Fast Facts:
1. It’s a landlocked country in southern Africa and it’s the 26th largest country on the continent.
2. It’s capital and largest city is Harare.
3. It has 16 official languages, the most of any African country. English, Shona and Ndbele are the most widely spoken.
4. Major ethnic groups: Shona (70%), Ndebele (20%)
5. Major religions: Christianity (84%), None (10%), Traditional and other religions (6%)
6. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in April 1980.
7. The name “Zimbabwe” comes from the local Shona language meaning “a great house of stone.”
8. It has the world’s 3rd largest platinum reserves and significant other mineral resources, including diamonds, gold, chrome, and lithium.
9. It has 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls, Ruins of Great Zimbabwe, Khami Ruins, Mana Pools and Matobo Hills.
10. Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls (aka Victoria Falls) are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and are shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe. During the wet season, spray from the falls can be seen as far as 30 miles (50 km) away.
11. Great Ruins of Zimbabwe are the remains of an ancient city which was once the center of a vast empire known as the Munhumutapa Empire.
12. Tourism centers around wildlife, nature, cultural, and historical activities. Zimbabwe is one of the few African nations that is home to the Big 5 wild game.
13. Popular attractions include Chinhoyi Caves, Bulawayo, rock formations of Matobo, ancient cave paintings in Domboshawa, Eastern Highlands, bungee jumping on Victoria Falls bridge, white water rafting or cruising on the Zambezi River, Mutarazi Falls skywalk and zipline, and safari in Hwange National Park.
14. Things to see and do in Harare include: National Art Gallery, National Archives, African Unity Square, National Heroes Acre, Harare Botanical Gardens, Chapangu Sculpture Park, Mukuvisi Woodlands, Mbare market, and Jason Moyo Avenue.
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