Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country that was once home to a prolific and prosperous medieval kingdom in sub-Saharan Africa. It was colonized by the British in the late 1800s and gained its independence in 1980. Its name is loosely translated as ‘house of rock/stone’ and is an anglicized version of the Shona language descriptions, dzimba dzemabwe meaning ‘great stone houses’ or dzimba woye meaning ‘esteemed houses’.

Ruins of such stone structures can be seen today at the Great Zimbabwe National Monument which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country has endured both socio-economic and environmental challenges. However, despite these hardships, Zimbabweans have shown immense innovation and resilience.