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Country Profile

Land Size 390 245 square kilometres

Capital Harare

Population 15, 543, 000 (July 2006 estimate).

Population Density 30 people per square kilometer.

Time GMT +2 hours

Languages English (official), Shona, Ndebele

Currency 1 Zimbabwe Dollar = 100 cents

Financial Services Zimbabwe has a well-established and sophisticated financial sector

Infrastructure

Good quality roads and rail link all major cities and neighbouring countries. There is adequate provision of electrical power (hydro and thermal), postal and communication services which are continually being upgraded.

Economy

The economy is mainly agricultural-based with a strong mining and manufacturing sectors and a growing tourism sector.

Labour Force

The majority of the Zimbabwean labour force is English speaking and educated to at least four years of secondary education. Labour rates are very competitive in comparison to the rest of the world.

Culture

Zimbabwe is a multi-racial society where people of all nationalities live in harmony. The majority of this widely spread and friendly population, especially in urban areas have a Westernised lifestyle. In country areas however there are many African traditions that have been preserved, with the people remaining friendly and accustomed to the presence of visitors.

Climate

Sub-tropicaI / Savanna

November to April is summer months (rain season) while winter is from May to July, with a

generally dry weather. The period August to October is very hot and dry.

Power Supply

Zimbabwe's power consumption is currently growing at a rate of 6%. The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) undertakes the general transmission, distribution and supply of electricity.

Post & Telecommunications

The postal and land telecommunications services are provided by the ZimPost and TelOne respectively.

Zimbabwe has not been left behind in the world of modern computer technology. ComOne, a
parastatal set-up provides fast information transmission internet services linking even the
remotest parts of Zimbabwe with the whole world. Other internet service providers are
available in most urban centres and major tourist resorts. Internet cafes are thus a common
feature in the country.

Zimbabwe has three cellular phone networks, one government and two privately owned. All these service providers offer national and international roaming services. Currently the subscriber base stands at above 300 000 with more room for expansion.

Travelling

All the movement into and out of the country is monitored by the Department of Immigration Controls. The Department is also responsible for the issuance of work /study permits and visas. Visitors to the country should always verify visa requirements with the Department of Immigration or Zimbabwe Foreign Offices.

Health

With the exception of children less than one year of age, all visitors coming to Zimbabwe from infected areas a re requested to possess vaccination certificates against cholera and yellow fever. If you are intending to visit low-lying areas such as Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba, Gonarezhou and Zambezi Valley, it is advisable to take a course of anti-malaria tablets as a precaution. Prophylaxis is 100 percent effective. However it is always advisable to check with your doctor/pharmacist before travelling to such areas.

Security

Zimbabwe is one of the most politically stable countries in the world. Zimbabweans are known
for their hospitality and friendship towards each other and visitors alike. Although all
Zimbabweans are very helpful it is always advisable to be cautious when dealing with
strangers. If you need help be on the lookout for Police officers who are easily identified by their
uniforms. If you do not know where to obtain a certain service or you are not sure always
contact the Ministry, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Publicity Associations, Police Post or the hotel
information help desk.

Driving

International driving permits and driving licences issued in all SADC countries are valid in Zimbabwe. Visitors from other countries not covered by this agreement are able to drive for a period of 90 days using driving permits or licences issued in their home countries. Renewals after expiry of this period are obtained from the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Driving in Zimbabwe is on the left. Give way to traffic approaching from the right at uncontrolled intersections. General speed limit is 120km/hr on open roads and between 60km and 80km on other roads.