Zimbabwe
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Location:
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Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia
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Background:
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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. |
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Languages:
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English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language
of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous
but minor tribal dialects |
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Exchange rates:
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Zimbabwean dollars per US dollar - 55 (2002), 55.05
(2001), 44.42 (2000), 38.3 (1999), 23.68 (1998)
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