Zimbabwe Country Analysis essays

Zimbabwe Country Analysis essays I. Brief discussion of history- The United Kingdom annexed Rhodesia (later changed to Zimbabwe) from the South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated to keep the white race in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the United Kingdom did not recognize the act and demanded voting rights for the black African majority in the country. United Nations sanctions and a revolutionary 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. A. Location- In Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia.2 B. Climate- It is tropical yet moderated by altitude. The rainy season Is from November to March. The seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere, with midsummer at Christmas and winter lasting from May to August. In winter, the days are generally dry and sunny with cold frosty nights. In summer, temperatures average 15 - 20 degrees centigrade, with October being the hottest month. In low-lying areas, it is much warmer all year than in the capital, which is named Harare. 2 C. Topography- Zimbabwe is 391,090 square kilometers or 150,961 square miles. The borders with Republic of Zimbabwe are Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Africa. The capital is Harare and major towns are Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare. An outstanding feature of Zimbabwe's natural heritage is its diversity and variety. Few African nations can boast such a wide range of territory. The country is bound to the north by the Zambezi River, which has been dammed at Kariba to form an enormous fresh water lake. Further upstream are the Victoria Falls, the largest curtain of falling water anywhere in the world. Bordering Mozambique to the east is a range of mountains reaching 2, 600 met...