ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, and formerly the Republic of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe Rhodesia, is a landlocked country in the southern part of the continent of Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It borders South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east. The name Zimbabwe derives from "Zimba Remabwe" meaning "big house of stone" in the Shona language. Its use as the country's name is a tribute to Great Zimbabwe, site of the capital of the Empire of Great Zimbabwe.

Under the leadership of current president Robert Mugabe the economy of Zimbabwe declined from one of the strongest in Africa to one of the weakest.

The current state of the Zimbabwe economy has not only been poor for the citizens but has crippled the tourism industry.

Capital: Harare

Language: English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects.

Calling Code: +263

Time: GMT +2 (EST + 7 hours)

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Adaptor Plug D and G

Religion: Syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%