Country Profile: Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, and Botswana. Its geography is characterized by a high plateau and a tropical climate, with notable features such as the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. With a population estimated at 17.5 million in 2025, Zimbabwe faces challenges including political instability and economic strife that stem from a history of colonial rule and governance issues. The economy is primarily dependent on agriculture, mining, and remittances, with a significant informal sector. The country operates as a presidential republic, with a government influenced by the legacy of long-term leader Robert Mugabe.
Geography
Zimbabwe is situated between South Africa and Zambia, encompassing an area of 390,757 sq km, characterized by a high plateau and a mean elevation of 961 m. The country is landlocked, having no coastline, and it features a predominantly tropical climate that is moderated by altitude, with a rainy season from November to March.
- Area: 390,757 sq km
- Elevation: Highest point 2,592 m at Inyangani
- Natural Resources: Includes coal, gold, chromium ore, and lithium
- Climate: Tropical with a rainy season
- Irrigated Land: 1,740 sq km (2012)
People and Society
The population of Zimbabwe is approximately 17.5 million (2025 estimate), with a youthful demographic where 38.3% are aged 0-14 years. Predominantly Shona-speaking, the country has a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities. The literacy rate stands at 93.2%, showcasing a commitment to education despite economic hardships.
- Population: 17,472,752 (2025 est.)
- Urban Population: 32.5% (2023)
- Literacy Rate: 93.2% (2019 est.)
- Median Age: 21.3 years (2025 est.)
- Primary Languages: Shona (80.9%), Ndebele (11.5%), English (0.3%)
Economy
Zimbabwe's economy is classified as low-income and faces challenges from endemic corruption and political instability. The country's GDP per capita is approximately $3,500 for 2024, indicating ongoing economic difficulties. Key sectors include agriculture, mining, and services, with efforts to combat hyperinflation through the introduction of new currency.
- GDP (PPP): $57.391 billion (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 8.6% (2024 est.)
- Poverty Rate: 38.3% (2019 est.)
- Major Industries: Mining, agriculture, and manufacturing
- Remittances: 9.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Government
Zimbabwe is a presidential republic with a complex legal system that combines English common law, Roman-Dutch civil law, and customary law. The capital is Harare, and the current president is Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has been in power since 2017 following a military intervention. The country has a long history of governance challenges and political violence.
- Government Type: Presidential republic
- Current President: Emmerson Mnangagwa (since 2017)
- Capital: Harare
- Election Year: Most recent election on 23 August 2023
- Parliament: Bicameral legislature
Military and Security
The Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) consist of the army and air force and are responsible for national defense and domestic security. The military budget is relatively low, estimated at 0.4% of GDP for 2024, reflecting ongoing economic constraints.
- Active Personnel: Approximately 30,000 (2025)
- Military Expenditures: 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Military Equipment: Primarily Russian/Soviet-era and Chinese armaments
- Service Age: Voluntary military service starts at 18 years
Energy
Electricity access remains low, with 50.1% of the population having access as of 2022. The country relies on hydroelectric power, which makes up 65.7% of installed capacity. However, Zimbabwe faces challenges in energy generation and distribution.
- Installed Capacity: 2.491 million kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity Consumption: 8.346 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Rural Electrification: Only 33.7% of rural areas have access
- Coal Production: 7.968 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Environment
Zimbabwe grapples with environmental challenges including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. The country is part of multiple international environmental agreements but faces significant issues stemming from mining activities and land degradation.
- Environmental Issues: Deforestation, soil erosion, and air pollution
- Total Water Resources: 20 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 12.578 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Waste Recycling Rate: 21.8% (2022 est.)
Transportation
Zimbabwe has a network of 3,427 km of railways and 144 airports as of 2025, facilitating domestic travel and commerce. However, transportation infrastructure continues to be a critical area needing improvement.
- Railways: 3,427 km (2014)
- Airports: 144 (2025)
- Heliports: 5 (2025)
Communications
The country has a growing mobile telecommunications sector, with 15.7 million mobile subscriptions reported in 2024, reflecting a penetration rate of 94 per 100 inhabitants. Internet access remains limited, affecting the overall connectivity landscape.
- Telephone Subscriptions: 310,000 fixed lines (2023)
- Internet Users: 38% of the population (2023 est.)
- Mobile Subscriptions: 15.7 million (2024)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,472,752 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 390,757 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $57.391 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.6% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 28.18 per 1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 67.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 50.1% | 2022 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 3.42 children per woman | 2025 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 93.2% | 2019 estimate |
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