18 Interesting Facts About Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the dark continent, Africa. The country is widely known for its diverse wildlife and magnificent landscapes. The Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River is a major thrill among the tourists who visit Zimbabwe. Exotic birdlife, flora and fauna, highland mountains and flowing rivers remarkably boost the beauty of the country. If you are planning to visit Zimbabwe, you must know the following interesting facts and explore this country of Africa, Zimbabwe:

image: scottseverance.us

1. Why We Call “Zimbabwe”?

The name “Zimbabwe” comes from two words of Shona language ‘dzimba’ ‘houses’) and ‘mabwe’ plural of bwe, “stone”. Which can be translated into English as ‘Big houses of stones.’
source: zimbabwefacts.facts.co

2. Was Once A British Colony

Zimbabwe was under British rule from 1890 to 1965. It gained full independence in the year 1980. Cecil Rhodes, the founder of a leading trading company, led to the British colonization of Zimbabwe.
source: cherry-call.co.uk, image: atlantablackstar.com

3. Take A Ride On Safari!

People visit Zimbabwe to see leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and antelopes. The country is home to an exotic species of flora and fauna. People usually ride on safari to experience the picturesque beauty of Wildlife.
source: cherry-call.co.uk, image: zuidafrikaspecialist.nl, image: budgettravel.com

4. Don’t Miss The Spectacular Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls are one of the world’s biggest and most spectacular waterfalls. It is located in the Zimbabwe’s northwest part, on the Zambezi river.
source: factsking.com, image: evacation.org, image: airpano.ru

5. See Abundant Wild Life in Hwange National Park

Large parts of Zimbabwe were once covered by forests with abundant wildlife. The Hwange National Park of Zimbabwe has more animals and a greater variety of species -107- than any other park in the country and more than 400 species of birds. It is situated between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
source: factsking.com, image: zimbabwetourism.net, image: africapoint.com

6. Highest Literacy In Africa

Zimbabwe has the highest literacy rate in Africa. 90% of the population in Zimbabwe is educated.
source: factsking.com

7. Abandoned Currency!

The Zimbabwe dollar was abandoned as its national currency in 2009 after hyperinflation caused an inflation rate of 79.6 billion percent. It is also the only country to have 8 official currencies. They are US Dollars, South African Rand, Botswanan Pula, British Pound Sterling, Australian Dollars, Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupees and Japanese Yen. It is shocking that none of these currencies is exclusive to Zimbabwe.
source: express.co.uk

8. Eight Olympic Medals

The country has won eight Olympic medals, one by the hockey team and the other seven medals by swimmer Kirsty Coventry.
source: express.co.uk, image: blogs.voanews.com

9. A Young Nation

Another interesting fact about Zimbabwe is that more than half of the people in Zimbabwe are below the age of 21.
source: express.co.uk

10. The largest Man-Made Lake

Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume. It is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
source: zimbabwefacts.facts.co, image: travelozimbabwe.com

11. How Are These Balanced?

The Balancing Rocks are considered a national symbol of Zimbabwe. The Balancing Rocks in Matopos National Park are extremely popular among the tourists.
source: zimbabwefacts.facts.co, image: s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com

12. Potbellies Are A Sign Of Wealth!

In Zimbabwe, large stomachs on men are counted as a sign of wealth. This indicates that the person is financially sound enough to eat meat daily.
source: thefactfile.org, image: i0.wp.com

13. Shocking Life Expectancy!

The country’s life expectancy is quite less with 46 for men and 45 for women. This is one of the lowest life expectancies in the world. The major reason behind this is poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
source: travelingeast.com

14. Brands Don’t Matter In Zimbabwe

Zimbabweans mostly call every kind of toothpaste “Colgate,” every soft drink “Coke,” every washing powder “Surf” and every floor polish “Cobra.” Isn’t it interesting!
source: thefactfile.org

15. Land Of Ophir

Zimbabwe is said to be the location of Ophir, the Biblical land of which King Solomon got ivory, gold, peacocks and other precious items.
source: Wikipedia

16. An Exporter of…

The major industries in Zimbabwe consist of coal, gold, steel, cement, chemicals and wood products. It exports gold, tobacco, textiles, clothing and ferroalloys to the other countries of the world.
source: cherry-call.co.uk

17. Country Of Highest Number Of Official Languages

Zimbabwe has 16 official languages; English, Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and sign language! This number is more than any other country in the world.
source: cherry-call.co.uk

18. Do You Wanna Sit On The Highest Point?

Mount Inyangani is the highest point in the country. It is located at the height of 2,592 meters.
source: thefactfile.org, image: media-cdn.tripadvisor.com