Country Profile: Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia. Home to a diverse population of approximately 17.5 million, the country has a predominantly Shona ethnic majority. Economically, Zimbabwe has faced significant challenges, including hyperinflation and political instability, affecting its reliance on natural resource extraction and agriculture. The governance structure is a presidential republic, currently led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has faced criticism for political repression and the state of the economy.
Geography
Zimbabwe features a diverse landscape characterized by a high plateau and mountainous regions to the east, with a mean elevation of 961 meters. The country experiences a tropical climate, moderated by altitude, with a rainy season from November to March. Being landlocked, it has no coastline and relies on river systems for its natural boundaries, notably the Zambezi River which forms the border with Zambia.
- Area: 390,757 sq km
- Natural resources: Includes coal, chromium ore, gold, and lithium.
- Climate: Tropical with a rainy season between November and March.
- Highest point: Inyangani at 2,592 m.
- Population distribution: Urban centers in Harare and Bulawayo, with a more even distribution in rural areas.
People and Society
As of 2025, Zimbabwe has an estimated population of 17.47 million, with a high proportion of youth, as 38.3% are aged 0-14 years. The majority ethnic group is African (predominantly Shona), with multiple official languages, including Shona and Ndebele. The country has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its religious makeup, where 40.3% identify with the Apostolic Sect and various other Christian denominations follow.
- Population estimate (2025): 17,472,752
- Life expectancy: 67.2 years (2024)
- Literacy rate: 93.2% (2019)
- Urban population: 32.5% of total (2023)
- Birth rate: 28.18 births per 1,000 population (2025)
Economy
Zimbabwe's economy is classified as low-income and primarily reliant on agriculture, mining, and remittances. Political instability and corruption have hindered effective economic reforms, leading to a reliance on the new Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency to combat hyperinflation. In 2024, the real GDP per capita is estimated at $3,500, with a significant portion of the economy tied to the mining sector.
- GDP (2024 estimate): $57.391 billion
- GDP growth (2023): 5.3%
- Unemployment rate: 8.6% (2024)
- Exports (2023): $7.603 billion
- Poverty rate: 38.3% below the national poverty line (2019)
Government
Zimbabwe operates as a presidential republic. The current president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been in power since 2017, following a military intervention. The government is characterized by a mixed legal system and has faced criticisms regarding electoral integrity and human rights issues. The legislative framework consists of a bicameral Parliament.
- Independence: April 18, 1980
- Executive branch: President and Cabinet appointed by the president.
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years.
- Most recent election: Presidential election on August 23, 2023.
- Administrative divisions: 8 provinces and 2 cities with provincial status.
Military and Security
The Zimbabwe Defense Forces, consisting of the Army and Air Force, play a significant role in national security and have been involved in various political and socio-economic projects. Military expenditures are relatively low at 0.4% of GDP as of 2024.
- Active military personnel: Approximately 30,000 (2025)
- Military expenditures (2024): 0.4% of GDP
- Military service age: 18-22 for voluntary service.
- Defense ties: Notably with China and Russia.
Energy
Access to electricity in Zimbabwe remains limited, with only 50.1% of the total population having access as of 2022, primarily in urban areas. The energy sector is dependent on hydroelectric power and coal, with coal production reaching nearly 8 million metric tons in 2023.
- Electricity consumption: 8.346 billion kWh (2023)
- Installed capacity: 2.491 million kW (2023)
- Electrification rate (urban): 89%
- Coal production: 7.968 million metric tons (2023)
- Renewable resources: 65.7% of total capacity from hydroelectric sources.
Environment
Zimbabwe faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution due to mining activities. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements, addressing issues like biodiversity and climate change.
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 12.578 million metric tonnes (2023)
- Land use: 41.8% for agriculture (2023)
- Natural resources: Rich in minerals but affected by degradation.
- Renewable water resources: 20 billion cubic meters (2022)
Transportation
The transportation network consists of railways, roads, and airports that facilitate domestic and international movement. As of 2025, Zimbabwe has 144 airports, with a significant rail network of 3,427 km.
- Airports: 144 (2025)
- Railways: 3,427 km total.
- Heliports: 5 (2025)
- Civil aircraft registration: Code prefix "Z".
Communications
Zimbabwe has made strides in telecommunications, with approximately 15.7 million mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2024. Despite this, access to broadband remains limited, and much of the media is state-controlled.
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 310,000 (2023)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 15.7 million (2024)
- Internet users: 38% of the population (2023)
- Broadcast media: Limited access in rural areas.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,472,752 | Estimate for 2025 |
| Area | 390,757 sq km | |
| 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 | 28.18 births/1,000 | Estimate for 2025 |
| Electric Access | 50.1% | Total population with access |
| Literacy Rate | 93.2% | Estimate for 2019 |
| Military Expenditures | 0.4% of GDP | Estimate for 2024 |
| Urban Population | 32.5% | Of total population (2023) |
Explore more about this country: