1st Period Class: Soul Power

Country: Zimbabwe
History:
the lands earliest settlers, the khoisan date back to 200 b.c.

the mwene mutapa were the first civilization to become established

the first contact w/ euopeans was with the portuguese at the end of the 15th century.

geography for zimbabwe. formerly called rhodesia. it is bounded by zambia,mozambique,south africa, and botswana.

pre colonial era (1000-1887)

portugese settlers destroyed the trade and began a series of wars which left the empire in near collapse in the early 17th century.


colonial era (1888-1965)

in the 1880s, the british arrived with cecil rhodes's british south africa company. in 1898, the name southern rhodesia was adopted.
 
present day zimbabwe was the site of large and complex african civilization in the 13th and 14th centuries. it was populated by decendants of the bantu tribes, who had migrated from the north around the 10th century.

Concise Facts and History about Zimbabwe

700AD - Arabian and Persians trade with ivory, rhino horn, gold, shells and slaves
1000 AD - the Shona people began their rule and built a city called Zimbabwe
1400s - the Karanga branch of the Shona established the Mwanamutapa Empire
1500s - Christianity was introduced by the Portuguese explorers
1800-1900's - European slave traders establish coastal ports for the increasing traffic in slaves destined for the Americas
The slaves were emancipated in the 1830's
1893 - The British South African Company occupied the region and called the territory Rhodesia
1897 - Great Britain recognized southern and northern Rhodesia as separate territories
1923 Southern Rhodesia became a self-governing British Colony
1964 - Northern Rhodesia became Zambia
1964 - Southern Rhodesia became known as Rhodesia
11 November 1965 Prime Minister, Ian Smith, declared Rhodesia independent. Great Britain declared this action illegal and banned trade with Rhodesia
1969 A new constitution was introduced to prevent black Africans from ever gaining control of the government
1970-1974 Civil War between government troops and black guerrillas
April 1979 - Election resulted in a majority of black leaders
April 1979 - Abel T. Muzorewa became the first black Prime Minister
31 May 1979 - Zimbabwe proclaimed independence
1 June 1979 - The nation of Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, was formed
February 2000 - In a referendum held Zimbabwe voters rejected a new constitution which included provisions that called for redistribution of white-owned farmland to blacks
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Geography:
 the largest river is the zambezi.
The Chimanimani mountain range in Manicaland, eastern Zimbabwe, is the southernmost portion of the mountainous Eastern Highlands that sweep Zimbabwe's eastern border from south to north. Located 150km from Mutare, much of Chimanimani mountain range is protected within the borders of Chimanimani National Park.


The Chimanimani mountain range is composed mostly of sandstone, but it's distinguished by its huge volcanic peaks. These stretch for fifty kilometres and reach heights of 2,440m, forming Zimbabwe's border with Mozambique. Gentler, more rounded mountains can be found between the border and Chimanimani village.

As one of Zimbabwe's finest mountain wilderness areas, the Chimanimani mountain range is an excellent hiking destination. The Bridal Veil Falls are a popular destination for hikers, as is the nearby Chirundu forest, Africa's southernmost tropical rainforest.
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Some natural resources r copper gold nickel and coal
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Zimbabwe, or Republic of Zimbabwe, a country in south-central Africa. It was formerly called Rhodesia. It is bounded by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana. The area is 150,804 square miles (390,580 km2).


Zimbabwe is in the tropics south of the Equator. It lies on plateaus 3,000 feet (900 m) or more above sea level. The mountains in the east rise to roughly 8,500 feet (2,600 m) above sea level. The land is mainly bush-covered with occasional forests. The largest river is the Zambezi, which forms the Zimbabwe-Zambia border. On the Zambezi is majestic Victoria Falls. The river is dammed to form Lake Kariba, which Zimbabwe shares with Zambia.

The climate is moderate on the plateaus, with temperatures rarely exceeding 90° F. (32° C.). The river valleys are hot and humid, with temperatures above 100° F. (38° C.). Average annual precipitation ranges from about 15 to 45 inches (380 to 1,140 mm).

Zimbabwe is rich in natural resources. Copper, asbestos, gold, nickel, coal, and chromium are mined, and there are valuable teak and softwood forests. Agricultural products include corn, cotton, sugarcane, and tobacco. Cattle and other livestock are important. Zimbabwe's industries include food processing and the manufacturing of steel, chemicals, and textiles. The basic currency unit is the Zimbabwe dollar.

Transportation in Zimbabwe is well developed, with road, railway, or air transportation serving most parts of the country.
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Culture
zimbabwe's largest ethnic group is Shona. these people have many sculptures and carving of gods.

zimbabwe's independence is celbrated on the 18th if april. this celabration is held either at the national sports stadium or the Rufaro Sports Stadium in Harare. doves are set free, symbolizing peace. fighter jet fly over as the national anthem is sung.

traditional arts of zimbabwe include pottery, basketry, textiles, jewelry and carving. shona sculptures have become very famous recently. most images are of people and birds, carved out of soapstone, serpentine, and verdite. the shona art is a fusion of africa folklore with european influences.

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Food:
Mealie meal or cornmeal, is used to prepare sadza and bota. sadza is a porridge made by mixing the cornmeal with water or make a tick paste. After the paste has been cooking for several minuets. This food is comonly eaten for lunch or dinner. Bota is a thinner porridge, cooked with additional cornmeal annd ususally flavored with peanut butter, milk, butter, or sometimes jam.
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Music:
Includes folk and pop styles, much of it based on the well-known instrument called the mbria. An annual zimbabwe music festival is held each year in the pacific northwest of the united states. people from all over the world attend this festival and share the experience of the zimbabwean music and culture. popular genres in the zimbabwe include native chimurenga and imported rmba soukous and rock and roll.
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Language:
English is the official language but Shona and Sindabele are the most commonly spoken.

Important People:

Charles Mungoshi, who writes both in Shona, (the language spoken by about 80 per cent of the Zimbabwean population), and in English. His writing deals with the many conflicts and clashes between tradition and modernity.
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Current issue:
The U.S. is providing assistance to the gov. of zimbabwe in its efforts to rebuild infrastructure and restore basic services in the health sector. "the U.S. looks forward to working with the gov. of zimbabwe and our local and international partnersto help improve zimbabwes health care" U.S ambassoder charles ray
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Solution Letter:

1608 New Hampshire Ave.

Washington, D.C. 20009



Dear Ambassador Charles Ray,



The country of Zimbabwe is faced with many critical issues. The core problem the leaders are struggling with is the HIV and AIDS epidemic. This epidemic is the main cause of the failing economy, an inefficient health care system, and the reason for the multitudes of orphans left abandoned and subject to sexual abuse.

How wide spread is the epidemic? Approximately one in seven adults are suffering from HIV and are only expected to live to about the age of 46. The reality of this is that the country’s work force is disappearing while their children are left behind without anyone to take care of them. Orphans are subjected to life on the streets, prime targets for sexual predators. It is estimated that there are about 1 million AIDS orphans living on the streets, and about twenty of them are taken advantage of every day. Although the children don’t realize the severity of it initially, sexual abuse takes a toll on them later in life, leaving them emotionally and physically scarred. If they survive through this damage, it’s even less likely that they’ll be able to support themselves with a job. Living on the streets usually doesn’t include an education.

Companies that are trying to advance and succeed in the global market are pressed for employees with the needed skills. Our solution to fight this is to raise awareness. Although it seems like a small step, it is the most important. Once people know the extent of the situation in Zimbabwe they are more likely to make donations. Media is the best way to reach people. The 700 Club is at Christian organization and TV program who donate money to charities and impoverished countries. American Red Cross also is known for its help to people in need. The money can be put towards school with boarding for orphans, giving them a better chance in life. With a younger educated generation on the way, the economy will have a better chance of success. With the economy on the rise hospitals will be able to get the money they need to buy the necessary equipment.

Like many other countries, Zimbabwe has its problems. The difference is doing something about it. It all starts with raising awareness and once that’s done the possibilities are endless.



With Respect,

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