Introduction Zimbabwe
Background:
The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa Company in
1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in
power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its
independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more
complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country
(then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising
finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe)
in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister, has been
the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated
the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land
redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white
farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages
of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE
rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection.
Opposition and labor groups launched general strikes in 2003 to
pressure MUGABE to retire early; security forces continued their
brutal repression of regime opponents.
Geography Zimbabwe
Location:
Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia
Geographic coordinates:
20 00 S, 30 00 E
Map references:
Africa
Area:
total: 390,580 sq km
land: 386,670 sq km
water: 3,910 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly larger than Montana
Land boundaries:
total: 3,066 km
border countries: Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa
225 km, Zambia 797 km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)