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Zimbabwe is a landlocked
country at the base of the African continent.The neighbouring countries
are Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa Company in 1923. A
1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the
government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not
recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black
African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a
guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence
(as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister,
has been the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has
dominated the country's political system since independence. His chaotic
land redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white
farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages of
basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE rigged the
2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection. Opposition and labor
groups launched general strikes in 2003 to pressure MUGABE to retire
early; security forces continued their brutal repression of regime
opponents.
Zimbabwe lies on a high
plateau, and its terrain consists primarily of grasslands bordered on the
east by mountains. The northeastern border of the country is marked by the
mighty Zambezi River, along which is located the incomparable spectacle of
Victoria Falls and the magnificent expanse of Lake Kariba. The Zambezi has
become one of the world's best water adventure travel destinations.
Another site to explore are the ruins of "Great Zimbabwe", the greatest
medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, provides evidence that ancient Africa
reached a level of civilisation not suspected by early scholars. As a
religious and secular capital, this city of 10,000 to 20,000 people
dominated a realm that stretched across eastern Zimbabwe and into
Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa between the 13th and 15th centuries.
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