Zimbabwe became independent from the UK on this day in 1980.
Interesting facts about Zimbabwe:
– The first people of the country were the Bantu-speaking Iron Age farmers that settled in the region around AD 300.
– Between the 11th and 15th century, Shona people are believed to have built The Great Zimbabwean ruins. It is estimated that about 20,000 inhabitants resided in it. This stone built ruins was where the famous soapstone bird sculptures were found, and are unique to Zimbabwe. It is also the national emblem of Zimbabwe, appearing on their flag.
– One of the largest waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls, is located on the Zambezi River (both in Zimbabwe and Zambia). Mosi-O-Tunya is the name given to the falls by the local tribe. It translates to ‘The smoke that thunders.’
– Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the world, is located in Zimbabwe next to the Zambian border.
– Shona is the most widely spoken language in Zimbabwe, by about 76% of the people, followed by the Ndebele with about 18% of the people speaking it, although there are 16 other languages, which are also officially recognised.
– Apart from Christianity, Mwari is the most practiced religion in Zimbabwe, which involves worshiping ancestor as well as spiritual intercessions.
– Zimbabwe has several identifiable categories of art. Shona culture in Zimbabwe is well respected for their art all over the world, having them displayed in galleries worldwide. Ndebele people are famous for their work with wood, creating masterpieces that only they can do.
– Feso, a 1957 novel by Solomon Mutswairo, is considered to be the first novel that fuses the oral tradition of the Shona into a novel.
– The ‘mbira’, which is a small hand-held instrument, has been played for more than 1,000 years in Zimbabwe. This instrument is also commonly referred to as a ‘thumb piano.
– Zimbabwe has won a total of eight medals at the Olympic Games in two sports – hockey (1) and swimming (7).
– Manufacturing, mining, and farming constitute the backbone of the Zimbabwean economy.
– Zimbabwe has the largest platinum and diamond reserves in the world.
Happy independence day Zimbabwe
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