Country Profile: Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia. With a population of approximately 17.15 million, its diverse society is primarily made up of Shona and Ndebele ethnic groups. The economy faces significant challenges, including hyperinflation and reliance on agriculture and natural resource extraction, despite the country's rich mineral wealth. Zimbabwe's government operates as a presidential republic, characterized by recent political instability and a history of contentious governance.

Geography

Situated in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is bordered by four countries and covers an area of 390,757 sq km. The climate is primarily tropical, moderated by altitude, with a distinct rainy season from November to March. The landscape is dominated by high plateaus and hills, with the Zambezi River forming a natural boundary with Zambia.

• 390,757 sq km: Total area
• 3,229 km: Total land borders
• 2,592 m (8,439 ft): Highest point (Inyangani)
• 31.3%: Permanent pasture land (2022)
• 44.9%: Forest area (2022)
• 39.5%: Agricultural land (2022)
• 12.1 km: Length of the Zambezi River

People and Society

Zimbabwe has an estimated population of 17.15 million people as of 2024, predominantly composed of 99.6% Africans, with Shona being the largest ethnic group. The official languages are Shona and Ndebele, while English is widely used in official settings. The country faces challenges in health and education, with a literacy rate of 93.2%.

• 0.95 male(s)/female: Overall sex ratio (2024)
• 21.2 years: Median age (2024)
• 28.8 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2024)
• 67.2 years: Life expectancy (2024)
• 93.2%: Literacy rate (2019)
• 32.5%: Urban population (2023)
• 6.5 deaths/1,000 population: Death rate (2024)

Economy

Zimbabwe's economy is classified as low income and is heavily reliant on agriculture, mining, and remittances. The real GDP, adjusted for purchasing power parity, is projected at $57.391 billion in 2024. The country continues to grapple with high levels of inflation, corruption, and political instability, impeding economic reforms.

• $3,500: Real GDP per capita (2024)
• 8.6%: Unemployment rate (2024)
• 5.4%: Agricultural contribution to GDP (2024)
• 55.8%: Services contribution to GDP (2024)
• 38.3%: Population below the poverty line (2019)
• 9.4% of GDP: Remittances (2023)
• $6.671 billion: External debt (2023)

Government

Zimbabwe is a presidential republic, with a current constitution effective since May 2013. The ruling party, ZANU-PF, has faced criticism for its handling of elections and governance issues. The capital city is Harare, and the country has a mixed legal system encompassing English common law, Roman-Dutch civil law, and customary law.

• Emmerson MNANGAGWA: Current president (since 2023)
• 18 years: Minimum voting age
• 280: Total seats in the National Assembly
• 80: Total seats in the Senate
• 8 provinces: Administrative divisions
• April 18, 1980: Independence date

Military and Security

The Zimbabwe Defense Forces consist of the Army and Air Force and a police force responsible for internal security. Military expenditures are projected at 0.4% of GDP for 2024, with approximately 30,000 active personnel. The military has played a significant role in domestic politics since the country's independence in 1980.

• 30,000: Active military personnel (2025)
• 0.4%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024)
• 18-22 years: Age for voluntary military service
• Russian/Soviet-era and Chinese: Primary sources of military equipment

Energy

As of 2023, Zimbabwe's electricity access is limited, with 50.1% of the population having access. The energy mix is primarily from hydroelectric sources, and coal remains significant in the energy sector.

• 2.491 million kW: Total installed generating capacity (2023)
• 8.346 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023)
• 33.7%: Urban electrification (2022)
• 7.968 million metric tons: Coal production (2023)
• 800 bbl/day: Petroleum production (2023)

Environment

Zimbabwe faces environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. The country is party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing issues such as biodiversity and climate change.

• 39.5%: Agricultural land (2022)
• 44.9%: Forest area (2022)
• 1,449,752 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2015)
• 20 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020)

Transportation

Zimbabwe has a relatively well-developed transportation infrastructure that includes roads, railways, and airports.

• 3,427 km: Total railway length (2014)
• 144: Number of airports (2025)
• 5: Heliports (2025)

Communications

Communications infrastructure is advancing, with a growing number of mobile subscriptions and internet users.

• 15 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
• 38%: Internet penetration rate (2023)
• 310,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	17,150,352	Estimate for 2024
Area	390,757 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$57.391 billion	Estimate for 2024
Unemployment Rate	8.6%	Estimate for 2024
Life Expectancy	67.2 years	Estimate for 2024
Birth Rate	28.8 births/1,000	Estimate for 2024
Literacy Rate	93.2%	Estimate for 2019
Electricity Access	50.1%	Estimate for 2022
Urban Population	32.5%	Total urban population (2023)
Military Expenditures	0.4% of GDP	Estimate for 2024