Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
- Capital
- Harare
- Population
- 14,862,927
- Region
- Africa
- Languages
- English, Shona, Northern Ndebele
The ancient stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe, which give the country its modern name, feature massive dry-stone walls built without any mortar. These structures are some of the oldest and largest in Sub-Saharan Africa and were once the center of a powerful trading empire. Local folklore suggests the site was the capital of the Queen of Sheba, though historians confirm it was built by the indigenous Shona people between the 11th and 15th centuries.
Currency
The official currency is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), though the country has a complex monetary history involving the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL). In 2008, the nation experienced one of the most extreme cases of hyperinflation in history, leading to the issuance of a 100 trillion dollar banknote, which has since become a popular collector's item worldwide.
Flag symbolism
The flag features seven horizontal stripes of green, gold, red, and black, which represent agriculture, mineral wealth, the blood shed during the liberation struggle, and the heritage of the native population respectively. A white triangle on the hoist side contains a red five-pointed star representing internationalism and socialism, superimposed with the golden Zimbabwe Bird. This bird is a national icon derived from soapstone carvings found at the Great Zimbabwe ruins, linking the modern state to its ancient history.
Emblem history
The coat of arms depicts two kudus standing on an earthen mound containing stalks of wheat, cotton, and maize, symbolizing the importance of agriculture. Behind the central shield lies a pick and AK-47 assault rifle, which represent the transition from the struggle for independence to a period of peaceful labor. The shield itself features the blue and white wavy lines of Victoria Falls and the bird icon, resting above a scroll bearing the national motto: Unity, Freedom, Work.