Date of independence, or formation date: 1980
Date when current borders were established: 1980
National day: April 18
Vehicle country identifying code: ZW
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +2
International telephone dialling code: +263
Internet country identifying code: .zw

Zimbabwe is situated in southern Africa. Its upland center is crisscrossed by rivers flowing into Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River, on which lies the region's most spectacular natural feature, the Victoria Falls (Musi-o-Tunya). Attempts to preserve white rule in the former British colony led to a long guerrilla war before independence in 1980. Robert Mugabe, the country's leader since then and its president since 1987, has become increasingly authoritarian and divisive. Violent seizure of white-owned farmland and severe drought have contributed to virtual economic collapse.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004