Great Zimbabwe

'Stone houses' - This is how the name Zimbabwe can be translated from the national language. At the same time, the stone houses are silent witnesses of an early civilization - at the ruins of 'Great Zimbabwe' in the south of the country. Archaeological findings indicate that the Zimbabwe area is one of the "birthplaces of mankind".

Zimbabwe - paradise with many problems

The Republic of Zimbabwe (the former South Rhodesia) is a landlocked country in southern Africa with approximately

15 million inhabitants. The diverse country is known for the huge Victoria Falls, beautiful and animal-rich national parks and its great cultural traditions. Creativity and enjoyment of life are just as much at home in Zimbabwe as the many catastrophes. Hunger, droughts and floods, unemployment, inflation, energy shortages and AIDS are widespread. Zimbabwe is currently one of the poorest economies in the world.

Climate change, socio-political and economic situation are the Zimbabwe's greatest challenges to a better future

Zimbabwe got independence in 1980 and for decades the country has experienced socio-political and economic challenges. The foreign currency shortages and the hyperinflation has resulted in sky rocketing of prices with basic commodities beyond the reach of many people who are living below the poverty datum line. The supply of food, medicine, water, electricity and gasoline have remained a challenge and this has also been exacerbated by drought and the covid 19 pandemic. The economic situation is chronically tense, with around 72% of the population living in absolute poverty and suffering from hunger. The education and health system as well as the infrastructure are becoming increasingly dilapidated - around 1 million children do not attend school. Zimbabwe is still in a downward spiral and is now an unstable, heavily indebted country.

The unemployment rate of around 90%, the majority of the population keeps themselves afloat for a few dollars a day with informal work. Some people enjoy prosperity, but this lifestyle is limited to the capital, Harare, and a few other cities. An estimated 4 million migrant workers live and work in neighboring South Africa and left behind are torn families and youths with little hope and perspectives.

Find out more in our newsletter about the country and its friendly people as well as the humble but happy local life.