GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Zimbabwe.
Capital
Harare.
Geography
As a country located in Africa according to thereligionfaqs, Zimbabwe borders Zambia to the northwest, Mozambique to the east and northeast, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the southwest. Numerous rivers have their source in the hilly highlands in the middle of the country and flow into the Kariba Reservoir in the northwest, into the wetland areas of Botswana in the west or into the Zambezi River in the northeast. The highlands are often interrupted by kopjes (massive granite blocks). On the eastern border with Mozambique rises a 350 km long mountain range, the highest point of which is Mount Inyangani, 2592 m high. Zimbabwe has some of the most beautiful national parks in southern Africa, Hwange (in the west of the country), Matapos (in the south), Gonarezhou (in the southeast), Mana Pools (in the northeast) and Nyanga (in the east).
Government
Presidential republic (in the Commonwealth) since 1980. Constitution of 1980, last amendment 2013. Parliament with 150 members (120 are directly elected, 12 are appointed by the president and 10 are tribal chiefs). Independent since 1980 (former British colony).
Head of state
Robert Gabriel Mugabe, since 1987.
Electricity
220/230 V, 50 Hz. The plugs have three square and rarely round poles and are fused with 13 amps.
Time zone
Central Africa Time: CET +3
MONEY
Currency
1 South African rand = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: R, ZAR (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation to the denomination of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 R; Coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 R as well as 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
1 US dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: US $, USD (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 US $. Coins are available in denominations of US $ 1 as well as 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
In 2009 the Zimbabwe dollar was suspended. Since then, the US dollar and the South African rand have served as legal tender.
Credit cards
Visa and Mastercard are the most common, Diners Club and American Express are theoretically accepted. Visa is most widely accepted at fully functional ATMs. Attention: At the moment, credit cards are only rarely accepted. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
EC cards with the Maestro symbol can be used at ATMs. Attention: It is currently hardly possible to withdraw money with international bank cards at ATMs.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wed 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unrestricted import of foreign currency, obligation to declare. Export of foreign currencies only in the amount of the declared amount.
Currency Exchange
Theoretically, all common currencies can be exchanged at authorized banks, hotels and exchange offices at the official exchange rate. However, US dollars, euros and rand are currently official tender. Larger amounts of cash should be kept safe.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English. Shona, Fanalago and the native Bantu languages Cishona and Isindebele are used as colloquial languages.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Suit and tie or costume are appropriate. Business meetings are generally less formal than in Europe.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Economy
Commercial Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe
Kommandantenstraße 80, D-10117 Berlin
Tel: (030) 206 22 63.
Zimbabwe National Chambers of Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
25 Harvey Brown Avenue, Milton Park, PO Box 1934, Harare
Tel: 263 86220 1507.
Internet: www.zncc.co.zw
Ministry of Industry and International Trade
Private Bag 7708, Mukwati Building, 13th Floor, 4th Street, Causeway, Harare
Tel: (4) 72 98 01.
Business contacts
Commercial Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe
Kommandantenstraße 80, D-10117 Berlin
Tel: (030) 206 22 63.
Zimbabwe National Chambers of Commerce (Chamber of Commerce)
ZNCC Business House, 25 Harvey Brown Avenue, Milton Park, PO Box 1934,
Harare
Tel: 263 862 20 15 07
Internet: www.zncc.co.zw
Ministry of Industry and International Trade
Private Bag 7708, Mukwati Building, 13th Floor, 4th Street, Causeway, Harare
Tel: (4) 72 98 01.
CULTURE
Religion
50% followers of a mixture of Christianity and natural religions, 25% Christians; 24% followers of natural religions, 1% Muslim, Jewish and other minorities.
Social rules of conduct
The British influence is very noticeable in the cities, while in rural areas the old traditions and traditional crafts have been preserved. Shake hands to greet you. When inviting to private houses, one adheres to the generally accepted politeness and manners. Counter-invitations are gladly accepted. Small favors are not uncommon. Casual wear is appropriate during the day, and suits and ties or suits are worn on business visits. In better restaurants and hotel bars, more elegant clothing is also appropriate. Smoking is prohibited in public transport and in some public buildings. Tip: A tip of 10-15% is common. Prohibition of photography: Military installations and vehicles, soldiers, police officers and security-relevant buildings may not be filmed or photographed.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
The climate is moderate due to the altitude and inland location of the country. The hot dry season lasts from September to October, the rainy season from November to March. The best travel time is from April to May and from August to September. Temperatures can be below zero at night.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +263 Area (km2) 390757 Population 14229541 Population density (per km2) 36 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999