Zimbabwe
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Zimbabwe is a country located in Eastern Africa. The Capital City is Harare. The government is a Unitary dominant-party presidential republic. There are 16 official languages of Zimbabwe, including English, Tonga and Xhosa. The predominant religion is Christianity. The healthcare system in Zimbabwe is divided into two sectors, public and private. The government runs 70% of the healthcare facilities and the other 30% are privately owned. Both sectors are accessible to all of the population.
Safety:
Zimbabwe, like any other country, has its own safety concerns. The crime rate in Zimbabwe is relatively high, and visitors are advised to take extra precautions to avoid becoming victims of crime. Pickpocketing, theft, and carjacking are the most common types of crime. Zimbabwe has a history of political instability, and there have been periods of civil unrest in the past. Visitors should keep up to date with the latest news and avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations. Zimbabwe has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and visitors should take precautions to avoid contracting the disease. Malaria is also a risk in some areas, and visitors are advised to take prophylactic medication and use insect repellent. Zimbabwe is home to a wide range of wildlife, including dangerous predators such as lions and crocodiles. Visitors should take extra precautions when visiting game reserves or wildlife areas. In terms of safety, Zimbabwe is generally considered to be a safe country to travel to. However, as with any country, it's important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in urban areas where crime rates can be higher. It's also important to be cautious when traveling at night, especially in rural areas. When it comes to road conditions, Zimbabwe has an extensive road network, but the quality of the roads varies greatly. Major highways are generally well-maintained, but secondary roads can be in poor condition, with potholes and other hazards. It's also common to encounter livestock and pedestrians on the roads, particularly in rural areas.
Cultural Customs:
Zimbabwe is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which is reflected in its many customs and traditions. In Zimbabwe, it is customary to greet someone by saying "Mhoro" (pronounced muh-hoh-roh) or "Mhoro Sei" (pronounced muh-hoh-roh say), which means "hello" or "how are you?" in Shona, one of the country's main languages. Handshakes are also a common form of greeting. In Zimbabwean culture, elders are highly respected and honored. It is customary for younger people to greet older people first, and to use respectful language and manners when speaking to them. Zimbabweans have a rich tradition of colorful and intricate clothing. Women often wear brightly colored wraparound skirts called "ngunis," while men wear "mudzimu" or "mazowe" shirts and "mushanana" pants. Zimbabwean cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with dishes such as sadza (a type of porridge made from maize), stewed meats, and vegetables being popular. Sharing food with others is a common custom in Zimbabwean culture. Music and dance play an important role in Zimbabwean culture. The country is known for its vibrant and rhythmic traditional music, which often features the use of drums and other percussion instruments. Family is highly valued in Zimbabwean culture, and extended families often live together or nearby. Respect for parents and elders is emphasized, and children are taught to help out with household chores and to respect their elders. Zimbabweans celebrate a variety of traditional ceremonies, including the "Bira" ceremony, which is held to honor ancestral spirits, and the "Chimurenga" ceremony, which commemorates the country's liberation struggle.
Geography & Weather:
The climate in Zimbabwe is temperate. Unlike most African countries, Zimbabwe has three seasons instead of two.
In Kariba, in the northwest, the average temperature ranges from 67 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 67 degrees F and October being the hottest month with a median temperature of 86 degrees F.
In Victoria Falls, in the west, the temperatures are cooler. The average temperature ranges from 60 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 60 degrees F and October being the hottest month with a median temperature of 79 degrees F.
In the capital city of Harare, in the northeast, the average temperature ranges from 58 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 58 degrees F and October is the hottest month with a median temperature of 72 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is November - March. The sun shines 9 - 10 except during the rainy season when the sunshine hours decrease to 6 - 7 hours daily. Tropical Cyclones have also been known to occur sometimes in Zimbabwe.
Economy:
Zimbabwe's economy has faced many challenges in recent years. In the early 2000s, the government implemented a controversial land reform program, which saw white-owned farms being taken over by black Zimbabweans. This led to a decline in agricultural productivity and a reduction in exports, which were once a major source of revenue for the country. Zimbabwe's economy also suffered from hyperinflation in the late 2000s, with inflation reaching an estimated peak of 79.6 billion percent in November 2008. This led to the abandonment of the Zimbabwean dollar and the adoption of a multi-currency system in 2009. In recent years, Zimbabwe's economy has been improving, but the country still faces many challenges. The government has introduced a number of economic reforms, such as the introduction of a new currency (the Zimbabwean dollar) in 2019 and the liberalization of the fuel market in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the economy, and the country continues to face challenges such as high levels of debt, low levels of foreign investment, and political instability.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)
ZWL 1.00 = USD .0031
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
14,862,924
Median Age:
18.7
Life Expectancy:
62.16
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes, available on arrival only
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry, 30 day, $30
Two entry Visa, 45 day, $45
Multiple entry Visa, 12 month, $160
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination on WHO Yellow Card is required for entry. The card should be carried with you at all times.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Zimbabwean citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Zimbabwe for at least ten consecutive years, is of good character, of legal capacity, understands the culture and traditions of the country, and is at least 21 years of age.
*Citizenship by investment is available*
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into Zimbabwe as expats. You must apply at the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration.
Resources:
Harare Expats in Zimbabwe Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Harare Zimbabwe
2 Lorraine Drive, Bluffhill
Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +(263) 867-701-1000
Emergency:+(263) 867-701-1000
Fax:+(263) 24-233-4320
Email: consularharare@state.gov