Official Name: Republic of Zimbabwe.

Area: Africa

Size: 390.580 km²

Coastline: landlocked

Independence: text

Form of Govt.: Multiparty republic

Head of Govt.: President

Capital: Harare

Largest City: Harare

Demographics (2005): 13,010,000.   33 /km² 

African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%, other 2%), mixed and Asian 1%, white less than 1%

GDP per Capita (2005): $2,607

Languages: English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects

Geography: The country is located on a high rolling plateau known as the Veld that is divided into three topographical regions. (1.) The High Veld which stretches southwest and northwest with an elevation between 1,200 metres (3,937 feet) and 1,600 metres. The High Veld has a smooth terrain with rocky hills known as Kopjes and is marked by an eastern mountain range whose highest point is Mt. Inyangani as well as the Great Dyke which is a series of eroded ridges. (2.) The Middle Veld which has an elevation of between 900 metres and 1,200 metres.(3.) The Low Veld which is below 900 metres and accounts for around 20% of the land area. The principal rivers are the Sabi and Lundi, although the principal drainage system is provided by the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. The Victoria Falls are located in western Zimbabwe and are one of the most spectacular falls in the world.

Climate: Zimbabwe has a sub-tropical climate that is influenced by altitude. There are four distinct seasons. (1.) A warm wet season from November to March. (2.) A transitional season from April to May. (3.) A cool dry winter season from May to August and (4.) a warm dry season from August to October. Average temperature ranges in Harare (Salisbury) are from 7 to 21 degrees in June or July to 16 to 27 degrees in November.