| Area |
390,757 sq km (150,872 sq miles). |
| Population |
12,835,000 (2002). |
| Capital |
Harare. - population 1,868,000 (2001; including suburbs). |
| Climate |
Although located in the tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year, as the climate is moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season is from September to October, and the rainy season from November to March. The best months to visit are April to May and August to September. Night-time temperatures can fall below freezing. |
| Language |
The official language is English, with Shona and Ndebele dialects |
| Religion |
Christianity, with traditional beliefs in rural areas, and some Hindu, Muslim and Jewish minorities. |
| Time |
GMT + 2
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| Highlights |
A huge country in the heart of Southern Africa offering a vast array of stunning scenery, rivers, extensive wildlife, majestic national parks and friendly people - it is also a cosmopolitan society today with a very poignant history. The 'Great Zimbabwe' (stone ruins) is a perfect example of the richness of Zimbabwe's history. Seeing the cave paintings, this will absolutely add on to the mysteriousness of the country where you will be drawn back to how the pre-historic Zimbabwe. With several national parks - Zimbabwe has much flora & fauna to offer as well as plenty of wildlife. Seeing the "Smoke that Thunders" (the Victoria Falls), which are arguably a true wonder of the world - is an experience of its own. Whilst in Zimbabwe, fishing can be quite an adventure - where giant vundu fish are found!
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| Country Facts |
Positioned in the heart of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe borders Mozambique to the Northeast, Zambia to the Northwest, South Africa to the South and Botswana to the Southwest. The Highveld, running from the Northeast to the Southwest of the country, is a chain of low mountains and rolling hills punctuated by huge granite outcrops (kopjes). Mount Inyangani (2,592mts), the country's highest point, is located on the eastern border in the high mountain region. Zimbabwe offers a wide selection of impressive game parks and wildlife reserves, particularly in the south; Matapos (south), Hwange (Southwest), Mana Pools (Northeast) and Nyanga (North) are particularly impressive.
Zimbabwe has a relatively healthy climate with temperatures ranging from 22'C on the high plateau to 30'C in the Zambezi Valley during summer and from 13'C to 20'C in winter. A population of over seven million has two main groups - the Sona in the centre & east and the Ndebele in the west.
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