Your guide to being an expatriate in Zimbabwe

Demographics of Zimbabwe:

Religion Overview

Religion and spirituality play a significant role in Zimbabwe's society. Christianity is the dominant religion, accounting for approximately 90% of the population, with traditional African religions accounting for around 5%.

Major Religions

Climate

Zimbabwe lies between subtropical and tropical latitudes, resulting in a diverse climate that varies by region. The country has two rainy seasons, one from November to March and a shorter one from October to December.

Economy Overview

Zimbabwe's economy is diversified, with agriculture, mining, and manufacturing being key sectors. However, corruption and political instability have hindered economic growth, and the country entered a severe economic crisis in 2008.

Key Industries

• Agriculture: Zimbabwe is a significant producer of tobacco, cotton, tea, and coffee.
• Mining: Zimbabwe is rich in resources such as gold, platinum, diamonds, and lithium. It is home to some of the world's largest gold mines.
• Manufacturing: Textile and clothing manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and steel production are among Zimbabwe's primary manufacturing sectors.

Major Companies

• Telecel Zimbabwe: A telecommunications company that offers mobile and fixed-line communication services to over five million customers.
• STX Zimbabwe: A steelmaking company that produces a wide range of steel products, including reinforcement steel, rods, and wire rod.
• Spilroc: A platinum mining company that operates the Zimplats Mine in the Zvishavane District.

Culture and Language Overview

Zimbabwean culture is rooted in traditional Bantu values and beliefs, blended with modern urban influences. The country's music and arts industry is thriving, culminating in annual festivals such as the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA).

Cultural Highlights

• Shona Stone Sculptures: The traditional art form has gained international acclaim, and many sculptures can be found in galleries and collections worldwide.
• Mbira Music: Mbira music is an intricate instrumental music that originated from Zimbabwe's Shona culture.
• National Heroes Acre: This memorial park honours Zimbabwe's liberation war heroes and prominent political and cultural figures.

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Zimbabwe's geographic features include the Highveld plateau, which covers much of the country's western and central regions. The region's late afternoon thunderstorms often result in spectacular sunsets.

Notable Landmarks

• Victoria Falls: A majestic waterfall on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe that spans over a kilometre in width.
• Bulawayo Railway Station: Originally built in 1904, this historic railway station is a prominent landmark that now houses a museum and the city's central bus terminus.
• Great Zimbabwe: A significant archaeological site dating back to the 11th century that features ruins of stone walls and towers constructed by the medieval Kingdom of Zimbabwe.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Independence Day (April 18)
• Africa Day (May 25)
• Heroes Day (August 3)
• Defence Forces Day (September 22)
• National Tree Planting Day (September 23)
• Independence Day (commemoration) (November 11)

Political Stability

Zimbabwe entered a severe economic crisis in 2008, resulting in political instability. The country's political climate has been marked by fraud, intimidation, and violence in elections, exacerbated further by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Political reforms are necessary to restore political stability and economic prosperity in Zimbabwe.