabwean parliamentary election, 1980|elections of February 1980]], Mugabe and his ZANU won a landslide victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://richardknight.homestead.com/files/zimletmarch80.htm |title=Letter by George M. Houser, Executive Director of the American Committee on Africa (ACOA), on the 1980 independence election in Rhodesia |author=George M. Houser |accessdate=2007-12-01}}</ref> There was however opposition to a Shona win in [[Matabeleland]]. In November 1980 [[Enos Nkala]] made remarks at a rally in [[Bulawayo]], in which he warned [[ZAPU]] that [[ZANU]] would deliver a few blows against them. This started the first [[Entumbane]] uprising, in which [[ZIPRA]] and [[ZANLA]] fought for two days.<ref>[http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?page_id=20 Nyarota speaks: The Zimbabwe Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In February 1981 there was a second uprising, which spread to Glenville and also to Connemara in the Midlands. ZIPRA troops in other parts of Matabeleland headed for [[Bulawayo]] to join the battle, and ex-Rhodesian units had to come in to stop the fighting. Over 300 people were killed. <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Ndebele-masacre.jpg|thumb|The dead lining the Matabeleland countryside.]] --> These uprisings led to what has become known as Gukurahundi ({{lang-sn|"the early rain which washes away the}} [[chaff]] before the spring rains"<ref name="watch">Nyarota, Geoffrey. ''Against the Grain''. p. 134.</ref>) or the Matabeleland Massacres, which ran from 1982 until 1985. Mugabe used his [[North Korean]] trained [[Zimbabwean Fifth Brigade|Fifth Brigade]] to crush any resistance in Matabeleland. It has been estimated that 20,000 Matabele were murdered and buried in mass graves which they were forced to dig themselves and hundreds of others were allegedly tortured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boell.de/weltweit/afrika/afrika-2482.html|title=Matabeleland: Its Struggle for National Legitimacy, and the Relevance of this in the 2007 Election |accessdate:2008-12-09|publisher=Heinrich Böll Stiftung}}</ref> The violence ended after ZANU and ZAPU reached a unity agreement in 1988 that merged the two parties, creating ZANU-PF.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://badley.info/history/ZANU-PF-Zimbabwe.event.html| title= Chronology of Zimbabwe| publisher=badley.info|accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1831470.stm|title=Timeline: Zimbabwe|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref> Elections in March 1990 resulted in another victory for Mugabe and his party, which won 117 of the 120 election seats. Election observers estimated [[voter turnout]] at only 54% and found the campaign neither free nor fair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/zim1990election.htm|title=Zimbabwe: 1990 General Elections|accessdate=2008-12-09|publisher=EISA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uz.ac.zw/publications/books/pol.html |title=Voting for Democracy: A Study of Electoral Politics in Zimbabwe |publisher=Jonathon M. Moyo/University of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref> During the 1990s [[student]]s, [[trade unionist]]s and workers often demonstrated to express their discontent with the government. Students protested in 1990 against proposals for an increase in government control of [[universities]] and again in 1991 and 1992 when they clashed with police. Trade unionists and workers also criticised the government during this time. In 1992 police prevented trade unionists from holding anti-government demonstrations. In 1994 widespread industrial unrest weakened the economy. In 1996 [[civil servant]]s, [[nurse]]s, and [[junior doctor]]s went on [[Strike action|strike]] over [[salary]] issues.<ref name=l>{{cite news|url=http://africanhistory.about.com/od/zimbabwe/p/ZimbabweHist3.htm|title= A Brief History of Zimbabwe|work=[[About.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/zimoverview5.htm |title=Zimbabwe: ZANU PF hegemony and its breakdown (1990–1999)|publisher=EISA|accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref> The general health of the civilian population also began to significantly founder and by 1997 25% of the population of Zimbabwe had been infected by [[HIV]], the [[AIDS virus]].<ref name=k>{{cite news|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0862066.html|title=History of Zimbabwe|work=[[Infoplease]]}}</ref> === Decline (1999–present) === Land issues, which the liberation movement had promised to solve, re-emerged as the main issue for the [[ZANU (PF)|ruling party]] beginning in 1999. Despite majority rule and the existence of a "willing-buyer-willing-seller" land reform programme since the 1980s, ZANU (PF) claimed that [[whites in Zimbabwe|whites]] made up less than 1% of the population but held 70% of the country's commercially viable [[arable land]] (though these figures are disputed by many outside the [[Government of Zimbabwe]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/594522.stm |title=Who owns the land? |accessdate=2008-12-07|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Mugabe began to [[land reform in Zimbabwe|redistribute land]] to blacks in 2000 with a compulsory land redistribution. The legality and constitutionality of the process has regularly been challenged in the Zimbabwean High and Supreme Courts; however, the [[Zimbabwe Republic Police|policing agencies]] have rarely acted in accordance with court rulings on these matters. The chaotic implementation of the land reform led to a sharp decline in agricultural exports, traditionally the country's leading export producing sector.<ref name="humanrightswatch">{{PDFlink|[http://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/zimbabwe/ZimLand0302.pdf Fast Track Land Reform in Zimbabwe] [[Human Rights Watch]]|175&nbsp;KB}}</ref> [[Mining]] and [[tourism]] have surpassed [[agriculture]]. As a result, Zimbabwe is experiencing a severe hard-currency shortage, which has led to [[Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe|hyperinflation]] and chronic shortages in imported [[fuel]] and consumer goods. In 2002, Zimbabwe was suspended from the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] on charges of [[human rights]] abuses during the land redistribution and of [[Electoral fraud|election tampering]].<ref name="tampering">[http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/media/2003_alerts/1208.htm Zimbabwe suspended indefinitely from Commonwealth], HumanRightsFirst.org, 8 December 2003.</ref> Following elections in 2005, the government initiated "[[Operation Murambatsvina]]", a purported effort to crack down on illegal markets and homes that had seen slums emerge in towns and cities. This action has been widely condemned by opposition and international figures, who charge that it has left a substantial section of urban poor homeless.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4188702.stm|title=Zimbabwe destruction: One man's story|date=30 August 2005|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> The Zimbabwe government has described the operation as an attempt to provide decent housing to the population although they have yet to deliver any new housing for the forcibly removed people.<ref name="muram">[http://news.amnesty.org/index/ENGAFR460152006 Zimbabwe: Housing policy built on foundation of failures and lies], [[Amnesty International]], 9 August 2006.</ref> [[File:Food insecurity in Zimbabwe.svg|thumb|A map showing the food insecurity in Zimbabwe in June 2008.]] Zimbabwe's current economic and food crisis, described by some observers as the country's worst humanitarian crisis since independence, has been attributed in varying degrees, to a drought affecting the entire region, the [[HIV]]/[[AIDS]] epidemic, and the government's price controls and land reforms.<ref name="problems">[http://www.alertnet.org/thefacts/reliefresources/112239842449.htm Crisis profile: Zimbabwe's humanitarian situation], July 26, 2005. AlertNet.</ref> Life expectancy at birth for males in Zimbabwe has dramatically declined since 1990 from 60 to 37, among the lowest in the world. Life expectancy for females is even lower at 34 years.<ref>[http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=41339 "Zimbabwe Life Expectancy Lowest In The World"], ''Public Health News'', 10 April, 2006.</ref> Concurrently, the infant mortality rate has climbed from 53 to 81 deaths per 1,000 live births in the same period. Currently, 1.8 million [[HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe|Zimbabweans live with HIV]]. On 29 March, 2008, Zimbabwe held a [[Zimbabwean presidential election, 2008|presidential election]] along with a [[Zimbabwean parliamentary election, 2008|parliamentary election]]. The three major candidates were [[Robert Mugabe]] of the [[Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front]] (ZANU-PF), [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] of the [[Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai]] (MDC-T), and [[Simba Makoni]], an independent. The results of this [[Zimbabwean parliamentary election, 2008|election]] were withheld for several weeks, following which it was generally acknowledged that the MDC had achieved a significant majority of seats. However, Mugabe retained control and has not conceded the election results that would otherwise put him out of power. In late 2008, problems in Zimbabwe reached crisis proportions in the areas of living standards, public health (with a major [[2008 Zimbabwean cholera outbreak|cholera outbreak]] in December) and various public considerations.<ref name=Carter>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081124/ap_on_re_af/af_zimbabwe|title=Carter warns situation appears dire in Zimbabwe|publisher=CELEAN JACOBSON, Associated Press Writer|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> Production of [[diamond]]s at [[Marange Diamond Fields|Marange]] became the subject of international attention as more than 80 people were killed by the military<ref name=burial>{{cite news|url=http://zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=19853|title=Government looking for land for mass burial, after killing 78 miners|date=11 December 2008|publisher=SW Radio Africa via ZWnews|accessdate=2008-12-12}}</ref> and the [[World Diamond Council]] called for a clampdown on smuggling.<ref name=rapaport>{{cite news|url=http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=24471|title=Diamond Industry Calls for Clampdown on Zimbabwe Smuggling|date=12 October 2008|publisher=Rapaport|accessdate=2008-12-12}}</ref> In September 2008, a [[2008–2009 Zimbabwean political negotiations|power-sharing agreement]], between Mugabe and Tsvangirai was reached, in which, while Mugabe remained president, Tsvangirai will become prime minister. However, due to ministerial differences between their respective political parties, the agreement was not fully implemented until February 13, 2009, two days after the swearing in of Tsvangirai as [[Prime Minister of Zimbabwe]]. == Administrative divisions == [[File:Administrative Divisions of Zimbabwe.svg|300px|thumb|right|[[Provinces of Zimbabwe|Administrative divisions of Zimbabwe]]]] {{main|Provinces of Zimbabwe|Districts of Zimbabwe|Municipalities of Zimbabwe}} Zimbabwe has a [[centralised government]] and is divided into eight [[Provinces of Zimbabwe|provinces]] and two cities with provincial status, for administrative purposes. Each province has a provincial capital from where official business is usually carried out.<ref name="factbook">{{cite web|url=http://www.travlang.com/factbook/print/zi.html |title=The World Factbook |accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" border="1" style="text-align:center" |- ! Province !! Capital |- | [[Bulawayo Metropolitan Province]]|| [[Bulawayo]] |- | [[Harare Metropolitan Province]]|| [[Harare]] |- | [[Manicaland]] || [[Mutare]] |- | [[Mashonaland Central]] || [[Bindura]] |- | [[Mashonaland East]] || [[Marondera]] |- | [[Mashonaland West]] || [[Chinhoyi]] |- | [[Masvingo Province|Masvingo]] || [[Masvingo|Masvingo city]] |- | [[Matabeleland North]] || [[Lupane]] |- | [[Matabeleland South]] || [[Gwanda]] |- | [[Midlands Province|Midlands]] || [[Gweru]] |} The names of most of the provinces were generated from the [[Mashonaland]] and [[Matabeleland]] divide at the time of colonisation: [[Mashonaland]] was the territory occupied first by the British South Africa Company Pioneer Column and [[Matabeleland]] the territory conquered during the [[First Matabele War]]. This corresponds roughly to the precolonial territory of the [[Shona people]] and the [[Matabele people]], although there are significant ethnic minorities in most provinces. Each province is headed by a Provincial Governor, appointed by the [[President of Zimbabwe|President]].<ref name=constitution>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms/UsefulResourses/ZimbabweConstitution.pdf |format=PDF|title=Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> The provincial government is run by a Provincial Administrator, appointed by the Public Service Commission. Other government functions at provincial level are carried out by provincial offices of national government departments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms%5CActs%5CTitle29_LOCAL_GOVERNMENT/PROVINCIAL_COUNCILS_AND_ADMINISTRATION_ACT_29_11.pdf |format=PDF|title=Provincial Councils and Administration Act (Chapter 29:11)|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> The provinces are subdivided into 59 [[Districts of Zimbabwe|districts]] and 1,200 [[Municipalities of Zimbabwe|wards]] (sometimes referred to as municipalities). Each district is headed by a District Administrator, appointed by the Public Service Commission. There is also a Rural District Council, which appoints a Chief Executive Officer. The Rural District Council comprises elected ward councillors, the District Administrator and one representative of the chiefs (traditional leaders appointed under customary law) in the district. Other government functions at district level are carried out by district offices of national government departments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms%5CActs%5CTitle29_LOCAL_GOVERNMENT/RURAL_DISTRICT_COUNCILS_ACT_29_13.pdf |format=PDF|title=Rural District Councils Act (Chapter 29:13)|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> At ward level there is a Ward Development Committee, comprising the elected ward councillor, the kraalheads (traditional leaders subordinate to chiefs) and representatives of Village Development Committees. Wards are subdivided into villages, each of which has an elected Village Development Committee and a Headman (traditional leader subordinate to the kraalhead).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms%5CActs%5CTitle29_LOCAL_GOVERNMENT/TRADITIONAL_LEADERS_ACT_29_17.pdf |format=PDF|title=Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17)|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> == Government and politics == {{main|Politics of Zimbabwe|Elections in Zimbabwe}} [[File:Mugabe procession.png|thumb|left|[[Robert Mugabe]] heading to the opening of Parliament]] Zimbabwe is a [[semi-presidential system]] [[republic]], which has a [[parliamentary]] government. Under constitutional changes in 2005, an [[upper chamber]], the [[Senate of Zimbabwe|Senate]], was reinstated.<ref name="reinstated">[http://www.kubatana.net/html/archive/legisl/050916czamd17ac.asp?sector=LEGISL Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 17) Act, 2005] NGO Network Alliance Project</ref> The [[House of Assembly of Zimbabwe|House of Assembly]] is the [[lower chamber]] of Parliament. President [[Robert Mugabe]]'s [[Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front]] (commonly abbreviated ZANU-PF) has been the dominant political party in Zimbabwe since independence.<ref>Mugabe, Robert. (2007). Encyclopædia Britannica. ''Encyclopædia Britannica 2007 Ultimate Reference Suite.'' Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica.</ref> In 1987 then-prime minister Mugabe revised the [[constitution]] and made himself president. His ZANU party has won every election since independence. In particular, the elections of 1990 were nationally and internationally condemned as being rigged, with the second-placed party, [[Edgar Tekere]]'s Zimbabwe Unity Movement, winning only 16% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/review27.15680.html|title=Tekere says Mugabe 'insecure' in new book |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> Presidential elections were again held in 2002 amid allegations of vote-rigging, intimidation and fraud.<ref name="allegations">[http://www.africa.upenn.edu/afrfocus/afrfocus041805.html Zimbabwe: Election Fraud Report], [[University of Pennsylvania]], 18 April 2005.</ref> The [[Zimbabwe parliamentary elections, 2005|2005 Zimbabwe parliamentary elections]] were held on March 31 and multiple claims of vote rigging, election fraud and intimidation were made by the MDC and [[Jonathan Moyo]], calling for investigations into 32 of the 120 constituencies.<ref name="moyo">[http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=84&art_id=qw111061602454B251 Mugabe's former ally accuses him of foul play], 12 March 2005. ''Independent Online Zimbabwe''.</ref> Jonathan Moyo participated in the elections despite the allegations and won a seat as an independent member of Parliament. General elections were again held in Zimbabwe on 30 March 2008.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7322468.stm Zimbabwe stands 'on a precipice'] [[BBC]], 31 March 2008.</ref> The official results required a runoff between Mugabe and [[Morgan Tsvangirai]], the opposition leader, however the MDC challenged these results, claiming widespread election fraud by the Mugabe government. The runoff was scheduled for June 27, 2008. On 22 June, however, citing the continuing unfairness of the process and refusing to participate in a "violent, illegitimate sham of an election process", Tsvangirai pulled out of the presidential run-off, effectively handing victory to Mugabe.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7467990.stm BBC NEWS World Africa Mugabe rival quits election race<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The [[MDC-T]] led by [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] is now the largest parliamentary party. The MDC was split into two factions. One faction ([[MDC-M]]), now led by [[Arthur Mutambara]] contested the elections to the Senate, while the other, led by Morgan Tsvangirai, opposed to contesting the elections, stating that participation in a rigged election is tantamount to endorsing Mugabe's claim that past elections were free and fair. However, the opposition parties have resumed participation in national and local elections as recently as 2006. The two MDC camps had their congresses in 2006 with [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] being elected to lead [[MDC-T]], which has become more popular than the other group. Mutambara, a robotics professor and former [[NASA]] robotics specialist has replaced [[Welshman Ncube]] who was the interim leader of [[MDC-M]] after the split. Morgan Tsvangirai did not participate in the Senate elections, while the Mutambara faction participated and won five seats in the senate. The [[MDC-M|Mutambara formation]] has however been weakened by defections from MPs and individuals who are disillusioned by their manifesto. As of 2008, the [[Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai]] has become the most popular, with crowds as large as 20,000 attending their rallies as compared to between 500–5,000 for the other formation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20020304/ai_n12599969 |title=Contrast in styles as contenders hold rallies in Harare townships |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> On 28 April 2008, Tsvangirai and Mutambara announced at a joint news conference in [[Johannesburg]] that the two MDC formations were cooperating, enabling the MDC to have a clear parliamentary majority.<ref name=SABCre>[http://www.sabcnews.com/africa/southern_africa/0,2172,168544,00.html "Zimbabwe’s MDC factions reunite"], SABC News, April 28, 2008.</ref><ref name=Reunites>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7371823.stm "Opposition reunites in Zimbabwe"], BBC News, April 28, 2008.</ref> Tsvangirai said that Mugabe could not remain President without a parliamentary majority.<ref name=Reunites/> On the same day, Silaigwana announced that the recounts for the final five constituencies had been completed, that the results were being collated and that they would be published on 29 April.<ref>Cris Chinaka, [http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=84&art_id=nw20080429090305447C903360 "All eyes on Zim as ZEC wrap-up recount"], Reuters (''IOL''), April 29, 2008.</ref> In mid-September, 2008, after protracted negotiations overseen by the leaders of South Africa and Mozambique, Mugabe and Tsvangirai signed a power-sharing deal which would see Mugabe retain control over the army. Donor nations have adopted a 'wait-and-see' attitude, wanting to see real change being brought about by this merger before committing themselves to funding rebuilding efforts, which are estimated to take at least five years. On 11 February 2009 Tsvangirai was sworn in as Prime Minister by President Mugabe. In November, 2008, the government of Zimbabwe spent $7.3 million donated by the [[Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria]]. A representative of the organization declined to speculate on how the money was spent, except that it was not for the intended purpose, and the government has failed to honor requests to return the money.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/world/africa/03zimbabwe.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Aid Group Says Zimbabwe Misused $7.3 Million], [[The New York Times]], November 2, 2008.</ref> == Human rights == {{Main|Human rights in Zimbabwe}} [[File:Demonstration against Mugabe.JPG|thumb|[[Protester]]s against the Mugabe regime abroad; protests are discouraged by Zimbabwean police in Zimbabwe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/03/2437229.htm|title=Police baton charge Harare protesters|accessdate=2008-12-07|publisher=ABC News}}</ref>]] There are widespread reports of systematic and escalating violations of human rights in Zimbabwe under the [[Robert Mugabe|Mugabe administration]] and his party, [[Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front|ZANU-PF]]. According to [[human rights]] organisations such as [[Amnesty International]]<ref name="AI">{{cite web |url=http://web.amnesty.org/report2005/zwe-summary-eng |title=Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-12-02 |publisher=Amnesty International }}</ref> and [[Human Rights Watch]]<ref name="hrw">{{cite web |url=http://hrw.org/englishwr2k7/docs/2007/01/11/zimbab14720.htm |title=Zimbabwe — Events of 2006 |accessdate=2007-12-02 |publisher=Human Rights Watch }}</ref> the government of Zimbabwe violates the rights to shelter, food, [[freedom of movement]] and residence, [[freedom of assembly]] and the [[rule of law|protection of the law]]. There have been alleged assaults on the [[News media|media]], the [[political opposition]], [[civil society]] activists, and [[human rights defender]]s. Opposition gatherings are frequently the subject of brutal attacks by the [[police]] force, such as the crackdown on a 11 March 2007 [[Movement for Democratic Change]] (MDC) rally and several others in the 2008 election campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10517688|title=Zimbabwe election violence spreads to Harare |accessdate=2008-12-07|publisher=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> In the attacks of 2007, party leader [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] and 49 other opposition activists were arrested and severely beaten by the police. After his release, Morgan Tsvangirai told the [[BBC]] that he suffered head injuries and blows to the arms, knees and back, and that he lost a significant amount of blood.<ref name="bbc_Morgan">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6449691.stm |title=Unbowed Tsvangirai urges defiance |accessdate=2007-12-02 |date=2007-03-14 |publisher=BBC }}</ref> The police action was strongly condemned by the [[United Nations Secretary-General|UN Secretary-General]], [[Ban Ki-moon]], the [[European Union]] and the [[United States]].<ref name="bbc_Morgan"/> While noting that the activists had suffered injuries, but not mentioning the cause of them,<ref name="herald">{{cite web|title=Opposition protesters’ case not heard|author=The Herald, Zimbabwe|date=2007-03-14|url=http://www.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=16333&cat=1|accessdate=2007-03-14}}</ref> the Zimbabwean government-controlled daily newspaper ''[[The Herald (Zimbabwe)|The Herald]]'' claimed the police had intervened after demonstrators "ran amok looting shops, destroying property, mugging civilians, and assaulting police officers and innocent members of the public". The newspaper also argued that the opposition had been "wilfully violating the ban on political rallies".<ref name="herald"/> [[File:ZBC logo.jpg|thumb|The [[Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation|ZBC]] is the public broadcaster]] There is also an abuse of human rights in the media. The Zimbabwean government suppresses freedom of the press and freedom of speech.<ref name = "AI" /> It has also been repeatedly accused of using the public broadcaster, the [[Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation]], as a [[propaganda]] tool.<ref name="propaganda">[http://www.pressreference.com/Uz-Z/Zimbabwe.html Zimbabwe Press, Media, TV, Radio, Newspapers] ''Press Reference'', 2006.</ref> Newspapers critical of the government, such as the ''[[Daily News (Harare)|Daily News]]'', closed after bombs exploded at their offices and the government refused to renew their license.<ref name="bombs">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/1141168.stm Zimbabwe newspaper bombed] ''BBC News'', 28 January 2001.</ref><ref name="license">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C05E0DB1E3BF934A35751C0A9629C8B63 Zimbabwe: Newspaper Silenced], February 7, 2004. ''New York Times''.</ref> [[BBC News]], [[Sky News]], and [[CNN]] have also been banned from filming or reporting from Zimbabwe. They continue to report on happenings within Zimbabwe from neighbouring countries like South Africa.<ref name="networks">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/newswatch/ukfs/hi/newsid_4400000/newsid_4401700/4401767.stm Why did Zimbabwe ban the BBC?], April 1, 2005. ''BBC News''.</ref><ref>[http://zimbabwemetro.com/2008/06/22/al-jazeera-kicked-out-of-zimbabwe Al Jazeera kicked out of Zimbabwe], June 22, 2008. ''Zimbabwe Metro''.</ref> == Armed forces == {{main|Military of Zimbabwe}} [[File:Flag of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.svg|thumb|left|Flag of the [[Zimbabwe Defence Forces]]]] The existence of the [[Zimbabwe Defence Forces]] (ZDF) is enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Chapter X, 96 (1), which states that, {{cquote|For the purpose of defending Zimbabwe, there shall be defence forces consisting of an [[army]], an [[air force]] and such other branches, if any, of the defence forces as may be provided for by or under an [[act of parliament]].<ref name="minist"/>}} The ZDF was set up by the integration of three belligerent forces, the [[Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army]], (ZANLA) and the [[Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army]], (ZIPRA) on one side and the Rhodesian Security Forces (RSF) on the other at the end of the [[Rhodesian Bush War]] in 1980. The integration period saw the formation of The [[Zimbabwe National Army]] (ZNA) and [[Air Force of Zimbabwe]] (AFZ) as separate entities under the command of Rtd [[General]] [[Solomon Mujuru]] and the late Rtd [[Air Chief Marshal]] [[Josiah Tungamirai]] respectively. The integration commanders handed over the Zimbabwean flags to then [[Lieutenant General]] Vitalis Zvinavashe, who later became the first Commander Defence Forces (1993), and [[Air Marshal]] [[Perrance Shiri]] in 1992, and subsequently in the ZNA to then [[Lieutenant General]] Constantine Chiwenga in 1993. The approval of the Defence Amendment Bill saw the setting up of a single command for the Defence Forces in 1993. Rtd. General Vitalis Zvinavashe became the first commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, with the commanders of both the Army and the Air Force falling under his command. Following his retirement in December 2003, General Constantine Chiwenga, was promoted and appointed Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Lieutenant General P. V. Sibanda replaced him as Commander of the Army.<ref name="minist">{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.gov.zw/zdf/zdf.htm |title=Zimbabwe Ministry of Defence |accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref> The ZNA currently has an active duty strength of 30,000. The Air Force has about 5,139 men assigned.<ref name="Airforce of Zimbabwe">{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbabwedefence.com/AFZ0.html|title=Zimbabwe Defence Forces News|publisher=ZDF News|accessdate=2009-04-17}}</ref> The [[Zimbabwe Republic Police]] (includes Police Support Unit, Paramilitary Police) is also part of the defence force of Zimbabwe and numbers 25,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbabwejournalists.com/story.php?art_id=3364&cat=4 |title=Militarisation of Zimbabwe: Does the opposition stand a chance? |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> In 1999, the Government of Zimbabwe sent a sizeable military force into the Democratic Republic of [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]] to support the government of President [[Laurent Kabila]] during the [[Second Congo War]]. Those forces were largely withdrawn in 2002. === Zimbabwe National Army === {{main|Zimbabwe National Army}} [[File:Flag of the Zimbabwe National Army.svg|thumb|Flag of the Army of Zimbabwe]] The Zimbabwe National Army or ZNA was created in 1980 from elements of the [[Rhodesian]] Army, integrated to a greater or lesser extent with combatants from the [[ZANLA]] and [[ZIPRA]] [[guerrilla warfare|guerrilla]] movements (the armed wings of, respectively, [[ZANU]] and [[ZAPU]]). Following majority rule in early 1980, [[British Army]] trainers oversaw the integration of guerrilla fighters into a [[battalion]] structure overlaid on the existing Rhodesian armed forces. For the first year a system was followed where the top-performing candidate became [[battalion]] commander. If he or she was from ZANLA, then his or her second-in-command was the top-performing ZIPRA candidate, and vice versa.<ref>{{cite book | first=Peter | last=Godwin | authorlink=Peter Godwin | year=1996 | title=Mukiwa - A White Boy in Africa }}</ref> This ensured a balance between the two movements in the command structure. From early 1981 this system was abandoned in favour of political appointments, and [[ZANLA]]/[[ZANU]] fighters consequently quickly formed the majority of battalion commanders in the ZNA. The ZNA was originally formed into four [[brigade]]s, composed of a total of 28 battalions. The brigade support units were composed almost entirely of specialists of the former Rhodesian Army, while unintegrated battalions of the [[Rhodesian African Rifles]] were assigned to the 1st, 3rd and 4th Brigades. The notorious [[Zimbabwean Fifth Brigade|Fifth Brigade]] was formed in 1981 and disbanded in 1988 after allegations of brutality and murder during the Brigade's occupation of [[Matabeleland]] in what has become known as [[Gukurahundi]] ({{lang-sn|"the early rain which washes away the chaff before the spring rains"}}).<ref name="watch"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.gov.zw/army/zna.htm |title=Ministry of Defence, Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-11-11}}</ref> However the Brigade had been reformed by 2006, with its commander, Brigadier-General [[John Mupande]] praising its "rich history".<ref name="Herald Reporter">{{cite news|url=http://www.zimbabwedefence.com/News_5th_Gets_Comm.html|publisher=Zimbabwe Defence Forces News|title=5th Brigade gets new commander|date=22 feb 2006|accessdate=2009-04-18}}</ref> == Economy == {{main|Economy of Zimbabwe}} [[File:Zimbabwean Exports 2006.svg|thumb|Zimbabwean exports in 2006]] [[File:Key Crops production in Zimbabwe.svg|thumb|Crop production in Zimbabwe has considerably fallen in recent years]] Mineral exports, agriculture, and tourism are the main foreign currency earners of Zimbabwe.<ref name = "FA_Canada">{{cite web |url=http://infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=1589 |title=Country Profile – Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-12-02 |publisher=Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada |quote= Since the country is well endowed with natural resources such as [[mineral]]s, [[arable land]] and [[wildlife]], many opportunities lie in resource-based activities such as [[mining]], [[agriculture]] and [[tourism]] and their downstream industrial activities. }}</ref> The mining sector remains very lucrative, with some of the world's largest [[platinum]] reserves being mined by [[Anglo-American]] and [[Impala]] Platinum.<ref name=nofix/> Zimbabwe is the biggest trading partner of [[South Africa]] on the continent.<ref name = "AN_economy">{{cite news |url=http://www.africanews.com/site/list_messages/12598 |title=Zimbabwe-South Africa economic relations since 2000 |accessdate=2007-12-03 |date=2007-10-31 |publisher=Africa News |quote=Zimbabwe remains South Africa's most important trading partner in Africa.}}</ref> Zimbabwe maintained positive economic growth throughout the 1980s (5.0% GDP growth per year) and 1990s (4.3% GDP growth per year). However, the economy declined from 2000: 5% decline in 2000, 8% in 2001, 12% in 2002 and 18% in 2003.<ref>Richardson, C.J. 2005. The loss of property rights and the collapse of Zimbabwe. ''Cato Journal'', '''25''', 541-565. [http://www.cato.org/pubs/journal/cj25n3/cj25n3-12.pdf]</ref> The government of Zimbabwe faces a variety of economic problems after having abandoned earlier efforts to develop a market-oriented economy. Problems include a shortage of [[Foreign exchange market|foreign exchange]], soaring inflation, and supply shortages. Zimbabwe's involvement from 1998 to 2002 in the war in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] drained hundreds of millions of dollars from the economy.<ref name="drained">[http://www.hrforumzim.com/reports/tort990003/torture990003b.htm Organised Violence and Torture in Zimbabwe in 1999], 1999. ''[[Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum]]''.</ref> The downward spiral of the economy has been attributed mainly to mismanagement and corruption of the Mugabe regime and the eviction of more than 4,000 white farmers in the controversial land redistribution of 2000.<ref name=CNN-2000-04-18>[http://archives.cnn.com/2000/WORLD/africa/04/18/zimbabwe.land.03/ ''"Zimbabwe President Mugabe labels white farmers 'enemies'"''] — [[CNN]] — April 18, 2000.</ref><ref name=Time-2002-02-18>Robinson, Simon. [http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,203620,00.html ''"A Tale of Two Countries"''] — [[Time Magazine]] — Monday, February 18, 2002.</ref><ref name=USAToday-2002-06-24>[http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2002/06/25/zimbabwe.htm ''"Zimbabwe forbids white farmers to harvest"''] — [[USA Today]] — 06/24/2002.</ref><ref name=BBC-2002-08-15>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2192947.stm ''"White farmers under siege in Zimbabwe"''] — [[BBC]] — Thursday, 15 August, 2002.</ref> This has also resulted in Zimbabwe, previously an exporter of [[maize]], becoming a net importer.<ref name=nofix/> [[Tobacco]] exports have also declined sharply. The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force released a report in June 2007, estimating 60% of Zimbabwe's wildlife has died since 2000. The report warns that the loss of life combined with widespread [[deforestation]] is potentially disastrous for the tourist industry.<ref>{{cite news|title=Zimbabwe's Wildlife Decimated by Economic Crisis|author=Nick Wadhams|location=Nairobi|publisher=[[National Geographic News]]|date=[[2007-08-01]]|accessdate=2007-08-05|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070801-zimbabwe-animals.html}}</ref> Inflation rose from an annual rate of 32% in 1998<ref name="Zimbabwe inflation at 11,200,000"/> to an [[IMF]] estimate of 150,000% in December 2007,{{fact|date=February 2009}} and to an official estimated high of 231,000,000% in July 2008 according to the country's Central Statistical Office,<ref name="Zimbabwe inflation at 11,200,000">{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/08/19/zimbabwe.inflation/index.html |title=Zimbabwe inflation hits 11,200,000 |accessdate=2008-08-19 |author= |date=2008-08-19 |work= |publisher=CNN.com}}</ref>. This represented a state of [[Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe|hyperinflation]], and the central bank introduced a new 100 billion dollar note.<ref>[http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080719/tbs-zimbabwe-economy-inflation-5268574.html Z$100Bn note]</ref> As of November 2008, unofficial figures put Zimbabwe's annual inflation rate at 516 quintillion per cent, with prices doubling every 1.3 days. Zimbabwe's inflation crisis is now (2009) the second worst inflation spike in history, behind the hyperinflationary crisis of [[Hungary]] in 1946, in which prices doubled every 15.6 hours.<ref>Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zimbabwe/3453540/Zimbabwe-hyperinflation-will-set-world-record-within-six-weeks.html</ref> By 2005, the purchasing power of the average Zimbabwean had dropped to the same levels in real terms as 1953.<ref>Clemens, M. and Moss, T. 2005. ''Costs and Causes of Zimbabwe's Crisis''. [http://www.cgdev.org/content/publications/detail/2918/ Centre for Global Development]</ref> Local residents have largely resorted to buying essentials from neighbouring [[Botswana]], South Africa and [[Zambia]]. In 2005, the government, led by central bank governor [[Gideon Gono]], started making overtures that white farmers could come back. There were 400 to 500 still left in the country, but much of the land that had been confiscated was no longer productive.<ref name=Meldrum-2005-05-21>Meldrum, Andrew. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/zimbabwe/article/0,2763,1489173,00.html ''"As country heads for disaster, Zimbabwe calls for return of white farmers"''] — [[The Guardian]] — May 21, 2005.</ref> In January 2007, the government even let some white farmers sign long term leases.<ref name=Timberg-WP-2007-01-06>Timberg, Craig. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/05/AR2007010501746_pf.html ''"White Farmers Given Leases In Zimbabwe"''] — [[Washington Post]] — Saturday, January 6, 2007.</ref> But, the government reversed course again and started demanding that all remaining white farmers leave the country or face jail.<ref name=AP/WP-2007-02-05>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/05/AR2007020501262_pf.html ''"Zimbabwe threatens white farmers"''] — [[Associated Press|AP]] — (c/o [[Washington Post]] — Monday, February 5, 2007.</ref><ref name=Chinaka-2007-08-08>Chinaka, Cris. [http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL0839141020070808 ''"Zimbabwe threatens white farmers on evictions"''] — [[Reuters]] — August 8, 2007.</ref> In August 2006, a new revalued [[Zimbabwean dollar]] was introduced, equal to 1000 of the prior Zimbabwean. The exchange rate fell from 24 old Zimbabwean dollars per [[U.S. dollar]] (USD) in 1998 to 250,000 prior or 250 new Zimbabwean dollars per USD at the official rate,<ref name="usd">{{cite web|url=http://www.rbz.co.zw|title=RBZ}}</ref> and an estimated 120,000,000 old or 120,000 revalued Zimbabwean dollars per US dollar on the parallel market,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/jun16a_2007.html#Z6|title=Zimbabwe Situation}}</ref> in June 2007. In January, 2009, Zimbabwe introduced a new Z$100 trillion banknote.<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/16/zimbabwe-hyper-inflation-mugabe-tsvangirai</ref> On January 29, in an effort to counteract his country's runaway inflation, acting Finance Minister [[Patrick Chinamasa]] announced that Zimbabweans will be permitted to use other, more stable currencies (e.g. the [[Euro]]) to do business, alongside the Zimbabwe dollar.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7859033.stm Zimbabwe abandons its currency] BBC News, January 29 2009.</ref> On February 2, 2009, the RBZ announced that a further 12 zeros were to be taken off the currency, with 1,000,000,000,000 (third) Zimbabwe dollars being exchanged for 1 new (fourth) dollar. New banknotes are to be introduced with a face value of Z$1, Z$5, Z$10, Z$20, Z$50, Z$100 and Z$500.The banknotes of the fourth dollar are to circulate alongside the third dollar, which will remain legal tender until 30 June 2009.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7865259.stm]</ref> Mugabe points to foreign governments and alleged "sabotage" as the cause of the fall of the Zimbabwean economy, as well as the country's 80% formal unemployment rate.<ref name="unemployment">[http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9475943 How to stay alive when it all runs out], 12 July, 2007. ''The Economist''.</ref> Critics of Mugabe's administration, including the majority of the international community, blame Mugabe's controversial programme which sought to seize land from white commercial farmers. Mugabe has repeatedly blamed sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the [[European Union]] and the [[United States]] for the state of the Zimbabwean economy. According to the United States, however, these [[sanction]]s target only seven specific businesses owned or controlled by government officials and not ordinary citizens.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2004/30091.htm |title=Zimbabwe: Sanctions Enhancement |publisher=[[United States Department of State]] |date=2004-03-02 }}</ref> During a meeting of the [[Southern African Development Community]] in 2007, a call was issued for the sanctions to be removed.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1173879224459&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Analysis: Africa fails again to deal with Zimbabwe], ''[[The Jerusalem Post]]'', 1 April, 2007.</ref> Private enterprise in Zimbabwe has weakened lately. Government spending is 56.4 % of GDP. It has partly been financed by printing money, which has led to [[hyperinflation]]. State enterprises are strongly subsidized, taxes and tariffs are high. State regulation is costly to companies, starting or closing a business is slow and costly.<ref name="Heritage: Zimbabwe">http://www.heritage.org/index/Country/Zimbabwe Heritage: Zimbabwe.</ref> The labor market is highly regulated, hiring a worker is cumbersome, firing a worker is difficult and the unemployment has risen to 80 % (2005).<ref name="Heritage: Zimbabwe"/> Since 2000 president Mugabe has confiscated lands of white farmers, and this former net exporter of grain has now been plagued by hunger. The country has a high level of corruption. == Demographics == {{main|Demographics of Zimbabwe}} Zimbabwe's total population is 12&nbsp;million.<ref name = "CIA The World Factbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/zi.html |title=Zimbabwe |work=[[The World Factbook]] |publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |date=2008-05-15 |accessdate=2008-05-26}}</ref> According to the [[United Nations]] [[World Health Organisation]], the life expectancy for men is 37&nbsp;years and the life expectancy for women is 34&nbsp;years of age, the lowest in the world in 2006.<ref>{{cite book | title = The World Health Report 2006|url=http://www.who.int/entity/whr/2006/annex/06_annex1_en.pdf|chapter=Annex Table 1—Basic indicators for all Member States|author=The World Health Organization|format=PDF|accessdate=2008-12-30}}</ref> An association of doctors in Zimbabwe has made calls for President Mugabe to make moves to assist the ailing health service.<ref>{{cite news|title=In Zimbabwe, life ends before 40|author=Peta Thornycroft|location=Harare|publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=[[2006-04-10]]|accessdate=2006-04-10|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/in-zimbabwe-life-ends-before-40/2006/04/09/1144521210993.html}}</ref> The [[HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe|HIV infection rate in Zimbabwe]] was estimated to be 20.1% for people aged 15–49 in 2006.<ref name="UNAIDS">{{cite web |url=http://www.unaids.org/en/Regions_Countries/Countries/zimbabwe.asp=1376 |title =Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-12-03 |publisher=UNAIDS }}</ref> [[UNESCO]] reported a decline in HIV prevalence among pregnant women from 26% in 2002 to 21% in 2004.<ref name = "UNESCO">{{cite web |url=http://www.harare.unesco.org/educaids/zimprevalence.html |title =HIV Prevalence Rates Fall in Zimbabwe|accessdate=2007-12-03 |publisher=UNESCO }}</ref> Shona, Ndebele and English are the principal [[languages]] of Zimbabwe, English being the [[official language]]. Less than 2.5%, mainly the white and [[Coloured]] (mixed race) minorities, consider English their native language. The rest of the population speak [[Shona language|Shona]] (76%) and [[Northern Ndebele language|Ndebele]] (18%).<ref name="languages">[http://www.gapadventures.com/docs/pdi/africa/Zimbabwe.pdf Zimbabwe] GAP Adventures</ref> Shona has a rich oral tradition, which was incorporated into the first Shona novel, ''Feso'' by [[Solomon Mutswairo]], published in 1956.<ref name="feso">[http://www.unc.edu/~ottotwo/mothertongue.html Mother Tongue: Interviews with Musaemura B. Zimunya and Solomon Mutswairo] University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</ref> English is spoken primarily in the cities, but less so in rural areas. Radio and television news is now broadcast in [[Shona]], [[Ndebele]] and [[English language|English]]. Sixty two percent of Zimbabweans attend [[Christianity|Christian]] religious services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761575825_3/Zimbabwe.html |title=MSN Encarta |accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> The largest Christian churches are [[Anglican]], [[Roman Catholic]], [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventist]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://adventistatlas.org/ViewCountry.asp?CtryCode=zw |title=Zimbabwe |accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> and [[Methodist]]. However like most former European [[colony|colonies]], Christianity is often mixed with enduring traditional beliefs. Besides Christianity, [[Ancestor worship|ancestral worship]] is the most practiced non-Christian [[religion]] which involves ancestor worship and [[spirituality|spiritual]] intercession; the Mbira Dza Vadzimu, which means "Voice of the Ancestors", an instrument related to many [[lamellophone]]s ubiquitous throughout Africa, is central to many ceremonial proceedings. Mwari simply means "God the Creator" (musika vanhu in Shona). Around 1% of the population is [[Muslim]].<ref name = "US_state">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51503.htm |title =Zimbabwe — International Religious Freedom Report 2005|accessdate=2007-12-03 |publisher=U.S. Department of State |quote=An estimated 1% of the total population is Muslim. }}</ref> Black ethnic groups make up 98% of the population. The majority people, the [[Shona people|Shona]], comprise 80 to 84%. The [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Ndebele]] are the second most populous with 10 to 15% of the population.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.scholars.nus.edu.sg/post/zimbabwe/zpeople.html |title=The People of Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref><ref name="ethnic">{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108169.html |title=Ethnicity/Race of Zimbabwe |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> The Ndebele are descended from [[Zulu]] migrations in the 19th century and the other tribes with which they intermarried. Support for the opposition is particularly strong both from the Ndebele and the Shona majority. Up to one million Ndebele may have left the country over the last five years, mainly for South Africa. [[Bantu peoples|Bantus]] of other races are the third largest with 2 to 5%.<ref name="ethnic"/> Other less populous Zimbabwean ethnic groups include [[Whites in Zimbabwe|white Zimbabweans]], mostly of British origin, but some are of [[Afrikaner]], [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] and [[Dutch people|Dutch]] origin as well, who make up less than 1.0%. The white population dropped from a peak of around 296,000 in 1975 to possibly 120,000 in 1999 and was estimated at no more than 50,000 in 2002, possibly much less.<ref> Quarterly Digest Of Statistics, Zimbabwe Printing and Stationery Office, 1999.</ref> Most emigration has been to the UK, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, [[Canada]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. [[Coloured|Mixed race]] citizens are 0.5% and various [[Asian people|Asian]] ethnic groups, mostly of [[India]]n and [[Chinese people|Chinese]] origin, are also 0.5%.<ref>Quarterly Digest of Statistics, 1998, Zimbabwe Printing and Stationery Office</ref> Asian immigrants are influential in the economic sector. === Refugee crisis === The economic meltdown and repressive political measures in Zimbabwe have led to a flood of refugees into neighbouring countries. An estimated 3.4 million Zimbabweans, a quarter of the population, had fled abroad by mid 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2115988,00.html|title=Refugees flood from Zimbabwe ''The Observer''}}</ref> Some 3 million of these have gone to South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sokwanele.com/articles/sokwanele/zimrefugeessufferinsouthafricaandzimbabwe_20July2007.html|title=Zimbabwean refugees suffer in Botswana and South Africa ''Sokwanele Civic Action Group''}}</ref> Apart from the people who fled into the neighbouring countries, there are up to one million internally-displaced persons (IDPs). There is no current comprehensive survey,<ref name=IDMC>{{cite web|url=http://www.internal-displacement.org/countries/zimbabwe''Internal|title=Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), Internal displacement in Zimbabwe''}}</ref> although the following figures are available: {| class="wikitable table" |- ! Survey ! Number ! Date ! Source |- | national survey | 880-960,000 | 2007 | Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee <ref>{{cite web|title=The Many Faces of Displacement: IDPs in Zimbabwe|author=|publisher=[[Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre]]|location=Geneva|date=2008|format=[[Portable document format|pdf]]|url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/pdfid/48ad3b70c.pdf|accessdate=2009-04-13}}</ref> |- | former farm workers | 1,000,000 | 2008 | UNDP <ref name=IDMC/> |- | victims of [[Operation Murambatsvina]] | 570,000 | 2005 | UN <ref>{{cite web|title=Report of the Fact-Finding Mission to Zimbabwe to assess the Scope and Impact of Operation Murambatsvina|author=Tibaijuka, A.K.|publisher=UN Special Envoy on Human Settlements Issues in Zimbabwe|location=Geneva|date=2005|format=[[Portable document format|pdf]]|url=http://www.un.org/News/dh/infocus/zimbabwe/zimbabwe_rpt.pdf|accessdate=2009-04-13}}</ref> |- | people displaced by political violence | 36,000 | 2008 | UN <ref name=IDMC/> |- |} The above surveys do not include people displaced by [[Operation Chikorokoza Chapera]] or beneficiaries of the fast-track land reform programme but who have since been evicted.<ref name=IDMC/> == Health == [[File:2008 Zimbabwe Cholera Outbreak Combined.svg|thumb|A map showing the spread of [[cholera]] in and around Zimbabwe put together from several sources.]] {{seealso|HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe}} {{seealso|2008 Zimbabwean cholera outbreak}} At independence, the policies of racial inequality were reflected in the disease patterns of the black majority. The first five years after independence saw rapid gains in areas such as immunization coverage, access to health care and contraceptive prevalence rate.<ref>Davies, R. and Sanders, D. 1998. Adjustment policies and the welfare of children: Zimbabwe, 1980-1985. In: Cornia, G.A., Jolly, R. and Stewart, F. (Eds.) ''Adjustment with a human face, Vol. II: country case studies''.Clarendon Press, Oxford, 272-99. [http://www.popline.org/docs/0891/272234.html]</ref> Zimbabwe was thus considered internationally to have a achieved a good record of health development.<ref>Dugbatey, K. 1999. National health policies: [[sub-Sahara]]n African case studies (1980-1990). ''Soc. Sci. Med.'', '''49''', 223-239. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10414831]</ref> However, these gains were eroded by structural adjustment in the 1990s,<ref>Marquette, C.M. 1997. Current poverty, structural adjustment, and drought in Zimbabw. ''World Development'', '''25''', 1141-1149 [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(97)00019-3]</ref> the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic<ref name=nofix/> and the economic crisis since the year 2000. Zimbabwe now has one of the lowest life expectancies on Earth - 44 for men and 43 for women,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/socind/health.htm|title=United Nations Statistics Division|accessdate=2008-12-07}}</ref> down from 60 in 1990. The rapid drop has been ascribed mainly to the [[HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe|HIV/AIDS pandemic]]. [[Infant mortality]] has risen from 59 per thousand in the late 1990s to 123 per 1000 by 2004.<ref name=nofix>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7346042.stm|title=No quick fix for Zimbabwe's economy |date=14 April 2008|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> The health system has more or less collapsed: By the end of November 2008, three of Zimbabwe's four major [[hospital]]s had shut down, along with the Zimbabwe [[Medical School]] and the fourth major hospital had two [[ward]]s and no [[operating theatre]]s working.<ref name=hospitals>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7714892.stm|title=The death throes of Harare's hospitals|date=7 November 2008|publisher=BBC |accessdate=2008-12-03}}</ref> Due to [[Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe|hyperinflation]], those hospitals still open are not able to obtain basic drugs and [[medicine]]s.<ref name=coping>{{cite news|url=http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/zimbabwe-feature-261108?opendocument|title=Zimbabwe: coping with the cholera outbreak|date=26 November 2008|publisher=|accessdate=2008-12-03}}</ref> The ongoing political and economic crisis also contributed to the [[emigration]] of the doctors and people with medical knowledge.<ref name="Zimbabwe cholera deaths near 500 ">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7760088.stm|title=Zimbabwe cholera deaths near 500 |date=2 December 2008|publisher=BBC |accessdate=2008-12-02}}</ref> In August 2008, large areas of Zimbabwe were struck by the ongoing [[cholera]] [[epidemic]]. By December 2008 more than 10,000 people had been infected in all but one of Zimbabwe's provinces and the outbreak had spread to [[Botswana]], [[Mozambique]], [[South Africa]] and [[Zambia]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7768740.stm "PM urges Zimbabwe cholera action"], ''BBC'', December 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=Milliband>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5294534.ece "Miliband backs African calls for end of Mugabe"], ''[[The Times]]'', December 5, 2008.</ref> On December 4, 2008 the [[government of Zimbabwe|Zimbabwe government]] declared the outbreak to be a national [[emergency]], and has asked for international aid.<ref name="Zimbabwe declares national emergency over cholera">{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4B31T420081204?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&rpc=69&pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0|title=Zimbabwe declares national emergency over cholera|date=December 4, 2008|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=2008-12-04}}</ref><ref name=emergency>{{cite news|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hsW9YNn1roEp0rzjeGSJo0pKcj2A|title=Zimbabwe declares cholera outbreak a national emergency|date=4 December 2008|publisher=AFP|accessdate=2008-12-04}}</ref> By March 9 2009 The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 4,011 people had succumbed to the waterborne disease since the outbreak began in August 2008, and the total number of cases recorded had reached 89,018.<ref name="On the cholera frontline">[http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=83378 On the cholera frontline] March 9, 2009, [[IRIN]]</ref> In [[Harare]], the city council offered free graves to cholera victims.<ref name=rain>{{cite news|url=http://africa.reuters.com/top/news/usnJOE4AT06A.html|title=Zimbabwe says cholera epidemic may spread with rain|date=30 November 2008|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=2008-12-03}}</ref> There have been signs that the disease is abating, with cholera infections down by about 50 percent to around 4,000 cases a week.<ref name="On the cholera frontline"/> == Education == {{main|Education in Zimbabwe}} [[File:Literacy rate world.svg|thumb|Zimbabwe's adult literacy rate is amongst the highest in Africa]] Zimbabwe has an [[Literacy|adult literacy rate]] of approximately 90% which is amongst the highest in Africa.<ref name="literacy">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/zi.html#People CIA World Factbook]</ref><ref name="littwo">[http://www.cso.gov.bw/html/liter_survey.htm Botswana Literacy Survey 2003], [[Central Statistics Office]], [[Botswana]]</ref><ref name="worldbank">{{PDFlink|[http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000887/P1006-Zimbabwe_CAE_May2004.pdf Zimbabwe Country Assistance Evaluation] [[World Bank]]|344&nbsp;KB}}</ref> Since 1995 the adult literacy rate of Zimbabwe has steadily decreased, a trend shared by other African countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hdrstats.undp.org/indicators/16.html |title=Human development index |author=United Nations Development Programme |accessdate=2007-11-15}}</ref> The wealthier portion of the population usually send their children to [[independent school]]s as opposed to the [[Government school|government-run]] schools which are attended by the majority as these are subsidised by the government. School education was made free in 1980, but since 1988, the government has steadily increased the charges attached to school enrollment until they now greatly exceed the real value of fees in 1980. The Ministry of Education of Zimbabwe maintains and operates the government schools but the fees charged by independent schools are regulated by the cabinet of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's education system consists of 7 years of primary and 6 years of [[secondary school]]ing before students can enter [[university]] in the country or abroad. The academic year in Zimbabwe runs from January to December, with three month terms, broken up by one month holidays, with a total of 40 weeks of school per year. National examinations are written during the third term in November, with [[General Certificate of Education|"O" level]] and [[Advanced Level (UK)|"A" level]] subjects also offered in June.<ref name="embassy">{{cite web|url=http://harare.usembassy.gov/zimbabwe_educational_profile.html |title=Zimbabwe US Embassy |accessdate=2007-11-15}}</ref> There are seven public universities as well as four church-related universities in Zimbabwe that are fully internationally accredited.<ref name="embassy"/> The [[University of Zimbabwe]], the first and largest, was built in 1952 and is located in the Harare suburb of [[Mount Pleasant, Harare|Mount Pleasant]]. Notable [[alumni]] from Zimbabwean universities include [[Welshman Ncube]]; Peter Moyo (of Amabhubesi); [[Tendai Biti]], [[Secretary-General]] for the MDC; [[Chenjerai Hove]], Zimbabwean [[poet]], [[novelist]] and [[essayist]]; and [[Arthur Mutambara]], President of one faction of the MDC. Many of the current politicians in the government of Zimbabwe have obtained degrees from universities in [[USA|America]] or other universities abroad. The highest professional board for [[accountant]]s is the [[Institute of Chartered Accountants]] in Zimbabwe (ICAZ) with direct relationships with similar bodies in [[South Africa]], [[Canada]], the [[UK]] and [[Australia]]. A qualified [[Chartered Accountant]] from Zimbabwe is also a member of similar bodies in these countries after writing a conversion paper. In addition, Zimbabwean-trained doctors only require one year of residence to be fully licensed doctors in the [[United States]]. The [[Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers]] (ZIE) is the highest professional board for [[engineer]]s. However, education in Zimbabwe became under threat since the economic changes in 2000 with [[teacher]]s going on strike because of low pay, students unable to concentrate because of hunger and the price of uniforms soaring making this standard a luxury. Teachers were also one of the main targets of Mugabe's attacks because he thought they were not strong supporters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6566919.stm |author=Anonymous |title=BBC report on 40 years in Zimbabwe's schools |accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> == Media == {{main article|Media of Zimbabwe}} The media of Zimbabwe, once initially diverse, have come under tight restriction in recent years by the government, particularly during the growing economic and political crisis in the country. The Zimbabwean constitution promotes freedom of the media and expression, however this is hampered by interference and the implementation of strict media laws. In its 2008 report, [[Reporters Without Borders]] ranked the Zimbabwean media as 151st out of 173.<ref name=rwb>[http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29031 "Reporters without Borders Press Freedom Index"]</ref> The government also bans many foreign [[broadcast]]ing stations from Zimbabwe, including the [[BBC]] (since 2001), [[CNN]], [[Sky News]], [[Channel Four]], [[American Broadcasting Company]], [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)]] and [[Fox News]]. News agencies and [[newspaper]]s from other [[Western world|Western]] countries and [[South Africa]] have also been banned from the country. All news media in the country are careful to reflect the government line when reporting by self-censorship.<ref name=bbc>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1064589.stm#media "BBC Country Profile: Zimbabwe media"], ''[[BBC]]'', November 20, 2008.</ref> Private press was common, however since the 2002 Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) was passed, a number have been shut down by the government, including the ''The Daily News''.<ref name=rwb/> As a result, many press organisations have been set up in both neighbouring and Western countries by [[exile]]d Zimbabweans. However, because the [[internet]] is currently unrestricted, many Zimbabweans are allowed to access online news sites set up by exiled journalists.<ref name=fh>[http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=251&year=2007 Freedom House 2007 Map of Press Freedom: Zimbabwe].</ref> Reporters Without Borders claims the media environment in Zimbabwe involves "surveillance, threats, [[imprison]]ment, [[censorship]], [[blackmail]], abuse of power and denial of [[justice]] are all brought to bear to keep firm control over the news."<ref name=rwb/> == Culture and recreation == {{main|Culture of Zimbabwe|Art of Zimbabwe|Sport in Zimbabwe}} <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:ZBWE2.jpg|thumb|Zimbabwe womens' field hockey teams receive gold medals at the 1980 Olympics]] --> [[File:Masvingo Bus Terminus.jpg|thumb|A Zimbabwe market place and bus terminus]] Zimbabwe first celebrated its independence on 18 April, 1980.<ref name="indepday">{{cite book|last=Owomoyela|first=Oyekan|year=2002|title=Culture and Customs of Zimbabwe|page=77}}</ref> Celebrations are held at either the [[National Sports Stadium (Zimbabwe)|National Sports Stadium]] or Rufaro Sports Stadium in Harare. The first independence celebrations were held in 1980 at the Zimbabwe Grounds. At these celebrations [[dove]]s are released to symbolise peace and fighter jets fly over and the [[National Anthem of Zimbabwe|national anthem]] is sung. The flame of independence is lit by the president after parades by the presidential family and members of the armed forces of Zimbabwe. The president also gives a speech to the people of Zimbabwe which is televised for those unable to attend the stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kas.de/proj/home/home/35/2/ |title=Zimbabwe Celebrates 25 years of Independence |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> [[Football (soccer)|Football]] and [[cricket]] are the most popular sports in Zimbabwe. The citizens of Zimbabwe have won eight medals in the [[Olympic Games]], one in [[field hockey]] at the [[Zimbabwe at the 1980 Summer Olympics|1980 Summer games]] in [[Moscow]], three in swimming at the [[Zimbabwe at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Summer games]] in [[Athens]] and another four at the [[Zimbabwe at the 2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Summer games]] . Zimbabwe has also done well in the [[Commonwealth Games]] and [[All-Africa Games]] in [[swimming (sport)|swimming]] with [[Kirsty Coventry]] obtaining 11 gold medals in the different competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/2004/schedules/117BySport.html |title=2004 Olympic Games swimming results|accessdate=2007-07-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fina.org/events/WC/Montreal_2005/results/sw.php |title=Montreal 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-06-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fina.org/events/WC/Melbourne_2007/results/swimming.php|title=12th FINA World Championships|accessdate=2007-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/commonwealthgames2002/bsp/statistics/results.stm |title=BBC Sport Commonwealth Games 2002 Statistics|accessdate=2007-08-29}}</ref> Zimbabwe has also competed at [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] and the [[Davis Cup]] in tennis, most notably with the Black family, which comprises [[Wayne Black]], [[Byron Black]] and [[Cara Black]]. Traditional arts in Zimbabwe include [[pottery]], [[basketry]], [[textiles]], [[jewelry]] and [[carving]]. Among the distinctive qualities are [[symmetrical]]ly patterned woven baskets and stools carved out of a single piece of wood. Shona [[sculpture]] has become world famous in recent years having first emerged in the 1940s. Most subjects of [[rock carving|carved]] figures of stylised birds and human figures among others are made with [[sedimentary]] rocks such as [[soapstone]], as well as harder [[igneous]] rocks such as [[serpentine]] and the rare stone [[verdite]]. Shona [[sculpture]] in essence has been a fusion of African [[folklore]] with European influences. Internationally famous artists include Henry Mudzengerere and Nicolas Mukomberanwa. A recurring theme in Zimbabwean art is the [[metamorphosis]] of man into beast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://karaart.com/collections/shona/origins3.html |title=Cultural Origins of art |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> Zimbabwean musicians like [[Thomas Mapfumo]], [[Oliver Mtukudzi]], the [[Bhundu Boys]] and [[Audius Mtawarira]] have achieved international recognition. Several authors are well known within Zimbabwe and abroad. [[Charles Mungoshi]] is renowned in Zimbabwe for writing traditional stories in English and in Shona and his [[poem]]s and books have sold well with both the black and white communities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zimbabwe.poetryinternationalweb.org/piw_cms/cms/cms_module/index.php?obj_id=5752|title=Tribute to Charles Mungoshi|accessdate=2007-11-02}}</ref> [[Catherine Buckle]] has achieved international recognition with her two books ''African Tears'' and ''Beyond Tears'' which tell of the ordeal she went through under the 2000 [[Land reform in Zimbabwe|Land Reform]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africantears.netfirms.com/beyondtears.htm|title=Tribute to Cathy Buckle|accessdate=2007-11-02}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of Rhodesia]], the late [[Ian Smith]], has also written two books <nowiki> — </nowiki> ''[[The Great Betrayal]]'' and ''[[Bitter Harvest (2001 book)|Bitter Harvest]].'' The book ''[[The House of Hunger]]'' by [[Dambudzo Marechera]] won an award in the UK in 1979 and the Nobel Prize-winning author [[Doris Lessing]]'s first novel ''[[The Grass Is Singing]]'' is set in Rhodesia. === Cuisine === [[File:Boerewors raw.jpg|thumb|Raw [[Boerewors]].]] The majority of Zimbabweans depend on a few staple foods. Meat, beef and to a lesser extent chicken are especially popular, though consumption has declined under the Mugabe regime due to falling incomes. "Mealie meal" ([[cornmeal]]) is used to prepare ''[[sadza]]'' or ''[[isitshwala]]'' and ''bota'' or ''ilambazi''. ''Sadza'' is a [[porridge]] made by mixing the cornmeal with water to produce a thick paste. After the paste has been cooking for several minutes, more cornmeal is added to thicken the paste. This is eaten as [[lunch]] and [[dinner]], usually with greens (such as [[spinach]], [[chomolia]], [[collard greens]]), beans and meat that has been stewed, grilled, or roasted. Sadza is also commonly eaten with [[Milk#Spoilage and fermented milk products|curdled milk]], commonly known as lacto (mukaka wakakora), or dried [[Tanganyika sardine]], known locally as kapenta or matemba. ''Bota'' is a thinner porridge, cooked without the additional cornmeal and usually flavoured with [[peanut butter]], [[milk]], [[butter]], or, sometimes, [[jam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zambuko.com/mbirapage/resource_guide/pages/culture/sadza_text.html | author=Zambuko.com |title=Sadza ne Nyama: A Shona Staple Dish |accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> Bota is usually eaten for [[breakfast]]. [[Graduation]]s, [[wedding]]s, and any other family gatherings will usually be celebrated with the killing of a [[goat]] or [[cow]], which will be [[barbecue]]d or [[roast]]ed by the family. [[Afrikaner]] recipes are popular though they are a small group (0.2%) within the white minority group. [[Biltong]], a type of [[jerky (food)|jerky]], is a popular snack, prepared by hanging bits of spiced raw meat to dry in the shade.<ref>{{citeweb | author=Stephanie Hanes | title=Biltong: much more than just a snack | work=[[The Christian Science Monitor]] | date=[[2006-09-20]] | url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0920/p13s01-lifo.html | accessdate=2006-10-03}}</ref> [[Boerewors]] ({{pronounced|børəvɞɾs}} — "Boo-ruh-vorse") is served with sadza. It is a long sausage, often well-spiced, composed of beef rather than pork, and barbecued. === Birthplace of Scouting === It was in Matabeleland during the [[Second Matabele War]] that [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Baden-Powell]], the ''Founder of Scouting'', and [[Frederick Russell Burnham]], the ''Father of Scouting'', first met and began their life-long friendship. In mid-June 1896, during a scouting patrol in the [[Matobo Hills]], Burnham taught Baden-Powell [[woodcraft]]. Practiced by [[frontier]]smen of the [[American Old West]] and [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas]], woodcraft was generally unknown to the [[British people|British]]. However, Baden-Powell recognised that wars in [[Africa]] were changing markedly and the [[British Army]] needed to adapt; so during their joint scouting missions, Baden-Powell and Burnham discussed the concept of a broad training programme in woodcraft for young men, rich in [[exploration]], [[tracking]], [[fieldcraft]], and self-reliance. These skills eventually formed the basis of what is now called ''[[scoutcraft]]'', the fundamentals of [[Scouting]]. Later, Baden-Powell wrote a number of books on the subject, and even started to train and make use of [[adolescent]] boys, most famously during the [[Siege of Mafeking]], during the [[Second Boer War]].<ref name="proctor">{{cite journal| first = Tammy M. | last = Proctor | year = 2000 | month = July | title = A Separate Path: Scouting and Guiding in Interwar South Africa | journal = Comparative Studies in Society and History | volume = 42 | issue = 3 | issn = 3548-1356}}</ref><ref name="forster">{{cite web | last =Forster | first = Reverend Dr. Michael | url = http://www.netpages.free-online.co.uk/sha/scouthistory.doc | title =The Origins of the Scouting Movement| publisher =Netpages | accessdate=2007-10-02|format=DOC}}</ref> == Tourism == {{main|Tourism in Zimbabwe}} [[File:ZTA.jpg|thumb|left|100px|The logo of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority showing the Victoria Falls and the Zimbabwe Bird found at [[Great Zimbabwe]]]] [[File:Victoria5.jpg|thumb|[[Victoria Falls]], the end of the upper [[Zambezi]] and beginning of the middle Zambezi]] Since the Land Reform programme in 2000, tourism in Zimbabwe has steadily declined. After rising during the 1990s, (1.4 million tourists in 1999) industry figures described a 75% fall in visitors to Zimbabwe in 2000. By December, less than 20% of hotel rooms had been occupied.<ref name="tourism">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/1220218.stm |title=Sun sets on Zimbabwe tourism |author=Lewis Machipisa |accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> This has had a huge impact on the Zimbabwean economy. Thousands of jobs have been lost in the industry due to companies closing down or simply being unable to pay staff wages due to the decreasing number of tourists. Several airlines have also pulled out of Zimbabwe. [[Australia]]'s [[Qantas]], [[Germany]]'s [[Lufthansa]] and [[Austrian Airlines]] were among the first to pull out and most recently [[British Airways]] suspended all direct flights to Harare.<ref name="tourism"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/29/wairways129.xml |title=British Airways abandons flights to Zimbabwe |author=Sebastien Berger |accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> The country's flagship airline [[Air Zimbabwe]] still flies to the United Kingdom. Zimbabwe boasts several major tourist attractions. [[Victoria Falls]] on the [[Zambezi River]], which are shared with Zambia, are located in the north west of Zimbabwe. Before the economic changes, much of the tourism for these locations came to the Zimbabwe side but now Zambia is the main beneficiary. The [[Victoria Falls National Park]] is also in this area and is one of the eight main [[national parks]] in Zimbabwe,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw/hwange.htm |title=Zimbabwe Tourism Authority |accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> largest of which is [[Hwange National Park]]. The [[Eastern Highlands]] are a series of mountainous areas near the border with [[Mozambique]]. The highest peak in Zimbabwe, [[Mount Nyangani]] at 2,593&nbsp;m (8,507&nbsp;ft) is located here as well as the [[Bvumba Mountains]] and the [[Nyanga National Park]]. [[World's View, Nyanga|World's View]] is in these mountains and it is from here that places as far away as 60–70&nbsp;km (37–43&nbsp;mi) are visible and, on clear days, the town of [[Rusape]] can be seen. [[File:Great Zimbabwe.png|thumb|Great Zimbabwe as featured on the defunct $50 note]] Zimbabwe is unusual in Africa in that there are a number of ancient ruined cities built in a unique [[dry stone]] style. The most famous of these are the [[Great Zimbabwe]] ruins in [[Masvingo]]. Other ruins include [[Khami|Khami Ruins, Zimbabwe]], [[Dhlo-Dhlo]] and [[Naletale]], although none of these is as famous as Great Zimbabwe. The [[Matobo National Park|Matobo Hills]] are an area of [[granite]] [[kopje]]s and wooded valleys commencing some 22 miles (35&nbsp;km) south of [[Bulawayo]] in southern Zimbabwe. The Hills were formed over 2,000 million years ago with granite being forced to the surface, then being eroded to produce smooth "whaleback dwalas" and broken kopjes, strewn with boulders and interspersed with thickets of vegetation. [[Mzilikazi]], founder of the [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Ndebele]] nation, gave the area its name, meaning 'Bald Heads'. They have become famous and a tourist attraction due to their ancient shapes and local wildlife. [[Cecil John Rhodes]] and other early white [[Settler|pioneers]] like [[Leander Starr Jameson]] are buried in these hills at a site named World's View.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zimbabwe.safari.co.za/spirit-of-zimbabwe.html |title=The Spirit of Matobo |accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> == National symbols, insignia and anthems == The two main traditional symbols of Zimbabwe are the [[Zimbabwe Bird]] and the [[Balancing Rocks]]. Other [[national emblem|national symbols]] exist, but have varying degrees of official usage, such as the [[Gloriosa (plant)|flame lily]] and the [[Sable Antelope]]. === Zimbabwe Bird === {{main|Zimbabwe Bird}} The stone-carved Zimbabwe Bird appears on the national flags and the coats of arms of both Zimbabwe and [[Rhodesia]], as well as on [[Rhodesian dollar|banknotes]] and coins (first on [[Coins of the Rhodesian pound|Rhodesian pound]] and then [[Coins of the Rhodesian dollar|Rhodesian dollar]]). It probably represents the [[bateleur]] [[eagle]]. The famous [[soapstone]] bird carvings stood on walls and monoliths of the ancient city of [[Great Zimbabwe]], built, it is believed, sometime between the 13th and 16th centuries by ancestors of the [[Shona people|Shona]]. The ruins, which gave their name to modern Zimbabwe, cover some 1,800&nbsp;acres (7.3&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) and are the largest ancient stone construction in Zimbabwe.<ref>{{cite web | title = Great Zimbabwe |url=http://www.usp.nus.edu.sg/post/zimbabwe/art/greatzim/gz1.html|author= Prof. George P. Landow}}</ref> When the ruins of Great Zimbabwe were excavated by treasure-hunters in the late 19th century, five of the carved birds they discovered were taken to South Africa by [[Cecil Rhodes]]. Four of the statues were returned to Zimbabwe by the South African government at independence, while the fifth remains at [[Groote Schuur]], Rhodes' former home in [[Cape Town]]. === Balancing Rocks === {{main|Balancing Rocks}} Balancing Rocks are geological formations all over Zimbabwe. The rocks are perfectly balanced without other supports. They are created when ancient granite intrusions are exposed to weathering, as softer rocks surrounding them erode away. They are often remarked on and have been depicted on both the [[paper money of the Zimbabwean dollar]] and the [[Rhodesian dollar|paper money of the Rhodesian dollar]]. The ones found on the current notes of Zimbabwe, named the Banknote Rocks, are located in [[Epworth, Zimbabwe|Epworth]], approximately 9 miles (15&nbsp;km) [[south east]] of Harare.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.fortunecity.com/madzimbabwe/Buildings/Natural/Balancing%20Rocks/BalancingRocks.html |title=Dzimba Dzemabwe |accessdate=2007-11-15}}</ref> There are, however, many different formations of the rocks, incorporating single and paired columns of 3 or more rocks. These formations are a feature of south and east tropical Africa from northern South Africa northwards to [[Sudan]]. The most notable formations in Zimbabwe are located in the [[Matobo National Park]] in [[Matabeleland]]. === National anthem === {{Main|National Anthem of Zimbabwe}} "[[Blessed be the Land of Zimbabwe]]" ({{lang-sn|"Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe"}}; {{lang-nd|"Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe"}}) is the [[List of national anthems|national anthem]] of Zimbabwe. It was introduced in March 1994 after a nation-wide competition to replace "{{lang|sn|[[Ishe Komborera Africa]]}}" as a distinctly Zimbabwean song. The winning entry was a song written by Professor [[Solomon Mutswairo]] and composed by Fred Changundega. It has been translated into all three of the main languages of Zimbabwe. <br /> <br /> <center> <gallery> Image:Zimbabwe cent.png|Reverse side of the defunct ten cent coin featuring the Zimbabwe Bird Image:Zimbabwe Bird.svg|Traditional Zimbabwe Bird design Image:Balancing Rocks.jpg|An example of Balancing Rocks in [[Epworth, Zimbabwe|Epworth]] Image:Gloriosa rothschildiana 01.jpg|The [[Gloriosa (plant)|flame lily]], national flower of Zimbabwe </gallery> </center> == See also == {{portal|Zimbabwe|Flag of Zimbabwe.svg}} {{Portal|Africa|Africa_satellite_orthographic.jpg}} * [[Index of Zimbabwe-related articles]] * [[Outline of Zimbabwe]] == References == {{reflist|2}} == External links == {{sisterlinks}} ; Government * [http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/ Parliament of Zimbabwe] — official government site * [http://www.gta.gov.zw/ Zimbabwe Government Online] — official government site and [http://www.zim.gov.zw/ mirror site] * [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-z/zimbabwe.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members] ; General * [http://uk.oneworld.net/guides/zimbabwe/development The OneWorld Guide to Zimbabwe] * [http://www.irinnews.org/InDepthMain.aspx?InDepthId=71&ReportId=77476 In-Depth: Zimbabwe’s humanitarian crisis - IRIN] * [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1064589.stm Country Profile] from [[BBC News]] * {{CIA World Factbook link|zi|Zimbabwe}} * [http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/zimbabwe.htm Zimbabwe] from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs'' * {{dmoz|Regional/Africa/Zimbabwe}} * {{wikiatlas|Zimbabwe}} ; News and News Summary Services * [http://www.irinnews.org/Africa-Country.aspx?Country=ZW Zimbabwe] Humanitarian news and analysis from [[IRIN]] * [http://zimbabwemetro.com/ Zimbabwe Metro] * [http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/ The Zimbabwean] * [http://www.talkzimbabwe.com The Zimbabwe Guardian] ; Tourism, Environment and Culture * {{wikitravel}} * [http://www.zimconservation.com ZimConservation] — News and opinions about the wildlife and environment of Zimbabwe * [http://www.zimvibes.com/ Zimbabwe Urban Culture] — Site Promoting Modern Zimbabwe Youth arts ; Non-Governmental Organisations * [http://www.kubatana.net Kubutana] The NGO Alliance Network * [http://www.zawt.org/ Zimbabwe Agricultural Welfare Trust] * [http://www.sokwanele.com Civic Action Support Group] * [http://www.crisiszimbabwe.org/ Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition] ; Community * [http://www.zimbabweansworldwide.com ZimbabweansWorldwide] — Expatriate community site * [http://www.thegreatzimbabwe.com TheGreatZimbabwe] — Online community site {{Zimbabwean topics}} {{Template group |state=collapsed |title={{resize|105%|Geographic locale}} |list= {{Africa}} {{Geography of Zimbabwe}} {{Niger-Congo-speaking nations}} }} {{Template group |state=collapsed |title={{resize|105%|International membership}} |list= {{G15}} {{SADC}} {{African Union (AU)}} }} {{Template group |state=collapsed |title={{resize|105%|History}} |list= {{Territories of the British Empire}} {{Languages of Zimbabwe}} }} [[Category:Zimbabwe| ]] [[Category:African Union member states]] [[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]] [[Category:G15 nations]] [[Category:Landlocked countries]] [[af:Zimbabwe]] [[als:Simbabwe]] [[am:ዚምባብዌ]] [[ang:Simbabwe]] [[ar:زيمبابوي]] [[an:Zimbabue]] [[frp:Zimbaboue]] [[ast:Zimbabue]] [[az:Zimbabve]] [[bn:জিম্বাবুয়ে]] [[zh-min-nan:Zimbabwe]] [[be:Зімбабве]] [[be-x-old:Зымбабвэ]] [[bs:Zimbabve]] [[br:Zimbabwe]] [[bg:Зимбабве]] [[ca:Zimbabwe]] [[cv:Зимбабве]] [[ceb:Zimbabwe]] [[cs:Zimbabwe]] [[ny:Zimbabwe]] [[sn:Zimbabwe]] [[cy:Zimbabwe]] [[da:Zimbabwe]] [[de:Simbabwe]] [[dv:ޒިމްބާބުވޭ]] [[dz:ཛིམ་བབ་ཝེ་]] [[et:Zimbabwe]] [[el:Ζιμπάμπουε]] [[es:Zimbabue]] [[eo:Zimbabvo]] [[eu:Zimbawe]] [[fa:زیمبابوه]] [[fr:Zimbabwe]] [[fy:Simbabwe]] [[ga:An tSiombáib]] [[gv:Yn Çhimbabwe]] [[gd:Siombabue]] [[gl:Cimbabue - Zimbabwe]] [[hak:Sîn-pâ-pu-vî]] [[ko:짐바브웨]] [[hi:ज़िम्बाबवे]] [[hr:Zimbabve]] [[io:Zimbabwe]] [[ilo:Zimbabwe]] [[bpy:জিম্বাবুয়ে]] [[id:Zimbabwe]] [[ie:Zimbabwe]] [[os:Зимбабве]] [[zu:IZimbabwe]] [[is:Simbabve]] [[it:Zimbabwe]] [[he:זימבבואה]] [[jv:Zimbabwe]] [[kn:ಜಿಂಬಾಬ್ವೆ]] [[pam:Zimbabwe]] [[ka:ზიმბაბვე]] [[ks:जिम्बाबवे]] [[kk:Зимбабуе]] [[kw:Zimbabwe]] [[sw:Zimbabwe]] [[kg:Zimbabwe]] [[ht:Zimbabwe]] [[ku:Zîmbabwe]] [[la:Zimbabua]] [[lv:Zimbabve]] [[lb:Simbabwe]] [[lt:Zimbabvė]] [[lij:Zimbabwe]] [[ln:Zimbabwe]] [[lmo:Zimbabwe]] [[hu:Zimbabwe]] [[mk:Зимбабве]] [[ml:സിംബാബ്‌വെ]] [[mr:झिम्बाब्वे]] [[arz:زيمبابوى]] [[mzn:زیمبابوه]] [[ms:Zimbabwe]] [[mn:Зимбабве]] [[nah:Zimbabhue]] [[nl:Zimbabwe]] [[ja:ジンバブエ]] [[no:Zimbabwe]] [[nn:Zimbabwe]] [[nov:Zimbabwe]] [[oc:Zimbabwe]] [[uz:Zimbabve]] [[ps:زېمبابوې]] [[pms:Zimbabwe]] [[nds:Simbabwe]] [[pl:Zimbabwe]] [[pt:Zimbabwe]] [[crh:Zimbabve]] [[ksh:Simbabwe]] [[ro:Zimbabwe]] [[qu:Simbabwi]] [[ru:Зимбабве]] [[sah:Зимбабуэ]] [[se:Zimbabwe]] [[sa:जिम्बाबवे]] [[sc:Zimbabwe]] [[tn:Zimbabwe]] [[sq:Zimbabveja]] [[scn:Zimbabbui]] [[si:Zසිම්බාබ්වේ]] [[simple:Zimbabwe]] [[ss:IZimbabhwe]] [[sk:Zimbabwe]] [[sl:Zimbabve]] [[szl:Zimbabwe]] [[sr:Зимбабве]] [[sh:Zimbabve]] [[su:Zimbabwé]] [[fi:Zimbabwe]] [[sv:Zimbabwe]] [[tl:Zimbabwe]] [[ta:சிம்பாப்வே]] [[te:జింబాబ్వే]] [[th:ประเทศซิมบับเว]] [[ti:ዚምባብዌ]] [[tg:Зимбабве]] [[ve:Zimbagwe]] [[tr:Zimbabve]] [[uk:Зімбабве]] [[ur:زمبابوے]] [[ug:زىمبابۋې]] [[vec:Zinbàbue]] [[vi:Zimbabwe]] [[vo:Zimbabiyän]] [[zh-classical:辛巴威]] [[war:Zimbabwe]] [[wo:Simbaawee]] [[wuu:津巴布韦]] [[ts:Zimbabwe]] [[yi:זימבאבװע]] [[yo:Zimbabwe]] [[zh-yue:津巴布韋]] [[diq:Zimbabwe]] [[zh:辛巴威]]'
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'{{pp-move-indef}} {{Infobox Country |native_name = Republic of Zimbabwe |common_name = Zimbabwe |image_flag =Flag of Zimbabwe.svg |image_coat =Coat_of_Arms_of_Zimbabwe.svg |image_map =LocationZimbabwe.svg |national_motto ="Unity, Freedom, Work" |national_anthem ={{lang|sn-Latn|''[[National Anthem of Zimbabwe|Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe]]''}}{{nbsp|2}}<small>([[Shona language|Shona]])</small><br />{{lang|nd|''[[National Anthem of Zimbabwe|Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe]]''}}{{nbsp|2}}<small>([[Northern Ndebele language|Sindebele]])<br />"Blessed be the land of Zimbabwe"</small> |official_languages = [[South African English|English]] |regional_languages = [[Shona language|Shona]], [[Northern Ndebele language|isiNdebele]] |demonym = [[List of Zimbabweans|Zimbabwean]] |capital =[[Harare]] |latd=17 |latm=50 |latNS=S |longd=31 |longm=3 |longEW=E |largest_city = bulawayo |government_type =[[semi-presidential system|Semi presidential]], [[parliamentary republic|parliamentary]], [[Consociationalism|consociationalist]] [[republic]] |leader_title1 =[[List of Presidents of Zimbabwe|President]] |leader_name1 = [[Robert Mugabe]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Zimbabwe|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] |leader_title3 = [[Vice President of Zimbabwe|Vice President]] |leader_name3 = [[Joseph Msika]]<br />[[Joice Mujuru]] |leader_title4 = [[Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe|Deputy Prime Minister]] |leader_name4 = [[Thokozani Khuphe]]<br />[[Arthur Mutambara]] |area_rank =60th |area_magnitude =1 E11 |area_km2 =390,757 |area_sq_mi =150,871 |percent_water =1 |population_estimate =13,349,000<sup>1</sup><!--UN WPP--> |population_estimate_rank =68th |population_estimate_year =January 2008 |populationk= |population_census_year = |population_density_km2 =33 |population_density_sq_mi =85 |population_density_rank =170th |GDP_PPP =$2.212 billion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=698&s=PPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=47&pr1.y=6 |title=Zimbabwe|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2009-04-22}}</ref> |GDP_PPP_rank = |GDP_PPP_year =2007 |GDP_PPP_per_capita =$188<ref name=imf2/> |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = |sovereignty_type =[[Independence]] |sovereignty_note =from the [[United Kingdom]] |established_event1 =[[Rhodesia]] |established_event2 =Zimbabwe |established_date1 =November 11, 1965 |established_date2 =April 18, 1980 |Gini =56.8 |Gini_year =2003 |Gini_category =<span style="color:#e0584e;">high</span> |FSI =110.1 {{increase}} 1.2 |FSI_year =2007 |FSI_rank =4th |FSI_category =<span style="color:red;">Alert</span> |HDI ={{increase}} 0.513 |HDI_rank =151st |HDI_year =2007 |HDI_category =<span style="color:#ffcc00">medium</span> |currency =[[Zimbabwean dollar]] <sup>2</sup> |currency_code =ZWD |country_code =ZW |time_zone =[[Central Africa Time]] |cut_offset =+2 |time_zone_DST =Not observed |c.u.t_offset_DST =+2 |drives_on = left |cctld =[[.zw]] |calling_code =263 |footnotes =<sup>1</sup> Estimates explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS.<br /> <sup>2</sup> Although it is still the official currency, the [[United States dollar]], [[South African rand]], [[Botswanan pula]], [[Pound sterling]] and [[Euro]] are mostly used instead as the local currency is practically worthless. The US Dollar has been adopted as the official currency for all government transactions with the new power-sharing regime. }} '''Zimbabwe''' ({{pronEng|zɪmˈbɑːbweɪ}}), (officially the '''Republic of Zimbabwe''' and formerly '''[[Southern Rhodesia]]''', the '''[[Rhodesia|Republic of Rhodesia]]''' and '''[[Zimbabwe Rhodesia]]''') is a [[landlocked country]] located in the southern part of the [[continent]] of [[Africa]], between the [[Zambezi]] and [[Limpopo River|Limpopo]] rivers. It is bordered by [[South Africa]] to the south, [[Botswana]] to the southwest, [[Zambia]] to the northwest and [[Mozambique]] to the east. The [[official language]] of Zimbabwe is [[South African English|English]]; however the majority of the population speaks [[Shona language|Shona]], a [[Bantu languages|Bantu language]]. Its other native language, [[Northern Ndebele language|Sindebele]], is spoken by the [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Matabele people]]. Zimbabwe today is under the reign of [[List of Presidents of Zimbabwe|President]] [[Robert Mugabe]]. [[Human rights in Zimbabwe|Human rights]] abuses<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/Regions/Africa/Zimbabwe|title=Zimbabwe|publisher=Amnesty International|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> and [[Economy of Zimbabwe|economic]] mismanagement leading to [[Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe|hyperinflation]] and impoverishment have increased popular support for newly sworn-in Prime Minister [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] and the opposition [[Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai]]. == Etymology == The name ''Zimbabwe'' derives from "''Dzimba dza mabwe''" meaning "great houses of stone" in the [[Shona language]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.somalipress.com/zimbabwe-overview/zimbabwe-big-house-stone-1145.html|title=Zimbabwe - big house of stone|publisher=Somali Press|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> Its use as the country's name is a tribute to [[Great Zimbabwe]], site of the capital of the [[Monomotapa|Empire of Great Zimbabwe]]. In other languages, such as German, the initial [[Z]] is replaced with an [[S]] so as to produce the same sound in the phonics of the said language; for example ''Zimbabwe'' is spelled "Simbabwe".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/de/Laenderinformationen/01-Laender/Simbabwe.html|title=Simbabwe|publisher=Auswärtiges Amt|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> == History == {{main|History of Zimbabwe}} By the [[Middle Ages]], there was a [[Bantu]] civilization in the region, as evidenced by ruins at [[Great Zimbabwe]] and other smaller sites, whose outstanding achievement is a unique dry stone architecture. Around the early 10th century, trade developed with [[Muslim]] [[merchant]]s on the [[Indian Ocean]] coast, helping to develop Great Zimbabwe in the 11th century. The state traded [[gold]], [[ivory]] and [[copper]] for [[cloth]] and [[glass]]. It ceased to be the leading Shona state in the mid 15th century. From circa 1250–1629, the area that is known as Zimbabwe today was ruled under the [[Mutapa Empire]], also known as ''Mwene Mutapa'', ''Monomotapa'' or ''the Empire of Great Zimbabwe'', which was renowned for its gold trade routes with [[Arabs]]. However, [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] settlers destroyed the trade and began a series of wars which left the empire in near collapse in the early 17th century.<ref>{{cite book |title=Historical Archaeology |last=Hall |first=Martin |authorlink= |coauthors=Stephen W. Silliman |year=2005 |publisher=Wiley Blackwell |location= |isbn=978-1405107518 |page= |pages=241–244 |url= }}</ref> In 1834, the [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Ndebele people]] arrived while fleeing from the [[Zulu]] leader [[Shaka]], making the area their new empire, [[Matabeleland]]. In 1837–38, the Shona were conquered by the [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Ndebele]], who arrived from south of the Limpopo and forced them to pay tribute and concentrate in northern Zimbabwe. In the 1880s, the British arrived with [[Cecil Rhodes]]'s [[British South Africa Company]]. In 1898, the name [[Southern Rhodesia]] was adopted.<ref name="conquered">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtrek.org/odyssey/africa/062699/062699monicabula.html|title=So Who Was Shaka Zulu- Really?|publisher=The Odyssey|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> === Colonial era (1888–1965) === {{main|Southern Rhodesia|Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland}} [[File:Matabeleland.png|thumb|left|[[Matabeleland]] in the 1800s.]] In 1888, British [[colonialist]] [[Cecil Rhodes]] obtained a concession for [[Rudd Concession|mining rights]] from [[King Lobengula]] of the [[Ndebele]] peoples.<ref name="mining">Hensman, Howard. ''Cecil Rhodes: A Study of a Career''. p. 106–107.</ref> Cecil Rhodes presented this concession to persuade the government of the [[United Kingdom]] to grant a [[royal charter]] to his [[British South Africa Company (BSAC)]] over [[Matabeleland]], and its subject states such as [[Mashonaland]]. Rhodes sought permission to negotiate similar concessions covering all territory between the [[Limpopo River]] and [[Lake Tanganyika]], then known as 'Zambesia'. In accordance with the terms of aforementioned concessions and treaties,<ref name="treaties">Parsons, Neil. ''A New History of Southern Africa, Second Edition'', 1993. London: Macmillan. pp. 178–181.</ref> Cecil Rhodes promoted the colonisation of the region's land, and British control over labour, precious metals and other mineral resources.<ref name="bsac">Bryce, James. ''Impressions of South Africa''. p. 170.</ref> In 1895 the BSAC adopted the name '[[The Rhodesias#Origin of the name 'Rhodesia'|Rhodesia']] for the territory of Zambesia, in honour of Cecil Rhodes. In 1898 '[[Southern Rhodesia]]' became the official denotation for the region south of the Zambezi,<ref name="adopted">{{cite web|url=http://www.nrzam.org.uk/NRJ/V3N1/V3N1.htm |publisher=Gray, J. A. (1956)|title="A Country in Search of a Name." ''The Northern Rhodesia Journal'' '''III''' (1) (1956). p. 78.|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> which later became Zimbabwe. The region to the north was administered separately by the BSAC and later named [[Northern Rhodesia]] (now [[Zambia]]). The Shona staged unsuccessful revolts (known as [[Chimurenga]]) against encroachment upon their lands, by clients of BSAC and Cecil Rhodes in 1896 and 1897.<ref name="revolts">Palamarek, Ernie. ''Hatari''. p. 132.</ref> Following the failed insurrections of 1896–97 the Ndebele and Shona groups became subject to Rhodes's administration thus precipitating [[European ethnic groups|European]] settlement en masse which led to land distribution disproportionately favouring Europeans, displacing the Shona, Ndebele, and other [[indigenous]] peoples. Southern Rhodesia became a [[self-governing colony|self-governing]] [[British Empire|British colony]] in October 1923, subsequent to a 1922 referendum. [[Rhodesian]]s served on behalf of the United Kingdom during [[World War II]], mainly in the [[East African Campaign (World War II)|East African Campaign]] against [[Axis powers of World War II|Axis]] forces in [[Italian East Africa]]. In 1953; in the face of African opposition,<ref name="fed">Parsons (1993). p. 292.</ref> Britain consolidated the two colonies of Rhodesia with [[Nyasaland]] (now [[Malawi]]) in the ill-fated [[Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland]] which was dominated by Southern Rhodesia. Growing [[African nationalism]] and general dissent, particularly in Nyasaland, admonished Britain to dissolve the Union in 1963, forming three colonies. As colonial rule was ending throughout the continent and as African-majority governments assumed control in neighbouring [[Northern Rhodesia]] and in [[Nyasaland]], the white-minority Rhodesia government led by [[Ian Smith]] made a [[Unilateral Declaration of Independence (Rhodesia)|Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI)]] from the United Kingdom on 11 November, 1965. The United Kingdom deemed this an act of rebellion, but did not re-establish control by force. The white-minority government declared itself a "[[republic]]" in 1970. A [[civil war]] ensued, with [[Joshua Nkomo]]'s [[ZAPU]] and [[Robert Mugabe]]'s [[ZANU]] using assistance from the governments of [[Zambia]] and [[Mozambique]]. Although Smith's declaration was not recognised by the United Kingdom nor any other significant power, Southern Rhodesia dropped the designation 'Southern', and claimed nation status as the [[Rhodesia|Republic of Rhodesia]] in 1970.<ref name="declaration">Judd, Denis. ''Empire: The British Imperial Experience from 1765 to the Present''. p. 372.</ref><ref name="desig">Parsons (1993). pp. 318–320.</ref> === UDI and civil war (1965–1979) === {{main|Rhodesia|Rhodesian Bush War|Zimbabwe Rhodesia|Lancaster House Agreement}} [[File:Udi2-rho.jpg|thumb|[[Ian Smith]] signing the [[Unilateral Declaration of Independence (Rhodesia)|Unilateral Declaration of Independence]] on 11 November 1965 with his cabinet watching.]] After the [[Unilateral Declaration of Independence (Rhodesia)|Unilateral Declaration of Independence]] (UDI), the British government requested [[United Nations]] [[economic sanctions]] against [[Rhodesia]] as negotiations with the Smith administration in 1966 and 1968 ended in stalemate. The Smith administration declared itself a [[republic]] in 1970 which was recognised only by South Africa,<ref name="only">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/World-Leaders-2003/Malawi-POLITICAL-BACKGROUND.html|title=Malawi political background|publisher=NationsEncyclopedia.com|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref><ref name="stalemate">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/World-Leaders-2003/Zambia-POLITICAL-BACKGROUND.html|title=Zambia political background|publisher=NationsEncyclopedia.com|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> then governed by its [[apartheid]] administration. Over the years, the [[guerrilla]] fighting against Smith's UDI government intensified. As a result, the Smith government opened negotiations with the leaders of the Patriotic Fronts — [[Zimbabwe African National Union]] (ZANU), led by [[Robert Mugabe]], and the [[Zimbabwe African People's Union]] (ZAPU), led by [[Joshua Nkomo]]. [[File:Lancaster-House-Agreement.png|thumb|left|Bishop [[Abel Muzorewa]] signs the Lancaster House Agreement seated next to [[British Foreign Minister]] [[Lord Peter Carrington]].]] In March 1978, with his regime near the brink of collapse, Smith signed an accord with three African leaders, led by Bishop [[Abel Muzorewa]], who offered safeguards for white [[civilian]]s. As a result of the [[Internal Settlement]], [[Zimbabwe Rhodesia general election, 1979|elections]] were held in April 1979. The [[United African National Council]] (UANC) party won a majority in this election. On 1 June, 1979, the leader of UANC, [[Abel Muzorewa]], became the country's [[prime minister]] and the country's name was changed to [[Zimbabwe Rhodesia]]. The internal settlement left control of the country's [[police]], security forces, [[civil service]] and [[judiciary]] in white hands. It assured whites of about one-third of the seats in parliament.<ref name="endsanctions">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/1/newsid_2492000/2492915.stm|title=On This Day|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> However, on June 12, the [[United States Senate]] voted to end economic sanctions against Zimbabwe Rhodesia. Following the [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 1979|fifth Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]] (CHOGM), held in [[Lusaka]], [[Zambia]] from 1–7 August, 1979, the [[United Kingdom|British]] government invited Muzorewa and the leaders of the [[Patriotic Front]] to participate in a constitutional conference at [[Lancaster House]]. The purpose of the conference was to discuss and reach agreement on the terms of an independence constitution and that elections should be supervised under British authority to enable Rhodesia to proceed to legal independence and the parties to settle their differences by political means. [[Lord Carrington]], [[Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs]] of the United Kingdom, chaired the conference.<ref name="chair">Chung, Fay. ''Re-living the Second Chimurenga: memories from the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe'', Preben (INT) Kaarsholm. p. 242.</ref> The conference took place from 10 September–15 December 1979 with 47 [[plenary]] sessions. On 1 December 1979, delegations from the British and Rhodesian governments and the Patriotic Front signed the [[Lancaster House Agreement]], ending the [[civil war]].<ref name="lancaster">Preston, Matthew. ''Ending Civil War: Rhodesia and Lebanon in Perspective.'' p. 25.</ref> === Independence (1980–1999) === {{main|Gukurahundi}} {{seealso|History of Zimbabwe}} Britain's [[Lord Soames]] was appointed governor to oversee the disarming of [[revolution]]ary [[guerrilla]]s, the holding of elections and the granting of independence to an uneasy [[coalition]] government with [[Joshua Nkomo]], head of ZAPU. In the [[Zimbabwean parliamentary election, 1980|elections of February 1980]], Mugabe and his ZANU won a landslide victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://richardknight.homestead.com/files/zimletmarch80.htm |title=Letter by George M. Houser, Executive Director of the American Committee on Africa (ACOA), on the 1980 independence election in Rhodesia |author=George M. Houser |accessdate=2007-12-01}}</ref> There was however opposition to a Shona win in [[Matabeleland]]. In November 1980 [[Enos Nkala]] made remarks at a rally in [[Bulawayo]], in which he warned [[ZAPU]] that [[ZANU]] would deliver a few blows against them. This started the first [[Entumbane]] uprising, in which [[ZIPRA]] and [[ZANLA]] fought for two days.<ref>[http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?page_id=20 Nyarota speaks: The Zimbabwe Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In February 1981 there was a second uprising, which spread to Glenville and also to Connemara in the Midlands. ZIPRA troops in other parts of Matabeleland headed for [[Bulawayo]] to join the battle, and ex-Rhodesian units had to come in to stop the fighting. Over 300 people were killed. <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Ndebele-masacre.jpg|thumb|The dead lining the Matabeleland countryside.]] --> These uprisings led to what has become known as Gukurahundi ({{lang-sn|"the early rain which washes away the}} [[chaff]] before the spring rains"<ref name="watch">Nyarota, Geoffrey. ''Against the Grain''. p. 134.</ref>) or the Matabeleland Massacres, which ran from 1982 until 1985. Mugabe used his [[North Korean]] trained [[Zimbabwean Fifth Brigade|Fifth Brigade]] to crush any resistance in Matabeleland. It has been estimated that 20,000 Matabele were murdered and buried in mass graves which they were forced to dig themselves and hundreds of others were allegedly tortured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boell.de/weltweit/afrika/afrika-2482.html|title=Matabeleland: Its Struggle for National Legitimacy, and the Relevance of this in the 2007 Election |accessdate:2008-12-09|publisher=Heinrich Böll Stiftung}}</ref> The violence ended after ZANU and ZAPU reached a unity agreement in 1988 that merged the two parties, creating ZANU-PF.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://badley.info/history/ZANU-PF-Zimbabwe.event.html| title= Chronology of Zimbabwe| publisher=badley.info|accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1831470.stm|title=Timeline: Zimbabwe|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref> Elections in March 1990 resulted in another victory for Mugabe and his party, which won 117 of the 120 election seats. Election observers estimated [[voter turnout]] at only 54% and found the campaign neither free nor fair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/zim1990election.htm|title=Zimbabwe: 1990 General Elections|accessdate=2008-12-09|publisher=EISA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uz.ac.zw/publications/books/pol.html |title=Voting for Democracy: A Study of Electoral Politics in Zimbabwe |publisher=Jonathon M. Moyo/University of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref> During the 1990s [[student]]s, [[trade unionist]]s and workers often demonstrated to express their discontent with the government. Students protested in 1990 against proposals for an increase in government control of [[universities]] and again in 1991 and 1992 when they clashed with police. Trade unionists and workers also criticised the government during this time. In 1992 police prevented trade unionists from holding anti-government demonstrations. In 1994 widespread industrial unrest weakened the economy. In 1996 [[civil servant]]s, [[nurse]]s, and [[junior doctor]]s went on [[Strike action|strike]] over [[salary]] issues.<ref name=l>{{cite news|url=http://africanhistory.about.com/od/zimbabwe/p/ZimbabweHist3.htm|title= A Brief History of Zimbabwe|work=[[About.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/zimoverview5.htm |title=Zimbabwe: ZANU PF hegemony and its breakdown (1990–1999)|publisher=EISA|accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref> The general health of the civilian population also began to significantly founder and by 1997 25% of the population of Zimbabwe had been infected by [[HIV]], the [[AIDS virus]].<ref name=k>{{cite news|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0862066.html|title=History of Zimbabwe|work=[[Infoplease]]}}</ref> === Decline (1999–present) === Land issues, which the liberation movement had promised to solve, re-emerged as the main issue for the [[ZANU (PF)|ruling party]] beginning in 1999. Despite majority rule and the existence of a "willing-buyer-willing-seller" land reform programme since the 1980s, ZANU (PF) claimed that [[whites in Zimbabwe|whites]] made up less than 1% of the population but held 70% of the country's commercially viable [[arable land]] (though these figures are disputed by many outside the [[Government of Zimbabwe]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/594522.stm |title=Who owns the land? |accessdate=2008-12-07|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Mugabe began to [[land reform in Zimbabwe|redistribute land]] to blacks in 2000 with a compulsory land redistribution. The legality and constitutionality of the process has regularly been challenged in the Zimbabwean High and Supreme Courts; however, the [[Zimbabwe Republic Police|policing agencies]] have rarely acted in accordance with court rulings on these matters. The chaotic implementation of the land reform led to a sharp decline in agricultural exports, traditionally the country's leading export producing sector.<ref name="humanrightswatch">{{PDFlink|[http://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/zimbabwe/ZimLand0302.pdf Fast Track Land Reform in Zimbabwe] [[Human Rights Watch]]|175&nbsp;KB}}</ref> [[Mining]] and [[tourism]] have surpassed [[agriculture]]. As a result, Zimbabwe is experiencing a severe hard-currency shortage, which has led to [[Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe|hyperinflation]] and chronic shortages in imported [[fuel]] and consumer goods. In 2002, Zimbabwe was suspended from the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] on charges of [[human rights]] abuses during the land redistribution and of [[Electoral fraud|election tampering]].<ref name="tampering">[http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/media/2003_alerts/1208.htm Zimbabwe suspended indefinitely from Commonwealth], HumanRightsFirst.org, 8 December 2003.</ref> Following elections in 2005, the government initiated "[[Operation Murambatsvina]]", a purported effort to crack down on illegal markets and homes that had seen slums emerge in towns and cities. This action has been widely condemned by opposition and international figures, who charge that it has left a substantial section of urban poor homeless.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4188702.stm|title=Zimbabwe destruction: One man's story|date=30 August 2005|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> The Zimbabwe government has described the operation as an attempt to provide decent housing to the population although they have yet to deliver any new housing for the forcibly removed people.<ref name="muram">[http://news.amnesty.org/index/ENGAFR460152006 Zimbabwe: Housing policy built on foundation of failures and lies], [[Amnesty International]], 9 August 2006.</ref> [[File:Food insecurity in Zimbabwe.svg|thumb|A map showing the food insecurity in Zimbabwe in June 2008.]] Zimbabwe's current economic and food crisis, described by some observers as the country's worst humanitarian crisis since independence, has been attributed in varying degrees, to a drought affecting the entire region, the [[HIV]]/[[AIDS]] epidemic, and the government's price controls and land reforms.<ref name="problems">[http://www.alertnet.org/thefacts/reliefresources/112239842449.htm Crisis profile: Zimbabwe's humanitarian situation], July 26, 2005. AlertNet.</ref> Life expectancy at birth for males in Zimbabwe has dramatically declined since 1990 from 60 to 37, among the lowest in the world. Life expectancy for females is even lower at 34 years.<ref>[http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=41339 "Zimbabwe Life Expectancy Lowest In The World"], ''Public Health News'', 10 April, 2006.</ref> Concurrently, the infant mortality rate has climbed from 53 to 81 deaths per 1,000 live births in the same period. Currently, 1.8 million [[HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe|Zimbabweans live with HIV]]. On 29 March, 2008, Zimbabwe held a [[Zimbabwean presidential election, 2008|presidential election]] along with a [[Zimbabwean parliamentary election, 2008|parliamentary election]]. The three major candidates were [[Robert Mugabe]] of the [[Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front]] (ZANU-PF), [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] of the [[Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai]] (MDC-T), and [[Simba Makoni]], an independent. The results of this [[Zimbabwean parliamentary election, 2008|election]] were withheld for several weeks, following which it was generally acknowledged that the MDC had achieved a significant majority of seats. However, Mugabe retained control and has not conceded the election results that would otherwise put him out of power. In late 2008, problems in Zimbabwe reached crisis proportions in the areas of living standards, public health (with a major [[2008 Zimbabwean cholera outbreak|cholera outbreak]] in December) and various public considerations.<ref name=Carter>{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081124/ap_on_re_af/af_zimbabwe|title=Carter warns situation appears dire in Zimbabwe|publisher=CELEAN JACOBSON, Associated Press Writer|accessdate=2008-12-14}}</ref> Production of [[diamond]]s at [[Marange Diamond Fields|Marange]] became the subject of international attention as more than 80 people were killed by the military<ref name=burial>{{cite news|url=http://zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=19853|title=Government looking for land for mass burial, after killing 78 miners|date=11 December 2008|publisher=SW Radio Africa via ZWnews|accessdate=2008-12-12}}</ref> and the [[World Diamond Council]] called for a clampdown on smuggling.<ref name=rapaport>{{cite news|url=http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=24471|title=Diamond Industry Calls for Clampdown on Zimbabwe Smuggling|date=12 October 2008|publisher=Rapaport|accessdate=2008-12-12}}</ref> In September 2008, a [[2008–2009 Zimbabwean political negotiations|power-sharing agreement]], between Mugabe and Tsvangirai was reached, in which, while Mugabe remained president, Tsvangirai will become prime minister. However, due to ministerial differences between their respective political parties, the agreement was not fully implemented until February 13, 2009, two days after the swearing in of Tsvangirai as [[Prime Minister of Zimbabwe]]. == Administrative divisions == [[File:Administrative Divisions of Zimbabwe.svg|300px|thumb|right|[[Provinces of Zimbabwe|Administrative divisions of Zimbabwe]]]] {{main|Provinces of Zimbabwe|Districts of Zimbabwe|Municipalities of Zimbabwe}} Zimbabwe has a [[centralised government]] and is divided into eight [[Provinces of Zimbabwe|provinces]] and two cities with provincial status, for administrative purposes. Each province has a provincial capital from where official business is usually carried out.<ref name="factbook">{{cite web|url=http://www.travlang.com/factbook/print/zi.html |title=The World Factbook |accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" border="1" style="text-align:center" |- ! Province !! Capital |- | [[Bulawayo Metropolitan Province]]|| [[Bulawayo]] |- | [[Harare Metropolitan Province]]|| [[Harare]] |- | [[Manicaland]] || [[Mutare]] |- | [[Mashonaland Central]] || [[Bindura]] |- | [[Mashonaland East]] || [[Marondera]] |- | [[Mashonaland West]] || [[Chinhoyi]] |- | [[Masvingo Province|Masvingo]] || [[Masvingo|Masvingo city]] |- | [[Matabeleland North]] || [[Lupane]] |- | [[Matabeleland South]] || [[Gwanda]] |- | [[Midlands Province|Midlands]] || [[Gweru]] |} CHEYEOOO IM SO AHHMAZINN IN AHLLL SHAPES ND SIZESSSS YAHH DIGZZ EMMM At ward level there is a Ward Development Committee, comprising the elected ward councillor, the kraalheads (traditional leaders subordinate to chiefs) and representatives of Village Development Committees. Wards are subdivided into villages, each of which has an elected Village Development Committee and a Headman (traditional leader subordinate to the kraalhead).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms%5CActs%5CTitle29_LOCAL_GOVERNMENT/TRADITIONAL_LEADERS_ACT_29_17.pdf |format=PDF|title=Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17)|publisher=Parliament of Zimbabwe|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> == Government and politics == {{main|Politics of Zimbabwe|Elections in Zimbabwe}} [[File:Mugabe procession.png|thumb|left|[[Robert Mugabe]] heading to the opening of Parliament]] Zimbabwe is a [[semi-presidential system]] [[republic]], which has a [[parliamentary]] government. Under constitutional changes in 2005, an [[upper chamber]], the [[Senate of Zimbabwe|Senate]], was reinstated.<ref name="reinstated">[http://www.kubatana.net/html/archive/legisl/050916czamd17ac.asp?sector=LEGISL Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 17) Act, 2005] NGO Network Alliance Project</ref> The [[House of Assembly of Zimbabwe|House of Assembly]] is the [[lower chamber]] of Parliament. President [[Robert Mugabe]]'s [[Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front]] (commonly abbreviated ZANU-PF) has been the dominant political party in Zimbabwe since independence.<ref>Mugabe, Robert. (2007). Encyclopædia Britannica. ''Encyclopædia Britannica 2007 Ultimate Reference Suite.'' Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica.</ref> In 1987 then-prime minister Mugabe revised the [[constitution]] and made himself president. His ZANU party has won every election since independence. In particular, the elections of 1990 were nationally and internationally condemned as being rigged, with the second-placed party, [[Edgar Tekere]]'s Zimbabwe Unity Movement, winning only 16% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/review27.15680.html|title=Tekere says Mugabe 'insecure' in new book |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> Presidential elections were again held in 2002 amid allegations of vote-rigging, intimidation and fraud.<ref name="allegations">[http://www.africa.upenn.edu/afrfocus/afrfocus041805.html Zimbabwe: Election Fraud Report], [[University of Pennsylvania]], 18 April 2005.</ref> The [[Zimbabwe parliamentary elections, 2005|2005 Zimbabwe parliamentary elections]] were held on March 31 and multiple claims of vote rigging, election fraud and intimidation were made by the MDC and [[Jonathan Moyo]], calling for investigations into 32 of the 120 constituencies.<ref name="moyo">[http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=84&art_id=qw111061602454B251 Mugabe's former ally accuses him of foul play], 12 March 2005. ''Independent Online Zimbabwe''.</ref> Jonathan Moyo participated in the elections despite the allegations and won a seat as an independent member of Parliament. General elections were again held in Zimbabwe on 30 March 2008.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7322468.stm Zimbabwe stands 'on a precipice'] [[BBC]], 31 March 2008.</ref> The official results required a runoff between Mugabe and [[Morgan Tsvangirai]], the opposition leader, however the MDC challenged these results, claiming widespread election fraud by the Mugabe government. The runoff was scheduled for June 27, 2008. On 22 June, however, citing the continuing unfairness of the process and refusing to participate in a "violent, illegitimate sham of an election process", Tsvangirai pulled out of the presidential run-off, effectively handing victory to Mugabe.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7467990.stm BBC NEWS World Africa Mugabe rival quits election race<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The [[MDC-T]] led by [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] is now the largest parliamentary party. The MDC was split into two factions. One faction ([[MDC-M]]), now led by [[Arthur Mutambara]] contested the elections to the Senate, while the other, led by Morgan Tsvangirai, opposed to contesting the elections, stating that participation in a rigged election is tantamount to endorsing Mugabe's claim that past elections were free and fair. However, the opposition parties have resumed participation in national and local elections as recently as 2006. The two MDC camps had their congresses in 2006 with [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] being elected to lead [[MDC-T]], which has become more popular than the other group. Mutambara, a robotics professor and former [[NASA]] robotics specialist has replaced [[Welshman Ncube]] who was the interim leader of [[MDC-M]] after the split. Morgan Tsvangirai did not participate in the Senate elections, while the Mutambara faction participated and won five seats in the senate. The [[MDC-M|Mutambara formation]] has however been weakened by defections from MPs and individuals who are disillusioned by their manifesto. As of 2008, the [[Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai]] has become the most popular, with crowds as large as 20,000 attending their rallies as compared to between 500–5,000 for the other formation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20020304/ai_n12599969 |title=Contrast in styles as contenders hold rallies in Harare townships |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> On 28 April 2008, Tsvangirai and Mutambara announced at a joint news conference in [[Johannesburg]] that the two MDC formations were cooperating, enabling the MDC to have a clear parliamentary majority.<ref name=SABCre>[http://www.sabcnews.com/africa/southern_africa/0,2172,168544,00.html "Zimbabwe’s MDC factions reunite"], SABC News, April 28, 2008.</ref><ref name=Reunites>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7371823.stm "Opposition reunites in Zimbabwe"], BBC News, April 28, 2008.</ref> Tsvangirai said that Mugabe could not remain President without a parliamentary majority.<ref name=Reunites/> On the same day, Silaigwana announced that the recounts for the final five constituencies had been completed, that the results were being collated and that they would be published on 29 April.<ref>Cris Chinaka, [http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=84&art_id=nw20080429090305447C903360 "All eyes on Zim as ZEC wrap-up recount"], Reuters (''IOL''), April 29, 2008.</ref> In mid-September, 2008, after protracted negotiations overseen by the leaders of South Africa and Mozambique, Mugabe and Tsvangirai signed a power-sharing deal which would see Mugabe retain control over the army. Donor nations have adopted a 'wait-and-see' attitude, wanting to see real change being brought about by this merger before committing themselves to funding rebuilding efforts, which are estimated to take at least five years. On 11 February 2009 Tsvangirai was sworn in as Prime Minister by President Mugabe. In November, 2008, the government of Zimbabwe spent $7.3 million donated by the [[Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria]]. A representative of the organization declined to speculate on how the money was spent, except that it was not for the intended purpose, and the government has failed to honor requests to return the money.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/world/africa/03zimbabwe.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Aid Group Says Zimbabwe Misused $7.3 Million], [[The New York Times]], November 2, 2008.</ref> == Human rights == {{Main|Human rights in Zimbabwe}} [[File:Demonstration against Mugabe.JPG|thumb|[[Protester]]s against the Mugabe regime abroad; protests are discouraged by Zimbabwean police in Zimbabwe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/03/2437229.htm|title=Police baton charge Harare protesters|accessdate=2008-12-07|publisher=ABC News}}</ref>]] There are widespread reports of systematic and escalating violations of human rights in Zimbabwe under the [[Robert Mugabe|Mugabe administration]] and his party, [[Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front|ZANU-PF]]. According to [[human rights]] organisations such as [[Amnesty International]]<ref name="AI">{{cite web |url=http://web.amnesty.org/report2005/zwe-summary-eng |title=Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-12-02 |publisher=Amnesty International }}</ref> and [[Human Rights Watch]]<ref name="hrw">{{cite web |url=http://hrw.org/englishwr2k7/docs/2007/01/11/zimbab14720.htm |title=Zimbabwe — Events of 2006 |accessdate=2007-12-02 |publisher=Human Rights Watch }}</ref> the government of Zimbabwe violates the rights to shelter, food, [[freedom of movement]] and residence, [[freedom of assembly]] and the [[rule of law|protection of the law]]. There have been alleged assaults on the [[News media|media]], the [[political opposition]], [[civil society]] activists, and [[human rights defender]]s. Opposition gatherings are frequently the subject of brutal attacks by the [[police]] force, such as the crackdown on a 11 March 2007 [[Movement for Democratic Change]] (MDC) rally and several others in the 2008 election campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10517688|title=Zimbabwe election violence spreads to Harare |accessdate=2008-12-07|publisher=New Zealand Herald}}</ref> In the attacks of 2007, party leader [[Morgan Tsvangirai]] and 49 other opposition activists were arrested and severely beaten by the police. After his release, Morgan Tsvangirai told the [[BBC]] that he suffered head injuries and blows to the arms, knees and back, and that he lost a significant amount of blood.<ref name="bbc_Morgan">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6449691.stm |title=Unbowed Tsvangirai urges defiance |accessdate=2007-12-02 |date=2007-03-14 |publisher=BBC }}</ref> The police action was strongly condemned by the [[United Nations Secretary-General|UN Secretary-General]], [[Ban Ki-moon]], the [[European Union]] and the [[United States]].<ref name="bbc_Morgan"/> While noting that the activists had suffered injuries, but not mentioning the cause of them,<ref name="herald">{{cite web|title=Opposition protesters’ case not heard|author=The Herald, Zimbabwe|date=2007-03-14|url=http://www.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=16333&cat=1|accessdate=2007-03-14}}</ref> the Zimbabwean government-controlled daily newspaper ''[[The Herald (Zimbabwe)|The Herald]]'' claimed the police had intervened after demonstrators "ran amok looting shops, destroying property, mugging civilians, and assaulting police officers and innocent members of the public". The newspaper also argued that the opposition had been "wilfully violating the ban on political rallies".<ref name="herald"/> [[File:ZBC logo.jpg|thumb|The [[Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation|ZBC]] is the public broadcaster]] There is also an abuse of human rights in the media. The Zimbabwean government suppresses freedom of the press and freedom of speech.<ref name = "AI" /> It has also been repeatedly accused of using the public broadcaster, the [[Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation]], as a [[propaganda]] tool.<ref name="propaganda">[http://www.pressreference.com/Uz-Z/Zimbabwe.html Zimbabwe Press, Media, TV, Radio, Newspapers] ''Press Reference'', 2006.</ref> Newspapers critical of the government, such as the ''[[Daily News (Harare)|Daily News]]'', closed after bombs exploded at their offices and the government refused to renew their license.<ref name="bombs">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/1141168.stm Zimbabwe newspaper bombed] ''BBC News'', 28 January 2001.</ref><ref name="license">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C05E0DB1E3BF934A35751C0A9629C8B63 Zimbabwe: Newspaper Silenced], February 7, 2004. ''New York Times''.</ref> [[BBC News]], [[Sky News]], and [[CNN]] have also been banned from filming or reporting from Zimbabwe. They continue to report on happenings within Zimbabwe from neighbouring countries like South Africa.<ref name="networks">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/newswatch/ukfs/hi/newsid_4400000/newsid_4401700/4401767.stm Why did Zimbabwe ban the BBC?], April 1, 2005. ''BBC News''.</ref><ref>[http://zimbabwemetro.com/2008/06/22/al-jazeera-kicked-out-of-zimbabwe Al Jazeera kicked out of Zimbabwe], June 22, 2008. ''Zimbabwe Metro''.</ref> == Armed forces == {{main|Military of Zimbabwe}} [[File:Flag of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.svg|thumb|left|Flag of the [[Zimbabwe Defence Forces]]]] The existence of the [[Zimbabwe Defence Forces]] (ZDF) is enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Chapter X, 96 (1), which states that, {{cquote|For the purpose of defending Zimbabwe, there shall be defence forces consisting of an [[army]], an [[air force]] and such other branches, if any, of the defence forces as may be provided for by or under an [[act of parliament]].<ref name="minist"/>}} The ZDF was set up by the integration of three belligerent forces, the [[Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army]], (ZANLA) and the [[Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army]], (ZIPRA) on one side and the Rhodesian Security Forces (RSF) on the other at the end of the [[Rhodesian Bush War]] in 1980. The integration period saw the formation of The [[Zimbabwe National Army]] (ZNA) and [[Air Force of Zimbabwe]] (AFZ) as separate entities under the command of Rtd [[General]] [[Solomon Mujuru]] and the late Rtd [[Air Chief Marshal]] [[Josiah Tungamirai]] respectively. The integration commanders handed over the Zimbabwean flags to then [[Lieutenant General]] Vitalis Zvinavashe, who later became the first Commander Defence Forces (1993), and [[Air Marshal]] [[Perrance Shiri]] in 1992, and subsequently in the ZNA to then [[Lieutenant General]] Constantine Chiwenga in 1993. The approval of the Defence Amendment Bill saw the setting up of a single command for the Defence Forces in 1993. Rtd. General Vitalis Zvinavashe became the first commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, with the commanders of both the Army and the Air Force falling under his command. Following his retirement in December 2003, General Constantine Chiwenga, was promoted and appointed Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Lieutenant General P. V. Sibanda replaced him as Commander of the Army.<ref name="minist">{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.gov.zw/zdf/zdf.htm |title=Zimbabwe Ministry of Defence |accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref> The ZNA currently has an active duty strength of 30,000. The Air Force has about 5,139 men assigned.<ref name="Airforce of Zimbabwe">{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbabwedefence.com/AFZ0.html|title=Zimbabwe Defence Forces News|publisher=ZDF News|accessdate=2009-04-17}}</ref> The [[Zimbabwe Republic Police]] (includes Police Support Unit, Paramilitary Police) is also part of the defence force of Zimbabwe and numbers 25,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbabwejournalists.com/story.php?art_id=3364&cat=4 |title=Militarisation of Zimbabwe: Does the opposition stand a chance? |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> In 1999, the Government of Zimbabwe sent a sizeable military force into the Democratic Republic of [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]] to support the government of President [[Laurent Kabila]] during the [[Second Congo War]]. Those forces were largely withdrawn in 2002. === Zimbabwe National Army === {{main|Zimbabwe National Army}} [[File:Flag of the Zimbabwe National Army.svg|thumb|Flag of the Army of Zimbabwe]] The Zimbabwe National Army or ZNA was created in 1980 from elements of the [[Rhodesian]] Army, integrated to a greater or lesser extent with combatants from the [[ZANLA]] and [[ZIPRA]] [[guerrilla warfare|guerrilla]] movements (the armed wings of, respectively, [[ZANU]] and [[ZAPU]]). Following majority rule in early 1980, [[British Army]] trainers oversaw the integration of guerrilla fighters into a [[battalion]] structure overlaid on the existing Rhodesian armed forces. For the first year a system was followed where the top-performing candidate became [[battalion]] commander. If he or she was from ZANLA, then his or her second-in-command was the top-performing ZIPRA candidate, and vice versa.<ref>{{cite book | first=Peter | last=Godwin | authorlink=Peter Godwin | year=1996 | title=Mukiwa - A White Boy in Africa }}</ref> This ensured a balance between the two movements in the command structure. From early 1981 this system was abandoned in favour of political appointments, and [[ZANLA]]/[[ZANU]] fighters consequently quickly formed the majority of battalion commanders in the ZNA. The ZNA was originally formed into four [[brigade]]s, composed of a total of 28 battalions. The brigade support units were composed almost entirely of specialists of the former Rhodesian Army, while unintegrated battalions of the [[Rhodesian African Rifles]] were assigned to the 1st, 3rd and 4th Brigades. The notorious [[Zimbabwean Fifth Brigade|Fifth Brigade]] was formed in 1981 and disbanded in 1988 after allegations of brutality and murder during the Brigade's occupation of [[Matabeleland]] in what has become known as [[Gukurahundi]] ({{lang-sn|"the early rain which washes away the chaff before the spring rains"}}).<ref name="watch"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.gov.zw/army/zna.htm |title=Ministry of Defence, Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-11-11}}</ref> However the Brigade had been reformed by 2006, with its commander, Brigadier-General [[John Mupande]] praising its "rich history".<ref name="Herald Reporter">{{cite news|url=http://www.zimbabwedefence.com/News_5th_Gets_Comm.html|publisher=Zimbabwe Defence Forces News|title=5th Brigade gets new commander|date=22 feb 2006|accessdate=2009-04-18}}</ref> == Economy == {{main|Economy of Zimbabwe}} [[File:Zimbabwean Exports 2006.svg|thumb|Zimbabwean exports in 2006]] [[File:Key Crops production in Zimbabwe.svg|thumb|Crop production in Zimbabwe has considerably fallen in recent years]] Mineral exports, agriculture, and tourism are the main foreign currency earners of Zimbabwe.<ref name = "FA_Canada">{{cite web |url=http://infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=1589 |title=Country Profile – Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-12-02 |publisher=Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada |quote= Since the country is well endowed with natural resources such as [[mineral]]s, [[arable land]] and [[wildlife]], many opportunities lie in resource-based activities such as [[mining]], [[agriculture]] and [[tourism]] and their downstream industrial activities. }}</ref> The mining sector remains very lucrative, with some of the world's largest [[platinum]] reserves being mined by [[Anglo-American]] and [[Impala]] Platinum.<ref name=nofix/> Zimbabwe is the biggest trading partner of [[South Africa]] on the continent.<ref name = "AN_economy">{{cite news |url=http://www.africanews.com/site/list_messages/12598 |title=Zimbabwe-South Africa economic relations since 2000 |accessdate=2007-12-03 |date=2007-10-31 |publisher=Africa News |quote=Zimbabwe remains South Africa's most important trading partner in Africa.}}</ref> Zimbabwe maintained positive economic growth throughout the 1980s (5.0% GDP growth per year) and 1990s (4.3% GDP growth per year). However, the economy declined from 2000: 5% decline in 2000, 8% in 2001, 12% in 2002 and 18% in 2003.<ref>Richardson, C.J. 2005. The loss of property rights and the collapse of Zimbabwe. ''Cato Journal'', '''25''', 541-565. [http://www.cato.org/pubs/journal/cj25n3/cj25n3-12.pdf]</ref> The government of Zimbabwe faces a variety of economic problems after having abandoned earlier efforts to develop a market-oriented economy. Problems include a shortage of [[Foreign exchange market|foreign exchange]], soaring inflation, and supply shortages. Zimbabwe's involvement from 1998 to 2002 in the war in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] drained hundreds of millions of dollars from the economy.<ref name="drained">[http://www.hrforumzim.com/reports/tort990003/torture990003b.htm Organised Violence and Torture in Zimbabwe in 1999], 1999. ''[[Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum]]''.</ref> The downward spiral of the economy has been attributed mainly to mismanagement and corruption of the Mugabe regime and the eviction of more than 4,000 white farmers in the controversial land redistribution of 2000.<ref name=CNN-2000-04-18>[http://archives.cnn.com/2000/WORLD/africa/04/18/zimbabwe.land.03/ ''"Zimbabwe President Mugabe labels white farmers 'enemies'"''] — [[CNN]] — April 18, 2000.</ref><ref name=Time-2002-02-18>Robinson, Simon. [http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,203620,00.html ''"A Tale of Two Countries"''] — [[Time Magazine]] — Monday, February 18, 2002.</ref><ref name=USAToday-2002-06-24>[http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2002/06/25/zimbabwe.htm ''"Zimbabwe forbids white farmers to harvest"''] — [[USA Today]] — 06/24/2002.</ref><ref name=BBC-2002-08-15>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2192947.stm ''"White farmers under siege in Zimbabwe"''] — [[BBC]] — Thursday, 15 August, 2002.</ref> This has also resulted in Zimbabwe, previously an exporter of [[maize]], becoming a net importer.<ref name=nofix/> [[Tobacco]] exports have also declined sharply. The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force released a report in June 2007, estimating 60% of Zimbabwe's wildlife has died since 2000. The report warns that the loss of life combined with widespread [[deforestation]] is potentially disastrous for the tourist industry.<ref>{{cite news|title=Zimbabwe's Wildlife Decimated by Economic Crisis|author=Nick Wadhams|location=Nairobi|publisher=[[National Geographic News]]|date=[[2007-08-01]]|accessdate=2007-08-05|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070801-zimbabwe-animals.html}}</ref> Inflation rose from an annual rate of 32% in 1998<ref name="Zimbabwe inflation at 11,200,000"/> to an [[IMF]] estimate of 150,000% in December 2007,{{fact|date=February 2009}} and to an official estimated high of 231,000,000% in July 2008 according to the country's Central Statistical Office,<ref name="Zimbabwe inflation at 11,200,000">{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/08/19/zimbabwe.inflation/index.html |title=Zimbabwe inflation hits 11,200,000 |accessdate=2008-08-19 |author= |date=2008-08-19 |work= |publisher=CNN.com}}</ref>. This represented a state of [[Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe|hyperinflation]], and the central bank introduced a new 100 billion dollar note.<ref>[http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080719/tbs-zimbabwe-economy-inflation-5268574.html Z$100Bn note]</ref> As of November 2008, unofficial figures put Zimbabwe's annual inflation rate at 516 quintillion per cent, with prices doubling every 1.3 days. Zimbabwe's inflation crisis is now (2009) the second worst inflation spike in history, behind the hyperinflationary crisis of [[Hungary]] in 1946, in which prices doubled every 15.6 hours.<ref>Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zimbabwe/3453540/Zimbabwe-hyperinflation-will-set-world-record-within-six-weeks.html</ref> By 2005, the purchasing power of the average Zimbabwean had dropped to the same levels in real terms as 1953.<ref>Clemens, M. and Moss, T. 2005. ''Costs and Causes of Zimbabwe's Crisis''. [http://www.cgdev.org/content/publications/detail/2918/ Centre for Global Development]</ref> Local residents have largely resorted to buying essentials from neighbouring [[Botswana]], South Africa and [[Zambia]]. In 2005, the government, led by central bank governor [[Gideon Gono]], started making overtures that white farmers could come back. There were 400 to 500 still left in the country, but much of the land that had been confiscated was no longer productive.<ref name=Meldrum-2005-05-21>Meldrum, Andrew. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/zimbabwe/article/0,2763,1489173,00.html ''"As country heads for disaster, Zimbabwe calls for return of white farmers"''] — [[The Guardian]] — May 21, 2005.</ref> In January 2007, the government even let some white farmers sign long term leases.<ref name=Timberg-WP-2007-01-06>Timberg, Craig. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/05/AR2007010501746_pf.html ''"White Farmers Given Leases In Zimbabwe"''] — [[Washington Post]] — Saturday, January 6, 2007.</ref> But, the government reversed course again and started demanding that all remaining white farmers leave the country or face jail.<ref name=AP/WP-2007-02-05>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/05/AR2007020501262_pf.html ''"Zimbabwe threatens white farmers"''] — [[Associated Press|AP]] — (c/o [[Washington Post]] — Monday, February 5, 2007.</ref><ref name=Chinaka-2007-08-08>Chinaka, Cris. [http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL0839141020070808 ''"Zimbabwe threatens white farmers on evictions"''] — [[Reuters]] — August 8, 2007.</ref> In August 2006, a new revalued [[Zimbabwean dollar]] was introduced, equal to 1000 of the prior Zimbabwean. The exchange rate fell from 24 old Zimbabwean dollars per [[U.S. dollar]] (USD) in 1998 to 250,000 prior or 250 new Zimbabwean dollars per USD at the official rate,<ref name="usd">{{cite web|url=http://www.rbz.co.zw|title=RBZ}}</ref> and an estimated 120,000,000 old or 120,000 revalued Zimbabwean dollars per US dollar on the parallel market,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/jun16a_2007.html#Z6|title=Zimbabwe Situation}}</ref> in June 2007. In January, 2009, Zimbabwe introduced a new Z$100 trillion banknote.<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/16/zimbabwe-hyper-inflation-mugabe-tsvangirai</ref> On January 29, in an effort to counteract his country's runaway inflation, acting Finance Minister [[Patrick Chinamasa]] announced that Zimbabweans will be permitted to use other, more stable currencies (e.g. the [[Euro]]) to do business, alongside the Zimbabwe dollar.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7859033.stm Zimbabwe abandons its currency] BBC News, January 29 2009.</ref> On February 2, 2009, the RBZ announced that a further 12 zeros were to be taken off the currency, with 1,000,000,000,000 (third) Zimbabwe dollars being exchanged for 1 new (fourth) dollar. New banknotes are to be introduced with a face value of Z$1, Z$5, Z$10, Z$20, Z$50, Z$100 and Z$500.The banknotes of the fourth dollar are to circulate alongside the third dollar, which will remain legal tender until 30 June 2009.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7865259.stm]</ref> Mugabe points to foreign governments and alleged "sabotage" as the cause of the fall of the Zimbabwean economy, as well as the country's 80% formal unemployment rate.<ref name="unemployment">[http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9475943 How to stay alive when it all runs out], 12 July, 2007. ''The Economist''.</ref> Critics of Mugabe's administration, including the majority of the international community, blame Mugabe's controversial programme which sought to seize land from white commercial farmers. Mugabe has repeatedly blamed sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the [[European Union]] and the [[United States]] for the state of the Zimbabwean economy. According to the United States, however, these [[sanction]]s target only seven specific businesses owned or controlled by government officials and not ordinary citizens.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2004/30091.htm |title=Zimbabwe: Sanctions Enhancement |publisher=[[United States Department of State]] |date=2004-03-02 }}</ref> During a meeting of the [[Southern African Development Community]] in 2007, a call was issued for the sanctions to be removed.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1173879224459&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Analysis: Africa fails again to deal with Zimbabwe], ''[[The Jerusalem Post]]'', 1 April, 2007.</ref> Private enterprise in Zimbabwe has weakened lately. Government spending is 56.4 % of GDP. It has partly been financed by printing money, which has led to [[hyperinflation]]. State enterprises are strongly subsidized, taxes and tariffs are high. State regulation is costly to companies, starting or closing a business is slow and costly.<ref name="Heritage: Zimbabwe">http://www.heritage.org/index/Country/Zimbabwe Heritage: Zimbabwe.</ref> The labor market is highly regulated, hiring a worker is cumbersome, firing a worker is difficult and the unemployment has risen to 80 % (2005).<ref name="Heritage: Zimbabwe"/> Since 2000 president Mugabe has confiscated lands of white farmers, and this former net exporter of grain has now been plagued by hunger. The country has a high level of corruption. == Demographics == {{main|Demographics of Zimbabwe}} Zimbabwe's total population is 12&nbsp;million.<ref name = "CIA The World Factbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/zi.html |title=Zimbabwe |work=[[The World Factbook]] |publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |date=2008-05-15 |accessdate=2008-05-26}}</ref> According to the [[United Nations]] [[World Health Organisation]], the life expectancy for men is 37&nbsp;years and the life expectancy for women is 34&nbsp;years of age, the lowest in the world in 2006.<ref>{{cite book | title = The World Health Report 2006|url=http://www.who.int/entity/whr/2006/annex/06_annex1_en.pdf|chapter=Annex Table 1—Basic indicators for all Member States|author=The World Health Organization|format=PDF|accessdate=2008-12-30}}</ref> An association of doctors in Zimbabwe has made calls for President Mugabe to make moves to assist the ailing health service.<ref>{{cite news|title=In Zimbabwe, life ends before 40|author=Peta Thornycroft|location=Harare|publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=[[2006-04-10]]|accessdate=2006-04-10|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/in-zimbabwe-life-ends-before-40/2006/04/09/1144521210993.html}}</ref> The [[HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe|HIV infection rate in Zimbabwe]] was estimated to be 20.1% for people aged 15–49 in 2006.<ref name="UNAIDS">{{cite web |url=http://www.unaids.org/en/Regions_Countries/Countries/zimbabwe.asp=1376 |title =Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-12-03 |publisher=UNAIDS }}</ref> [[UNESCO]] reported a decline in HIV prevalence among pregnant women from 26% in 2002 to 21% in 2004.<ref name = "UNESCO">{{cite web |url=http://www.harare.unesco.org/educaids/zimprevalence.html |title =HIV Prevalence Rates Fall in Zimbabwe|accessdate=2007-12-03 |publisher=UNESCO }}</ref> Shona, Ndebele and English are the principal [[languages]] of Zimbabwe, English being the [[official language]]. Less than 2.5%, mainly the white and [[Coloured]] (mixed race) minorities, consider English their native language. The rest of the population speak [[Shona language|Shona]] (76%) and [[Northern Ndebele language|Ndebele]] (18%).<ref name="languages">[http://www.gapadventures.com/docs/pdi/africa/Zimbabwe.pdf Zimbabwe] GAP Adventures</ref> Shona has a rich oral tradition, which was incorporated into the first Shona novel, ''Feso'' by [[Solomon Mutswairo]], published in 1956.<ref name="feso">[http://www.unc.edu/~ottotwo/mothertongue.html Mother Tongue: Interviews with Musaemura B. Zimunya and Solomon Mutswairo] University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</ref> English is spoken primarily in the cities, but less so in rural areas. Radio and television news is now broadcast in [[Shona]], [[Ndebele]] and [[English language|English]]. Sixty two percent of Zimbabweans attend [[Christianity|Christian]] religious services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761575825_3/Zimbabwe.html |title=MSN Encarta |accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> The largest Christian churches are [[Anglican]], [[Roman Catholic]], [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventist]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://adventistatlas.org/ViewCountry.asp?CtryCode=zw |title=Zimbabwe |accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> and [[Methodist]]. However like most former European [[colony|colonies]], Christianity is often mixed with enduring traditional beliefs. Besides Christianity, [[Ancestor worship|ancestral worship]] is the most practiced non-Christian [[religion]] which involves ancestor worship and [[spirituality|spiritual]] intercession; the Mbira Dza Vadzimu, which means "Voice of the Ancestors", an instrument related to many [[lamellophone]]s ubiquitous throughout Africa, is central to many ceremonial proceedings. Mwari simply means "God the Creator" (musika vanhu in Shona). Around 1% of the population is [[Muslim]].<ref name = "US_state">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51503.htm |title =Zimbabwe — International Religious Freedom Report 2005|accessdate=2007-12-03 |publisher=U.S. Department of State |quote=An estimated 1% of the total population is Muslim. }}</ref> Black ethnic groups make up 98% of the population. The majority people, the [[Shona people|Shona]], comprise 80 to 84%. The [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Ndebele]] are the second most populous with 10 to 15% of the population.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.scholars.nus.edu.sg/post/zimbabwe/zpeople.html |title=The People of Zimbabwe |accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref><ref name="ethnic">{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108169.html |title=Ethnicity/Race of Zimbabwe |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> The Ndebele are descended from [[Zulu]] migrations in the 19th century and the other tribes with which they intermarried. Support for the opposition is particularly strong both from the Ndebele and the Shona majority. Up to one million Ndebele may have left the country over the last five years, mainly for South Africa. [[Bantu peoples|Bantus]] of other races are the third largest with 2 to 5%.<ref name="ethnic"/> Other less populous Zimbabwean ethnic groups include [[Whites in Zimbabwe|white Zimbabweans]], mostly of British origin, but some are of [[Afrikaner]], [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] and [[Dutch people|Dutch]] origin as well, who make up less than 1.0%. The white population dropped from a peak of around 296,000 in 1975 to possibly 120,000 in 1999 and was estimated at no more than 50,000 in 2002, possibly much less.<ref> Quarterly Digest Of Statistics, Zimbabwe Printing and Stationery Office, 1999.</ref> Most emigration has been to the UK, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, [[Canada]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. [[Coloured|Mixed race]] citizens are 0.5% and various [[Asian people|Asian]] ethnic groups, mostly of [[India]]n and [[Chinese people|Chinese]] origin, are also 0.5%.<ref>Quarterly Digest of Statistics, 1998, Zimbabwe Printing and Stationery Office</ref> Asian immigrants are influential in the economic sector. === Refugee crisis === The economic meltdown and repressive political measures in Zimbabwe have led to a flood of refugees into neighbouring countries. An estimated 3.4 million Zimbabweans, a quarter of the population, had fled abroad by mid 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2115988,00.html|title=Refugees flood from Zimbabwe ''The Observer''}}</ref> Some 3 million of these have gone to South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sokwanele.com/articles/sokwanele/zimrefugeessufferinsouthafricaandzimbabwe_20July2007.html|title=Zimbabwean refugees suffer in Botswana and South Africa ''Sokwanele Civic Action Group''}}</ref> Apart from the people who fled into the neighbouring countries, there are up to one million internally-displaced persons (IDPs). There is no current comprehensive survey,<ref name=IDMC>{{cite web|url=http://www.internal-displacement.org/countries/zimbabwe''Internal|title=Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), Internal displacement in Zimbabwe''}}</ref> although the following figures are available: {| class="wikitable table" |- ! Survey ! Number ! Date ! Source |- | national survey | 880-960,000 | 2007 | Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee <ref>{{cite web|title=The Many Faces of Displacement: IDPs in Zimbabwe|author=|publisher=[[Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre]]|location=Geneva|date=2008|format=[[Portable document format|pdf]]|url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/pdfid/48ad3b70c.pdf|accessdate=2009-04-13}}</ref> |- | former farm workers | 1,000,000 | 2008 | UNDP <ref name=IDMC/> |- | victims of [[Operation Murambatsvina]] | 570,000 | 2005 | UN <ref>{{cite web|title=Report of the Fact-Finding Mission to Zimbabwe to assess the Scope and Impact of Operation Murambatsvina|author=Tibaijuka, A.K.|publisher=UN Special Envoy on Human Settlements Issues in Zimbabwe|location=Geneva|date=2005|format=[[Portable document format|pdf]]|url=http://www.un.org/News/dh/infocus/zimbabwe/zimbabwe_rpt.pdf|accessdate=2009-04-13}}</ref> |- | people displaced by political violence | 36,000 | 2008 | UN <ref name=IDMC/> |- |} The above surveys do not include people displaced by [[Operation Chikorokoza Chapera]] or beneficiaries of the fast-track land reform programme but who have since been evicted.<ref name=IDMC/> == Health == [[File:2008 Zimbabwe Cholera Outbreak Combined.svg|thumb|A map showing the spread of [[cholera]] in and around Zimbabwe put together from several sources.]] {{seealso|HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe}} {{seealso|2008 Zimbabwean cholera outbreak}} At independence, the policies of racial inequality were reflected in the disease patterns of the black majority. The first five years after independence saw rapid gains in areas such as immunization coverage, access to health care and contraceptive prevalence rate.<ref>Davies, R. and Sanders, D. 1998. Adjustment policies and the welfare of children: Zimbabwe, 1980-1985. In: Cornia, G.A., Jolly, R. and Stewart, F. (Eds.) ''Adjustment with a human face, Vol. II: country case studies''.Clarendon Press, Oxford, 272-99. [http://www.popline.org/docs/0891/272234.html]</ref> Zimbabwe was thus considered internationally to have a achieved a good record of health development.<ref>Dugbatey, K. 1999. National health policies: [[sub-Sahara]]n African case studies (1980-1990). ''Soc. Sci. Med.'', '''49''', 223-239. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10414831]</ref> However, these gains were eroded by structural adjustment in the 1990s,<ref>Marquette, C.M. 1997. Current poverty, structural adjustment, and drought in Zimbabw. ''World Development'', '''25''', 1141-1149 [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(97)00019-3]</ref> the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic<ref name=nofix/> and the economic crisis since the year 2000. Zimbabwe now has one of the lowest life expectancies on Earth - 44 for men and 43 for women,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/socind/health.htm|title=United Nations Statistics Division|accessdate=2008-12-07}}</ref> down from 60 in 1990. The rapid drop has been ascribed mainly to the [[HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe|HIV/AIDS pandemic]]. [[Infant mortality]] has risen from 59 per thousand in the late 1990s to 123 per 1000 by 2004.<ref name=nofix>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7346042.stm|title=No quick fix for Zimbabwe's economy |date=14 April 2008|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-12-19}}</ref> The health system has more or less collapsed: By the end of November 2008, three of Zimbabwe's four major [[hospital]]s had shut down, along with the Zimbabwe [[Medical School]] and the fourth major hospital had two [[ward]]s and no [[operating theatre]]s working.<ref name=hospitals>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7714892.stm|title=The death throes of Harare's hospitals|date=7 November 2008|publisher=BBC |accessdate=2008-12-03}}</ref> Due to [[Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe|hyperinflation]], those hospitals still open are not able to obtain basic drugs and [[medicine]]s.<ref name=coping>{{cite news|url=http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/zimbabwe-feature-261108?opendocument|title=Zimbabwe: coping with the cholera outbreak|date=26 November 2008|publisher=|accessdate=2008-12-03}}</ref> The ongoing political and economic crisis also contributed to the [[emigration]] of the doctors and people with medical knowledge.<ref name="Zimbabwe cholera deaths near 500 ">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7760088.stm|title=Zimbabwe cholera deaths near 500 |date=2 December 2008|publisher=BBC |accessdate=2008-12-02}}</ref> In August 2008, large areas of Zimbabwe were struck by the ongoing [[cholera]] [[epidemic]]. By December 2008 more than 10,000 people had been infected in all but one of Zimbabwe's provinces and the outbreak had spread to [[Botswana]], [[Mozambique]], [[South Africa]] and [[Zambia]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7768740.stm "PM urges Zimbabwe cholera action"], ''BBC'', December 6, 2008.</ref><ref name=Milliband>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5294534.ece "Miliband backs African calls for end of Mugabe"], ''[[The Times]]'', December 5, 2008.</ref> On December 4, 2008 the [[government of Zimbabwe|Zimbabwe government]] declared the outbreak to be a national [[emergency]], and has asked for international aid.<ref name="Zimbabwe declares national emergency over cholera">{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4B31T420081204?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&rpc=69&pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0|title=Zimbabwe declares national emergency over cholera|date=December 4, 2008|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=2008-12-04}}</ref><ref name=emergency>{{cite news|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hsW9YNn1roEp0rzjeGSJo0pKcj2A|title=Zimbabwe declares cholera outbreak a national emergency|date=4 December 2008|publisher=AFP|accessdate=2008-12-04}}</ref> By March 9 2009 The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 4,011 people had succumbed to the waterborne disease since the outbreak began in August 2008, and the total number of cases recorded had reached 89,018.<ref name="On the cholera frontline">[http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=83378 On the cholera frontline] March 9, 2009, [[IRIN]]</ref> In [[Harare]], the city council offered free graves to cholera victims.<ref name=rain>{{cite news|url=http://africa.reuters.com/top/news/usnJOE4AT06A.html|title=Zimbabwe says cholera epidemic may spread with rain|date=30 November 2008|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=2008-12-03}}</ref> There have been signs that the disease is abating, with cholera infections down by about 50 percent to around 4,000 cases a week.<ref name="On the cholera frontline"/> == Education == {{main|Education in Zimbabwe}} [[File:Literacy rate world.svg|thumb|Zimbabwe's adult literacy rate is amongst the highest in Africa]] Zimbabwe has an [[Literacy|adult literacy rate]] of approximately 90% which is amongst the highest in Africa.<ref name="literacy">[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/zi.html#People CIA World Factbook]</ref><ref name="littwo">[http://www.cso.gov.bw/html/liter_survey.htm Botswana Literacy Survey 2003], [[Central Statistics Office]], [[Botswana]]</ref><ref name="worldbank">{{PDFlink|[http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000887/P1006-Zimbabwe_CAE_May2004.pdf Zimbabwe Country Assistance Evaluation] [[World Bank]]|344&nbsp;KB}}</ref> Since 1995 the adult literacy rate of Zimbabwe has steadily decreased, a trend shared by other African countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hdrstats.undp.org/indicators/16.html |title=Human development index |author=United Nations Development Programme |accessdate=2007-11-15}}</ref> The wealthier portion of the population usually send their children to [[independent school]]s as opposed to the [[Government school|government-run]] schools which are attended by the majority as these are subsidised by the government. School education was made free in 1980, but since 1988, the government has steadily increased the charges attached to school enrollment until they now greatly exceed the real value of fees in 1980. The Ministry of Education of Zimbabwe maintains and operates the government schools but the fees charged by independent schools are regulated by the cabinet of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's education system consists of 7 years of primary and 6 years of [[secondary school]]ing before students can enter [[university]] in the country or abroad. The academic year in Zimbabwe runs from January to December, with three month terms, broken up by one month holidays, with a total of 40 weeks of school per year. National examinations are written during the third term in November, with [[General Certificate of Education|"O" level]] and [[Advanced Level (UK)|"A" level]] subjects also offered in June.<ref name="embassy">{{cite web|url=http://harare.usembassy.gov/zimbabwe_educational_profile.html |title=Zimbabwe US Embassy |accessdate=2007-11-15}}</ref> There are seven public universities as well as four church-related universities in Zimbabwe that are fully internationally accredited.<ref name="embassy"/> The [[University of Zimbabwe]], the first and largest, was built in 1952 and is located in the Harare suburb of [[Mount Pleasant, Harare|Mount Pleasant]]. Notable [[alumni]] from Zimbabwean universities include [[Welshman Ncube]]; Peter Moyo (of Amabhubesi); [[Tendai Biti]], [[Secretary-General]] for the MDC; [[Chenjerai Hove]], Zimbabwean [[poet]], [[novelist]] and [[essayist]]; and [[Arthur Mutambara]], President of one faction of the MDC. Many of the current politicians in the government of Zimbabwe have obtained degrees from universities in [[USA|America]] or other universities abroad. The highest professional board for [[accountant]]s is the [[Institute of Chartered Accountants]] in Zimbabwe (ICAZ) with direct relationships with similar bodies in [[South Africa]], [[Canada]], the [[UK]] and [[Australia]]. A qualified [[Chartered Accountant]] from Zimbabwe is also a member of similar bodies in these countries after writing a conversion paper. In addition, Zimbabwean-trained doctors only require one year of residence to be fully licensed doctors in the [[United States]]. The [[Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers]] (ZIE) is the highest professional board for [[engineer]]s. However, education in Zimbabwe became under threat since the economic changes in 2000 with [[teacher]]s going on strike because of low pay, students unable to concentrate because of hunger and the price of uniforms soaring making this standard a luxury. Teachers were also one of the main targets of Mugabe's attacks because he thought they were not strong supporters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6566919.stm |author=Anonymous |title=BBC report on 40 years in Zimbabwe's schools |accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> == Media == {{main article|Media of Zimbabwe}} The media of Zimbabwe, once initially diverse, have come under tight restriction in recent years by the government, particularly during the growing economic and political crisis in the country. The Zimbabwean constitution promotes freedom of the media and expression, however this is hampered by interference and the implementation of strict media laws. In its 2008 report, [[Reporters Without Borders]] ranked the Zimbabwean media as 151st out of 173.<ref name=rwb>[http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29031 "Reporters without Borders Press Freedom Index"]</ref> The government also bans many foreign [[broadcast]]ing stations from Zimbabwe, including the [[BBC]] (since 2001), [[CNN]], [[Sky News]], [[Channel Four]], [[American Broadcasting Company]], [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)]] and [[Fox News]]. News agencies and [[newspaper]]s from other [[Western world|Western]] countries and [[South Africa]] have also been banned from the country. All news media in the country are careful to reflect the government line when reporting by self-censorship.<ref name=bbc>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1064589.stm#media "BBC Country Profile: Zimbabwe media"], ''[[BBC]]'', November 20, 2008.</ref> Private press was common, however since the 2002 Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) was passed, a number have been shut down by the government, including the ''The Daily News''.<ref name=rwb/> As a result, many press organisations have been set up in both neighbouring and Western countries by [[exile]]d Zimbabweans. However, because the [[internet]] is currently unrestricted, many Zimbabweans are allowed to access online news sites set up by exiled journalists.<ref name=fh>[http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=251&year=2007 Freedom House 2007 Map of Press Freedom: Zimbabwe].</ref> Reporters Without Borders claims the media environment in Zimbabwe involves "surveillance, threats, [[imprison]]ment, [[censorship]], [[blackmail]], abuse of power and denial of [[justice]] are all brought to bear to keep firm control over the news."<ref name=rwb/> == Culture and recreation == {{main|Culture of Zimbabwe|Art of Zimbabwe|Sport in Zimbabwe}} <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:ZBWE2.jpg|thumb|Zimbabwe womens' field hockey teams receive gold medals at the 1980 Olympics]] --> [[File:Masvingo Bus Terminus.jpg|thumb|A Zimbabwe market place and bus terminus]] Zimbabwe first celebrated its independence on 18 April, 1980.<ref name="indepday">{{cite book|last=Owomoyela|first=Oyekan|year=2002|title=Culture and Customs of Zimbabwe|page=77}}</ref> Celebrations are held at either the [[National Sports Stadium (Zimbabwe)|National Sports Stadium]] or Rufaro Sports Stadium in Harare. The first independence celebrations were held in 1980 at the Zimbabwe Grounds. At these celebrations [[dove]]s are released to symbolise peace and fighter jets fly over and the [[National Anthem of Zimbabwe|national anthem]] is sung. The flame of independence is lit by the president after parades by the presidential family and members of the armed forces of Zimbabwe. The president also gives a speech to the people of Zimbabwe which is televised for those unable to attend the stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kas.de/proj/home/home/35/2/ |title=Zimbabwe Celebrates 25 years of Independence |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> [[Football (soccer)|Football]] and [[cricket]] are the most popular sports in Zimbabwe. The citizens of Zimbabwe have won eight medals in the [[Olympic Games]], one in [[field hockey]] at the [[Zimbabwe at the 1980 Summer Olympics|1980 Summer games]] in [[Moscow]], three in swimming at the [[Zimbabwe at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Summer games]] in [[Athens]] and another four at the [[Zimbabwe at the 2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Summer games]] . Zimbabwe has also done well in the [[Commonwealth Games]] and [[All-Africa Games]] in [[swimming (sport)|swimming]] with [[Kirsty Coventry]] obtaining 11 gold medals in the different competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/2004/schedules/117BySport.html |title=2004 Olympic Games swimming results|accessdate=2007-07-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fina.org/events/WC/Montreal_2005/results/sw.php |title=Montreal 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-06-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fina.org/events/WC/Melbourne_2007/results/swimming.php|title=12th FINA World Championships|accessdate=2007-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/commonwealthgames2002/bsp/statistics/results.stm |title=BBC Sport Commonwealth Games 2002 Statistics|accessdate=2007-08-29}}</ref> Zimbabwe has also competed at [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] and the [[Davis Cup]] in tennis, most notably with the Black family, which comprises [[Wayne Black]], [[Byron Black]] and [[Cara Black]]. Traditional arts in Zimbabwe include [[pottery]], [[basketry]], [[textiles]], [[jewelry]] and [[carving]]. Among the distinctive qualities are [[symmetrical]]ly patterned woven baskets and stools carved out of a single piece of wood. Shona [[sculpture]] has become world famous in recent years having first emerged in the 1940s. Most subjects of [[rock carving|carved]] figures of stylised birds and human figures among others are made with [[sedimentary]] rocks such as [[soapstone]], as well as harder [[igneous]] rocks such as [[serpentine]] and the rare stone [[verdite]]. Shona [[sculpture]] in essence has been a fusion of African [[folklore]] with European influences. Internationally famous artists include Henry Mudzengerere and Nicolas Mukomberanwa. A recurring theme in Zimbabwean art is the [[metamorphosis]] of man into beast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://karaart.com/collections/shona/origins3.html |title=Cultural Origins of art |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> Zimbabwean musicians like [[Thomas Mapfumo]], [[Oliver Mtukudzi]], the [[Bhundu Boys]] and [[Audius Mtawarira]] have achieved international recognition. Several authors are well known within Zimbabwe and abroad. [[Charles Mungoshi]] is renowned in Zimbabwe for writing traditional stories in English and in Shona and his [[poem]]s and books have sold well with both the black and white communities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zimbabwe.poetryinternationalweb.org/piw_cms/cms/cms_module/index.php?obj_id=5752|title=Tribute to Charles Mungoshi|accessdate=2007-11-02}}</ref> [[Catherine Buckle]] has achieved international recognition with her two books ''African Tears'' and ''Beyond Tears'' which tell of the ordeal she went through under the 2000 [[Land reform in Zimbabwe|Land Reform]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africantears.netfirms.com/beyondtears.htm|title=Tribute to Cathy Buckle|accessdate=2007-11-02}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of Rhodesia]], the late [[Ian Smith]], has also written two books <nowiki> — </nowiki> ''[[The Great Betrayal]]'' and ''[[Bitter Harvest (2001 book)|Bitter Harvest]].'' The book ''[[The House of Hunger]]'' by [[Dambudzo Marechera]] won an award in the UK in 1979 and the Nobel Prize-winning author [[Doris Lessing]]'s first novel ''[[The Grass Is Singing]]'' is set in Rhodesia. === Cuisine === [[File:Boerewors raw.jpg|thumb|Raw [[Boerewors]].]] The majority of Zimbabweans depend on a few staple foods. Meat, beef and to a lesser extent chicken are especially popular, though consumption has declined under the Mugabe regime due to falling incomes. "Mealie meal" ([[cornmeal]]) is used to prepare ''[[sadza]]'' or ''[[isitshwala]]'' and ''bota'' or ''ilambazi''. ''Sadza'' is a [[porridge]] made by mixing the cornmeal with water to produce a thick paste. After the paste has been cooking for several minutes, more cornmeal is added to thicken the paste. This is eaten as [[lunch]] and [[dinner]], usually with greens (such as [[spinach]], [[chomolia]], [[collard greens]]), beans and meat that has been stewed, grilled, or roasted. Sadza is also commonly eaten with [[Milk#Spoilage and fermented milk products|curdled milk]], commonly known as lacto (mukaka wakakora), or dried [[Tanganyika sardine]], known locally as kapenta or matemba. ''Bota'' is a thinner porridge, cooked without the additional cornmeal and usually flavoured with [[peanut butter]], [[milk]], [[butter]], or, sometimes, [[jam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zambuko.com/mbirapage/resource_guide/pages/culture/sadza_text.html | author=Zambuko.com |title=Sadza ne Nyama: A Shona Staple Dish |accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> Bota is usually eaten for [[breakfast]]. [[Graduation]]s, [[wedding]]s, and any other family gatherings will usually be celebrated with the killing of a [[goat]] or [[cow]], which will be [[barbecue]]d or [[roast]]ed by the family. [[Afrikaner]] recipes are popular though they are a small group (0.2%) within the white minority group. [[Biltong]], a type of [[jerky (food)|jerky]], is a popular snack, prepared by hanging bits of spiced raw meat to dry in the shade.<ref>{{citeweb | author=Stephanie Hanes | title=Biltong: much more than just a snack | work=[[The Christian Science Monitor]] | date=[[2006-09-20]] | url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0920/p13s01-lifo.html | accessdate=2006-10-03}}</ref> [[Boerewors]] ({{pronounced|børəvɞɾs}} — "Boo-ruh-vorse") is served with sadza. It is a long sausage, often well-spiced, composed of beef rather than pork, and barbecued. === Birthplace of Scouting === It was in Matabeleland during the [[Second Matabele War]] that [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Baden-Powell]], the ''Founder of Scouting'', and [[Frederick Russell Burnham]], the ''Father of Scouting'', first met and began their life-long friendship. In mid-June 1896, during a scouting patrol in the [[Matobo Hills]], Burnham taught Baden-Powell [[woodcraft]]. Practiced by [[frontier]]smen of the [[American Old West]] and [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas]], woodcraft was generally unknown to the [[British people|British]]. However, Baden-Powell recognised that wars in [[Africa]] were changing markedly and the [[British Army]] needed to adapt; so during their joint scouting missions, Baden-Powell and Burnham discussed the concept of a broad training programme in woodcraft for young men, rich in [[exploration]], [[tracking]], [[fieldcraft]], and self-reliance. These skills eventually formed the basis of what is now called ''[[scoutcraft]]'', the fundamentals of [[Scouting]]. Later, Baden-Powell wrote a number of books on the subject, and even started to train and make use of [[adolescent]] boys, most famously during the [[Siege of Mafeking]], during the [[Second Boer War]].<ref name="proctor">{{cite journal| first = Tammy M. | last = Proctor | year = 2000 | month = July | title = A Separate Path: Scouting and Guiding in Interwar South Africa | journal = Comparative Studies in Society and History | volume = 42 | issue = 3 | issn = 3548-1356}}</ref><ref name="forster">{{cite web | last =Forster | first = Reverend Dr. Michael | url = http://www.netpages.free-online.co.uk/sha/scouthistory.doc | title =The Origins of the Scouting Movement| publisher =Netpages | accessdate=2007-10-02|format=DOC}}</ref> == Tourism == {{main|Tourism in Zimbabwe}} [[File:ZTA.jpg|thumb|left|100px|The logo of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority showing the Victoria Falls and the Zimbabwe Bird found at [[Great Zimbabwe]]]] [[File:Victoria5.jpg|thumb|[[Victoria Falls]], the end of the upper [[Zambezi]] and beginning of the middle Zambezi]] Since the Land Reform programme in 2000, tourism in Zimbabwe has steadily declined. After rising during the 1990s, (1.4 million tourists in 1999) industry figures described a 75% fall in visitors to Zimbabwe in 2000. By December, less than 20% of hotel rooms had been occupied.<ref name="tourism">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/1220218.stm |title=Sun sets on Zimbabwe tourism |author=Lewis Machipisa |accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> This has had a huge impact on the Zimbabwean economy. Thousands of jobs have been lost in the industry due to companies closing down or simply being unable to pay staff wages due to the decreasing number of tourists. Several airlines have also pulled out of Zimbabwe. [[Australia]]'s [[Qantas]], [[Germany]]'s [[Lufthansa]] and [[Austrian Airlines]] were among the first to pull out and most recently [[British Airways]] suspended all direct flights to Harare.<ref name="tourism"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/29/wairways129.xml |title=British Airways abandons flights to Zimbabwe |author=Sebastien Berger |accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> The country's flagship airline [[Air Zimbabwe]] still flies to the United Kingdom. Zimbabwe boasts several major tourist attractions. [[Victoria Falls]] on the [[Zambezi River]], which are shared with Zambia, are located in the north west of Zimbabwe. Before the economic changes, much of the tourism for these locations came to the Zimbabwe side but now Zambia is the main beneficiary. The [[Victoria Falls National Park]] is also in this area and is one of the eight main [[national parks]] in Zimbabwe,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw/hwange.htm |title=Zimbabwe Tourism Authority |accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> largest of which is [[Hwange National Park]]. The [[Eastern Highlands]] are a series of mountainous areas near the border with [[Mozambique]]. The highest peak in Zimbabwe, [[Mount Nyangani]] at 2,593&nbsp;m (8,507&nbsp;ft) is located here as well as the [[Bvumba Mountains]] and the [[Nyanga National Park]]. [[World's View, Nyanga|World's View]] is in these mountains and it is from here that places as far away as 60–70&nbsp;km (37–43&nbsp;mi) are visible and, on clear days, the town of [[Rusape]] can be seen. [[File:Great Zimbabwe.png|thumb|Great Zimbabwe as featured on the defunct $50 note]] Zimbabwe is unusual in Africa in that there are a number of ancient ruined cities built in a unique [[dry stone]] style. The most famous of these are the [[Great Zimbabwe]] ruins in [[Masvingo]]. Other ruins include [[Khami|Khami Ruins, Zimbabwe]], [[Dhlo-Dhlo]] and [[Naletale]], although none of these is as famous as Great Zimbabwe. The [[Matobo National Park|Matobo Hills]] are an area of [[granite]] [[kopje]]s and wooded valleys commencing some 22 miles (35&nbsp;km) south of [[Bulawayo]] in southern Zimbabwe. The Hills were formed over 2,000 million years ago with granite being forced to the surface, then being eroded to produce smooth "whaleback dwalas" and broken kopjes, strewn with boulders and interspersed with thickets of vegetation. [[Mzilikazi]], founder of the [[Ndebele people (Zimbabwe)|Ndebele]] nation, gave the area its name, meaning 'Bald Heads'. They have become famous and a tourist attraction due to their ancient shapes and local wildlife. [[Cecil John Rhodes]] and other early white [[Settler|pioneers]] like [[Leander Starr Jameson]] are buried in these hills at a site named World's View.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zimbabwe.safari.co.za/spirit-of-zimbabwe.html |title=The Spirit of Matobo |accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> == National symbols, insignia and anthems == The two main traditional symbols of Zimbabwe are the [[Zimbabwe Bird]] and the [[Balancing Rocks]]. Other [[national emblem|national symbols]] exist, but have varying degrees of official usage, such as the [[Gloriosa (plant)|flame lily]] and the [[Sable Antelope]]. === Zimbabwe Bird === {{main|Zimbabwe Bird}} The stone-carved Zimbabwe Bird appears on the national flags and the coats of arms of both Zimbabwe and [[Rhodesia]], as well as on [[Rhodesian dollar|banknotes]] and coins (first on [[Coins of the Rhodesian pound|Rhodesian pound]] and then [[Coins of the Rhodesian dollar|Rhodesian dollar]]). It probably represents the [[bateleur]] [[eagle]]. The famous [[soapstone]] bird carvings stood on walls and monoliths of the ancient city of [[Great Zimbabwe]], built, it is believed, sometime between the 13th and 16th centuries by ancestors of the [[Shona people|Shona]]. The ruins, which gave their name to modern Zimbabwe, cover some 1,800&nbsp;acres (7.3&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) and are the largest ancient stone construction in Zimbabwe.<ref>{{cite web | title = Great Zimbabwe |url=http://www.usp.nus.edu.sg/post/zimbabwe/art/greatzim/gz1.html|author= Prof. George P. Landow}}</ref> When the ruins of Great Zimbabwe were excavated by treasure-hunters in the late 19th century, five of the carved birds they discovered were taken to South Africa by [[Cecil Rhodes]]. Four of the statues were returned to Zimbabwe by the South African government at independence, while the fifth remains at [[Groote Schuur]], Rhodes' former home in [[Cape Town]]. === Balancing Rocks === {{main|Balancing Rocks}} Balancing Rocks are geological formations all over Zimbabwe. The rocks are perfectly balanced without other supports. They are created when ancient granite intrusions are exposed to weathering, as softer rocks surrounding them erode away. They are often remarked on and have been depicted on both the [[paper money of the Zimbabwean dollar]] and the [[Rhodesian dollar|paper money of the Rhodesian dollar]]. The ones found on the current notes of Zimbabwe, named the Banknote Rocks, are located in [[Epworth, Zimbabwe|Epworth]], approximately 9 miles (15&nbsp;km) [[south east]] of Harare.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.fortunecity.com/madzimbabwe/Buildings/Natural/Balancing%20Rocks/BalancingRocks.html |title=Dzimba Dzemabwe |accessdate=2007-11-15}}</ref> There are, however, many different formations of the rocks, incorporating single and paired columns of 3 or more rocks. These formations are a feature of south and east tropical Africa from northern South Africa northwards to [[Sudan]]. The most notable formations in Zimbabwe are located in the [[Matobo National Park]] in [[Matabeleland]]. === National anthem === {{Main|National Anthem of Zimbabwe}} "[[Blessed be the Land of Zimbabwe]]" ({{lang-sn|"Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe"}}; {{lang-nd|"Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe"}}) is the [[List of national anthems|national anthem]] of Zimbabwe. It was introduced in March 1994 after a nation-wide competition to replace "{{lang|sn|[[Ishe Komborera Africa]]}}" as a distinctly Zimbabwean song. The winning entry was a song written by Professor [[Solomon Mutswairo]] and composed by Fred Changundega. It has been translated into all three of the main languages of Zimbabwe. <br /> <br /> <center> <gallery> Image:Zimbabwe cent.png|Reverse side of the defunct ten cent coin featuring the Zimbabwe Bird Image:Zimbabwe Bird.svg|Traditional Zimbabwe Bird design Image:Balancing Rocks.jpg|An example of Balancing Rocks in [[Epworth, Zimbabwe|Epworth]] Image:Gloriosa rothschildiana 01.jpg|The [[Gloriosa (plant)|flame lily]], national flower of Zimbabwe </gallery> </center> == See also == {{portal|Zimbabwe|Flag of Zimbabwe.svg}} {{Portal|Africa|Africa_satellite_orthographic.jpg}} * [[Index of Zimbabwe-related articles]] * [[Outline of Zimbabwe]] == References == {{reflist|2}} == External links == {{sisterlinks}} ; Government * [http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/ Parliament of Zimbabwe] — official government site * [http://www.gta.gov.zw/ Zimbabwe Government Online] — official government site and [http://www.zim.gov.zw/ mirror site] * [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-z/zimbabwe.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members] ; General * [http://uk.oneworld.net/guides/zimbabwe/development The OneWorld Guide to Zimbabwe] * [http://www.irinnews.org/InDepthMain.aspx?InDepthId=71&ReportId=77476 In-Depth: Zimbabwe’s humanitarian crisis - IRIN] * [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1064589.stm Country Profile] from [[BBC News]] * {{CIA World Factbook link|zi|Zimbabwe}} * [http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/zimbabwe.htm Zimbabwe] from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs'' * {{dmoz|Regional/Africa/Zimbabwe}} * {{wikiatlas|Zimbabwe}} ; News and News Summary Services * [http://www.irinnews.org/Africa-Country.aspx?Country=ZW Zimbabwe] Humanitarian news and analysis from [[IRIN]] * [http://zimbabwemetro.com/ Zimbabwe Metro] * [http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/ The Zimbabwean] * [http://www.talkzimbabwe.com The Zimbabwe Guardian] ; Tourism, Environment and Culture * {{wikitravel}} * [http://www.zimconservation.com ZimConservation] — News and opinions about the wildlife and environment of Zimbabwe * [http://www.zimvibes.com/ Zimbabwe Urban Culture] — Site Promoting Modern Zimbabwe Youth arts ; Non-Governmental Organisations * [http://www.kubatana.net Kubutana] The NGO Alliance Network * [http://www.zawt.org/ Zimbabwe Agricultural Welfare Trust] * [http://www.sokwanele.com Civic Action Support Group] * [http://www.crisiszimbabwe.org/ Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition] ; Community * [http://www.zimbabweansworldwide.com ZimbabweansWorldwide] — Expatriate community site * [http://www.thegreatzimbabwe.com TheGreatZimbabwe] — Online community site {{Zimbabwean topics}} {{Template group |state=collapsed |title={{resize|105%|Geographic locale}} |list= {{Africa}} {{Geography of Zimbabwe}} {{Niger-Congo-speaking nations}} }} {{Template group |state=collapsed |title={{resize|105%|International membership}} |list= {{G15}} {{SADC}} {{African Union (AU)}} }} {{Template group |state=collapsed |title={{resize|105%|History}} |list= {{Territories of the British Empire}} {{Languages of Zimbabwe}} }} [[Category:Zimbabwe| ]] [[Category:African Union member states]] [[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]] [[Category:G15 nations]] [[Category:Landlocked countries]] [[af:Zimbabwe]] [[als:Simbabwe]] [[am:ዚምባብዌ]] [[ang:Simbabwe]] [[ar:زيمبابوي]] [[an:Zimbabue]] [[frp:Zimbaboue]] [[ast:Zimbabue]] [[az:Zimbabve]] [[bn:জিম্বাবুয়ে]] [[zh-min-nan:Zimbabwe]] [[be:Зімбабве]] [[be-x-old:Зымбабвэ]] [[bs:Zimbabve]] [[br:Zimbabwe]] [[bg:Зимбабве]] [[ca:Zimbabwe]] [[cv:Зимбабве]] [[ceb:Zimbabwe]] [[cs:Zimbabwe]] [[ny:Zimbabwe]] [[sn:Zimbabwe]] [[cy:Zimbabwe]] [[da:Zimbabwe]] [[de:Simbabwe]] [[dv:ޒިމްބާބުވޭ]] [[dz:ཛིམ་བབ་ཝེ་]] [[et:Zimbabwe]] [[el:Ζιμπάμπουε]] [[es:Zimbabue]] [[eo:Zimbabvo]] [[eu:Zimbawe]] [[fa:زیمبابوه]] [[fr:Zimbabwe]] [[fy:Simbabwe]] [[ga:An tSiombáib]] [[gv:Yn Çhimbabwe]] [[gd:Siombabue]] [[gl:Cimbabue - Zimbabwe]] [[hak:Sîn-pâ-pu-vî]] [[ko:짐바브웨]] [[hi:ज़िम्बाबवे]] [[hr:Zimbabve]] [[io:Zimbabwe]] [[ilo:Zimbabwe]] [[bpy:জিম্বাবুয়ে]] [[id:Zimbabwe]] [[ie:Zimbabwe]] [[os:Зимбабве]] [[zu:IZimbabwe]] [[is:Simbabve]] [[it:Zimbabwe]] [[he:זימבבואה]] [[jv:Zimbabwe]] [[kn:ಜಿಂಬಾಬ್ವೆ]] [[pam:Zimbabwe]] [[ka:ზიმბაბვე]] [[ks:जिम्बाबवे]] [[kk:Зимбабуе]] [[kw:Zimbabwe]] [[sw:Zimbabwe]] [[kg:Zimbabwe]] [[ht:Zimbabwe]] [[ku:Zîmbabwe]] [[la:Zimbabua]] [[lv:Zimbabve]] [[lb:Simbabwe]] [[lt:Zimbabvė]] [[lij:Zimbabwe]] [[ln:Zimbabwe]] [[lmo:Zimbabwe]] [[hu:Zimbabwe]] [[mk:Зимбабве]] [[ml:സിംബാബ്‌വെ]] [[mr:झिम्बाब्वे]] [[arz:زيمبابوى]] [[mzn:زیمبابوه]] [[ms:Zimbabwe]] [[mn:Зимбабве]] [[nah:Zimbabhue]] [[nl:Zimbabwe]] [[ja:ジンバブエ]] [[no:Zimbabwe]] [[nn:Zimbabwe]] [[nov:Zimbabwe]] [[oc:Zimbabwe]] [[uz:Zimbabve]] [[ps:زېمبابوې]] [[pms:Zimbabwe]] [[nds:Simbabwe]] [[pl:Zimbabwe]] [[pt:Zimbabwe]] [[crh:Zimbabve]] [[ksh:Simbabwe]] [[ro:Zimbabwe]] [[qu:Simbabwi]] [[ru:Зимбабве]] [[sah:Зимбабуэ]] [[se:Zimbabwe]] [[sa:जिम्बाबवे]] [[sc:Zimbabwe]] [[tn:Zimbabwe]] [[sq:Zimbabveja]] [[scn:Zimbabbui]] [[si:Zසිම්බාබ්වේ]] [[simple:Zimbabwe]] [[ss:IZimbabhwe]] [[sk:Zimbabwe]] [[sl:Zimbabve]] [[szl:Zimbabwe]] [[sr:Зимбабве]] [[sh:Zimbabve]] [[su:Zimbabwé]] [[fi:Zimbabwe]] [[sv:Zimbabwe]] [[tl:Zimbabwe]] [[ta:சிம்பாப்வே]] [[te:జింబాబ్వే]] [[th:ประเทศซิมบับเว]] [[ti:ዚምባብዌ]] [[tg:Зимбабве]] [[ve:Zimbagwe]] [[tr:Zimbabve]] [[uk:Зімбабве]] [[ur:زمبابوے]] [[ug:زىمبابۋې]] [[vec:Zinbàbue]] [[vi:Zimbabwe]] [[vo:Zimbabiyän]] [[zh-classical:辛巴威]] [[war:Zimbabwe]] [[wo:Simbaawee]] [[wuu:津巴布韦]] [[ts:Zimbabwe]] [[yi:זימבאבװע]] [[yo:Zimbabwe]] [[zh-yue:津巴布韋]] [[diq:Zimbabwe]] [[zh:辛巴威]]'
Whether or not the change was made through a Tor exit node (tor_exit_node)
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