Zimbabwe Travel Guide - Key Facts

Southern Africa.

GMT + 2.

390,757 sq km (150,872 sq miles).

12.9 million (UN estimate 2005).

33 per sq km.

Harare. Population: 1.5 million (2005).

Zimbabwe is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Mozambique to the north and east, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the southwest. The central zone of hills gives rise to many rivers, which drain into the manmade Lake Kariba to the northwest, the marshes of Botswana to the west or into the Zambezi River to the northeast. The highveld landscape is dotted with kopjes (massive granite outcrops). Along the eastern border for some 350km (220 miles) is a high mountainous region of great scenic beauty, rising to 2,592m (8,504ft) at Mount Inyangani, the country’s highest point.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1980.

President Robert Mugabe (head of government since 1980 and head of state since 1987).

Elections for a new senate in November 2005 were largely boycotted by the opposition. Mugabe's party won 24 of the 31 constituencies where elections were held amid low voter turnout. Most controversial has been Mugabe's urban slum demolition drive. The UN estimates 700,000 people have been left without jobs or homes as a result.

It seems that only the removal of Mugabe will halt the spiral of decline. The president is now in his 80s and is coming under pressure to retire from other regional heads of state (including South Africa's Thabo Mbeki, Mugabe's only significant ally) and, more discreetly, from senior figures in ZANU-PF. Either way, Zimbabwe is shortly to reach a critical stage in its post-independence history. Mugabe won the 2008 elections only after the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, dropped out citing violent intimidation.

The official language is English, with Shona and Sindebele dialects.

Christianity, with traditional beliefs in rural areas, and some Hindu, Muslim and Jewish minorities.

220/230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Urban culture in Zimbabwe is greatly influenced by Western culture and education but, in rural areas, traditional values and crafts continue. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. European courtesies and codes of practice should be observed when visiting someone’s home. Return invitations are appreciated. Giving a token of appreciation is optional. It is an offence to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe. Visitors should be aware that an open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change, and that a friendly wave may therefore be interpreted as a provocative political gesture. Casual wear is suitable for daytime and men are only expected to wear suits and ties for business meetings. Smart restaurants or hotel bars require male guests to wear a jacket and tie. Smoking is common, although it is prohibited on public transport and in some public buildings. There are laws against indecency which equates to homosexual activity being illegal.

Photography: The local authorities are very sensitive about taking pictures of governmental buildings, military installations and embassies. A permit can be granted by the government office.