The population of Zimbabwe stands at approximately 15.99 million as of 2021.

Primary language

Zimbabwe boasts an impressive array of 16 official languages: Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, Sign Language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, and Xhosa. Zimbabwe boasts the remarkable distinction of holding the Guinness World Record for the highest number of official languages in a single country.

Languages Spoken Shona is the predominant language, embraced by more than 70% of the population. Ndebele is spoken by approximately 20% of the population, whereas English serves as Zimbabwe’s common language, utilized in government, business, and the majority of educational institutions. In Zimbabwe, English serves as the primary language for many white individuals, while it stands as the secondary language for a significant portion of the black population.

Faith

Christianity stands as the predominant faith, with more than 74.8% of the populace recognizing themselves as Protestant, 7.3% as Roman Catholic, and 5.3% aligning with other Christian denominations. About 2.1% of Zimbabweans embrace alternative beliefs, including traditional practices or Islam, while 10.5% choose not to align with any faith at all.

National Holiday Zimbabwe Unity Day is celebrated on the 22nd of December to honor the coming together of two political parties, ZANU and ZAPU, forming ZANU-P.F.

Holiday Schedule January 1: New Year’s Day

February 21: Celebration of Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day

Late March to Early April: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday

April 18: A day of freedom and celebration

May 1: A day to celebrate the spirit of labor

May 25: A day to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Africa

August 14: A Day of Legends

August 15: A day of valor and celebration

December 22: A Day of Togetherness

December 25: A day brimming with excitement and joy

December 26: A day of excitement and exploration

Chronicles of the past

Evidence suggests that the San people have called this land home since as early as 200 B.C. They were accompanied by the Bantu people, along with a group known as Shona, succeeded by the Nguni and Zulu tribes. During the mid-19th century, the descendants of the Nguni and Zulu tribes, known as the Ndebele, forged their own kingdom within the land.

In 1850, the British arrived and transformed Zimbabwe into their colony. They called the country Rhodesia, inspired by Cecil Rhodes of the British South Africa Company. It eventually transformed into Southern Rhodesia, and in 1923, the European settlers of the region cast their votes to establish a self-governing colony under British rule. In 1963, following the conclusion of World War II, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and Nyasaland (currently Malawi) made the bold choice to seek independence, while Southern Rhodesia opted to stay a colony.

Following two years of struggle, the declaration of independence from Britain marked a significant turning point, and in 1970, Rhodesia officially embraced its new identity as a republic. The White minority of Rhodesia, under the leadership of Ian Smith, maintained their grip on the government. They opposed the Black Africans’ demands, resulting in turmoil and conflict, and in 1978, power was handed over, although Smith continued to serve as the country’s Prime Minister.

In 1980, an exciting multiracial election took place to address pressing national issues. As anticipated, the Black majority triumphed under the leadership of Robert Mugabe, securing a decisive victory. On the 17th of April 1980, the nation joyfully marked its independence and embraced a new identity as Zimbabwe.

Guideline

Zimbabwe operates as a complete presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and government, as outlined in the 2013 Constitution. The government wields executive power, while legislative power is shared between the government and parliament. It is crucial to recognize that homosexuality is prohibited and carries penalties, including fines and a potential year of imprisonment.

Culinary Delights

Zimbabwe’s cuisine is brimming with African influences, yet remnants of British traditions can still be found from the country’s colonial past. Maize and corn are essential components of every Zimbabwean meal, and the culinary style is more subtle, with fewer chili and spice influences compared to its Portuguese-influenced neighbors. Sadza, a cooked cornmeal crafted from ground millet, is a beloved staple in Zimbabwe, often enjoyed alongside chicken or vegetables, but most delightfully paired with beef. Mealie-meal is a staple in many communal dining experiences and is beloved by everyone. If you’re seeking a classic stew experience, dive into muboora, crafted from pumpkin leaves and tomatoes, or savor the rich flavors of dovi, a peanut stew brimming with okra and vegetables. If you are feeling daring, give a mopane worm a go; named after the tree they inhabit, these little creatures are packed with protein and enjoyed fried, resembling a crunchy treat.

Mealie-meal serves a dual purpose; it is not just a staple for meals but also a key ingredient in beverages like maheu, a thick, creamy, and tangy drink that is frequently enhanced with sugar for sweetness. This robust beverage transforms into an exhilarating alcoholic concoction when fermented. In Zimbabwe, beer reigns as the favorite beverage, frequently crafted from maize, with Whawha being a notable example, while Zambezi proudly holds the title of the national beer.