Zimbabwe: flag, capital, currency and history
Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Harare. The currency is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and United States dollar. Languages spoken include Chibarwe, English, Kalanga and Khoisan.
Quick facts about Zimbabwe
- Official name
- Republic of Zimbabwe
- Capital
- Harare
- Region
- Africa, Eastern Africa
- Currency
- Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) (ZWG, ZiG)
United States dollar (USD, $) - Languages
- Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language
- Calling code
- +263
- Internet domain
- .zw
- Area
- 390,757 km² (150,872 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia
- Demonym
- Zimbabwean
- National day
- Independence Day, April 18
Flag of Zimbabwe
Download the flag of Zimbabwe as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇿🇼.
History of Zimbabwe
The plateau between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers was home to Shona-speaking peoples who built the stone city of Great Zimbabwe between roughly the 11th and 15th centuries. Later the Mutapa and Rozvi states held power in the region. In 1890 the British South Africa Company, led by Cecil Rhodes, occupied Mashonaland, and the territory became the self-governing colony of Southern Rhodesia in 1923. A white-minority government declared independence from Britain in 1965, prompting international sanctions and a long armed conflict. Negotiations in 1979 led to internationally recognised independence in 1980. Zimbabwe is a landlocked republic with Harare as its capital.
Key dates
- c. 1100Great Zimbabwe begins to develop as a major stone-built centre in the region.
- 1890The British South Africa Company's Pioneer Column occupies Mashonaland.
- 1923Southern Rhodesia becomes a self-governing British colony.
- 1953The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland is formed; it is dissolved in 1963.
- 1965The white-minority Rhodesian government issues a unilateral declaration of independence from Britain.
- 1979The Lancaster House Agreement sets terms for a ceasefire and transition to majority rule.
- 1980Zimbabwe becomes independent on 18 April, with Harare as its capital.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe uses the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) (ZWG, ZiG) and United States dollar (USD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Zimbabwe
Celebrations observed in Zimbabwe, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Zimbabwe?
The capital of Zimbabwe is Harare.
What currency does Zimbabwe use?
Zimbabwe uses the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) (ZWG, symbol ZiG) and United States dollar (USD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Zimbabwe?
Languages used in Zimbabwe include Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zimbabwean Sign Language.
What is the calling code of Zimbabwe?
The international calling code of Zimbabwe is +263. Its internet domain is .zw.
Which countries border Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe shares land borders with Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia.
On which continent is Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is in Africa, in the region of Eastern Africa.
What is the national day of Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe marks Independence Day on April 18.
Neighbours of Zimbabwe
More countries in Eastern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).