Fact 1: It's Home to "The Smoke That Thunders"
Inkathi inkulu (the great smoke) or Mosi-oa-Tunya, translated as "The Smoke that Thunders," is the local name for the glorious Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, which Zimbabwe shares with Zambia. Named by Scottish missionary explorer David Livingstone in honor of Queen Victoria, this curtain of water is thrice the width of Niagara Falls.
Fact 2: The First Open Martin Luther King Library
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Harare is the first library in the world to be named after the American Civil Rights Movement leader. Opened in 1975, the library stands as a testament to King's legacy and is a symbol of hope in a historically divided country.
Fact 3: Birthplace of the Princess of Africa
Internationally acclaimed vocalist and humanitarian, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, was born in Zimbabwe. Known as the "Princess of Africa," her music resonates with an irresistible Afropop beat and has touched millions of people worldwide.
Fact 4: Landlocked But Not Lake-less
Despite being landlocked, Zimbabwe is not devoid of vast waterscapes. Lake Kariba on the Zambezi River is one of the world's largest man-made lakes. At a mammoth 223 kilometers long and 40 kilometers wide, it was created in 1958 when the river was dammed.
Fact 5: World’s Largest Man-Made Forest Exists Here
The Eucalyptus plantation in Nyanga, eastern Zimbabwe, stands as the world’s largest man-made forest. Initially planted to supply timber to the local railway industry, it's now a place of beauty and tranquility.
Fact 6: Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Zimbabwe is home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Victoria Falls, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the Khami Ruins, the Matobo Hills, Mana Pools, and the beautiful Chiredzi River Basin.
Fact 7: Previous Hyperinflation Record Holder
Zimbabwe holds the dubious distinction of having experienced the second-highest recorded inflation rate in history. In November 2008, the country's inflation peaked at a staggering 89.7 Sextillion percent.
Fact 8: The Country With the Most Official Languages
Zimbabwe has an incredible 16 official languages, more than most other countries. English, Shona, and Sindebele are the most widely spoken, but many other indigenous languages are recognized in the constitution.
Fact 9: Won 8 Olympic Medals
Zimbabwe has won a total of eight Olympic medals - one gold, four silver, and three bronze. Kirsty Coventry, a swimmer, is the most accomplished athlete, winning seven of the eight medals.
Fact 10: Agricultural Dominance
Despite its many challenges, Zimbabwe's economy surprisingly remains dominated by agriculture, which accounts for 20% of its total GDP and employs two-thirds of its population. It was once known as the "breadbasket of Africa".
Fact 11: Oldest Formal Education System in Africa
Zimbabwe has one of the oldest formal education systems in Africa, believed to have started as early as the 12th century at the Great Zimbabwe monument, an ancient city in the southeastern hills.
Fact 12: The Country Was Once Named Rhodesia
Zimbabwe had a different name in the past – Rhodesia. It was named after Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman, through his British South Africa Company. The country changed its name to Zimbabwe in 1980 after gaining independence.
Fact 13: One of the Youngest Grandmaster in Chess is Zimbabwean
At the tender age of fourteen, Robert Gwaze earned the title of Chess Grandmaster, making him one of the youngest grandmasters in the world. His talent has positively put Zimbabwe on the world chess map.
Fact 14: No Wildlife Hunting in Zimbabwe's National Parks
Zimbabwe is one of the few African countries that has outlawed any hunting in its national parks. This is a conservation effort to protect and preserve the magnificent wildlife the country is famous for.
Fact 15: Its Capital Was Once Known as ‘Fort Salisbury’
Harare, Zimbabwe's capital city, was once known as 'Fort Salisbury’ during the colonial era. It was renamed to Harare in 1982, two years after the country gained its independence.
Fact 16: Backed by the Richest Platinum Reserves
Zimbabwe boasts the world’s second-largest platinum reserves and is one of the leading exporters of the metal. This precious resource provides a significant boost to the country's economy.
Fact 17: Ultimate Bungee Jumping Experience
Zimbabwe delivers one of the most thrilling bungee jumping experiences in the world at the Victoria Falls Bridge. The free fall is a whopping 111 meters, and the adventurous get an incredible view of Victoria Falls.
Fact 18: Home of African Blackwood Trees
Zimbabwe is home to the beautiful and endangered African blackwood Tree (Mukwa tree), known for its very hard and richly colored timber. It's used to craft some of the finest furniture and musical instruments.
Fact 19: Indigenous Population Predominates
The majority (approximately 99%) of Zimbabwe's population is of indigenous African ethnicity, with the Shona and Sindebele being the most populous groups. This makes it one of the few countries in Africa with such a high indigenous population density.
Fact 20: Success in Cricket
Zimbabwe has a successful cricket team that has competed at the international level. The Zimbabwean national cricket team has enjoyed spells of competitiveness against other top nations, and cricket is one of the country's most popular sports.