Zimbabwe: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Zimbabwe 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Zimbabwe: 138
  • Happiness Score Zimbabwe:3.341

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Zimbabwe. ZW.

    Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. It has a presidential system of government with a president serving as the head of state and government. The country is known for its vibrant and diverse culture, with traditional music, dance, and art playing a significant role in Zimbabwean society. In terms of economy, Zimbabwe is rich in natural resources such as minerals, and agriculture is a major contributor to its GDP.

  • Zimbabwe is home to the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world.
  • The country was formerly known as Rhodesia before gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1980.
  • Zimbabwe is known for its impressive stone ruins, such as the Great Zimbabwe, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Overview of Zimbabwe

    Early History and Ancient Civilizations

    The region that is now Zimbabwe has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The ancient city of Great Zimbabwe, with its imposing stone structures, was a major center of trade and culture for the Shona people from the 11th to the 15th centuries. The Shona were skilled in metal-working, pottery, and building techniques.

    Kingdoms and Empires

    Various Shona kingdoms, such as the Mutapa Empire and the Rozvi Empire, controlled parts of present-day Zimbabwe from the 15th to the 19th centuries. These kingdoms engaged in trade and had complex political and social structures.

    Colonial Period

    The British South Africa Company, led by Cecil Rhodes, occupied the region in the late 19th century, leading to the establishment of the colony of Southern Rhodesia in 1923. The colonial period was marked by land seizures, displacement of indigenous populations, and institutionalized racism.

    Independence and Modern Era

    After a protracted guerilla war led by nationalist movements like ZANU and ZAPU, Rhodesia gained independence in 1980 and was renamed Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe became the first prime minister and later president, ruling for nearly four decades until his resignation in 2017 amid economic turmoil and human rights concerns.

    Current Political Situation

    Zimbabwe is a semi-presidential republic with a bicameral parliament. Emmerson Mnangagwa became president in 2017 after Mugabe’s resignation. Recent elections have been marred by allegations of irregularities and violence. Key political figures include Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

    International Relations

    Zimbabwe has strained relations with some Western nations due to human rights concerns and economic mismanagement. It has stronger ties with China and Russia. The country is a member of regional organizations like the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

    Human Development and Economy

    Zimbabwe has struggled with economic challenges, including hyperinflation, foreign currency shortages, and high unemployment. Agriculture, mining, and tourism are major industries. The country ranks low on human development indicators, with high poverty rates and limited access to healthcare and education.

    Cultural Highlights

    Zimbabwe has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from various ethnic groups like the Shona and Ndebele. English, Shona, and Ndebele are the main languages spoken. Notable cultural aspects include traditional stone sculpture, music, and literature.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Key challenges facing Zimbabwe include political instability, economic recovery, addressing human rights concerns, and improving access to basic services. Opportunities lie in leveraging its natural resources, reviving the tourism industry, and fostering regional and international cooperation for development.

Main facts

1. Location

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is situated between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and northeast. The country lies just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and shares the majestic Victoria Falls with Zambia on the Zambezi River.

2. Map References

Zimbabwe is located in the Southern African region.

3. Area – Comparative

With an area of 390,757 sq km, Zimbabwe is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Montana.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Zimbabwe has a total land boundary length of 3,066 km. It shares borders with the following countries:

5. Coastline

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country and does not have a coastline.

6. Maritime Claims

As a landlocked country, Zimbabwe has no maritime claims.

7. Climate

Zimbabwe has a tropical climate with a rainy season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. The country experiences distinct regional variations, with the eastern highlands being generally cooler and wetter, while the western regions are warmer and drier.

8. Terrain

Zimbabwe has a diverse landscape, featuring high plateau regions, rolling hills, and low-lying areas. The central part of the country is dominated by the high-altitude Highveld, while the Eastern Highlands are characterized by rugged mountains. The Zambezi River Valley forms part of the country’s northern border, and the Limpopo River Valley defines the southern border.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Zimbabwe is Inyangani at 2,592 meters, located in the Eastern Highlands. The lowest point is the junction of the Runde and Save Rivers at 162 meters.

10. Natural Resources

Zimbabwe’s major natural resources include:

  • Metallurgical-grade chromite
  • Coal
  • Asbestos
  • Gold
  • Nickel
  • Copper
  • Iron ore
  • Vanadium
  • Lithium
  • Tin
  • Platinum group metals

11. Major Bodies of Water

The major water bodies in Zimbabwe include:

12. Natural Hazards

The primary natural hazards in Zimbabwe include:

  • Recurring droughts
  • Floods
  • Severe storms

13. Geography – Notes

Zimbabwe is known for its diverse and rich wildlife, with several national parks and game reserves, such as the Hwange National Park and the Mana Pools National Park. The country’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and mining, with the agricultural sector heavily dependent on the availability of water resources.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 35.50%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 10,983. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 41.90%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -19.01543829.154857.
  • Capital: The capital of Zimbabwe is  Harare
  • Major Cities:
    • Harare – Population: 1,606,000
    • Bulawayo – Population: 653,377
    • Chitungwiza – Population: 356,840
    • Mutare – Population: 187,621
    • Gweru – Population: 146,073
  • Population: 14,645,468
  • Area(Km2): 390757
  • Population Density( P/Km²):38. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:263
  • Official Language(s):Zimbabwe is Shona (70%) and Sindebele (20%).
  • Currency:

Main Economic Indicators

Zimbabwe has a struggling economy with a GDP of approximately $25 billion. It is heavily dependent on mining, agriculture, and remittances. The country faces major challenges, including high inflation, widespread poverty, and weak infrastructure. Key policies aim to attract foreign investment, promote export-led growth, and stabilize the currency.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2022: 285.8% (Source: IMF)
2021: 98.5% (Source: IMF)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 9.2%
Industry: 23.9%
Services: 66.9% (2022 estimates)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agriculture: Tobacco, corn, cotton, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts
Industry: Mining (coal, gold, platinum, copper, nickel, tin, clay, numerous metallic and nonmetallic ores), steel, wood products, cement, chemicals, fertilizer, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs, beverages

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 3.8 million (2021 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 105th in the world

Current Account Balance

2022: -$1.04 billion (estimate)
2021: -$1.09 billion
Comparative Ranking: 166th in the world

Exports and Imports

Exports: $5.03 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Partners: South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Mozambique
Main Commodities: Gold, nickel, diamonds, platinum, tobacco, ferro-alloys, textiles/clothing
Imports: $5.98 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Partners: South Africa, China, United Arab Emirates
Main Commodities: Machinery, transportation equipment, construction materials, chemicals, fuels, food products

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $1.2 billion (2022 estimate)
Gold Reserves: 26.6 tonnes (2022 estimate)

  • GDP (Current US$):$21,440,758,800. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 20.70%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 31.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.34. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 4.95%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Nationality: noun – Zimbabwean(s), adjective – Zimbabwean

Ethnic Groups

  • Shona 82.1%
  • Ndebele 13.6%
  • Other 3.2%
  • Unspecified 1.1%

Religions

  • Protestant 74.8%
  • Roman Catholic 7.3%
  • Other Christian 5.3%
  • Traditional 1.5%
  • Muslim 0.5%
  • Other 0.1%
  • None 10.5%

Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 37.26%
  • 15-64 years: 59.55%
  • 65 years and over: 3.19%

Dependency Ratios

Total Dependency Ratio: 68.1

Youth Dependency Ratio: 62.6

Elderly Dependency Ratio: 5.4

Median Age

Total: 20.5 years

Male: 20.2 years

Female: 20.8 years

Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity Rate: 15.5% of the adult population

Alcohol Consumption: 4.6 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year

Tobacco Use: 12.6% of adults smoke tobacco

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 61.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 86.5%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:30.68. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 3.62. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 28%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 4,717,305. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):25.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Zimbabwe Defense Forces consist of the Zimbabwe National Army, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The Army includes the Presidential Guard Brigade and other specialized units like Commando and Parachute regiments. The Paramilitary Police Support Unit assists the regular police with internal security.

Military Expenditures

Zimbabwe’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 2.5%
  • 2021: 2.3%
  • 2020: 2.1%
  • 2019: 2.4%
  • 2018: 2.7%

Zimbabwe’s military spending ranks 67th globally.

Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel strength is approximately 30,000, with the following breakdown:

  • Zimbabwe National Army: 25,000
  • Air Force of Zimbabwe: 4,000
  • Zimbabwe Republic Police: 35,000 (including paramilitary units)

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Zimbabwe’s military inventory includes a mix of domestically produced and imported equipment, primarily from China, Russia, and European nations. Key assets include:

  • Main Battle Tanks: T-55, T-72
  • Armored Vehicles: BTR-60, Eland, Cascavel
  • Artillery: D-30, M46 howitzers, RM-70 multiple rocket launchers
  • Combat Aircraft: J-7, K-8 trainers, MiG-23
  • Transport Aircraft: An-12, C212, Y-12

Zimbabwe has plans to acquire new military hardware, including drones and air defense systems, but details are limited due to funding constraints.

Military Service Age and Obligation

The minimum age for voluntary military service is 18. Zimbabwe has no mandatory military service obligation, but the government occasionally conducts national youth service programs that include military training components.

Military Deployments

Zimbabwe currently has a small contingent of troops (around 200) deployed as part of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Additionally, Zimbabwean troops are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) to combat terrorism and insurgency.

Strategic Military Notes

Zimbabwe’s defense strategy focuses on territorial integrity, regional security, and stability within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework. The military plays a significant role in internal security and has been involved in various peacekeeping missions in Africa under the auspices of the African Union and United Nations.

Zimbabwe is a member of the SADC Standby Force and the Non-Aligned Movement. The country has defense cooperation agreements with several nations, including China, Russia, and South Africa.

  • Armed Forces Size: 29000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.21
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 83.10%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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