Zimbabwe

Population: 14 millionCapital: HarareMain exports: Tobacco, cotton, agricultural products, gold, mineralsMajor language: English (official), Shona, SindebelePolitics: President Robert Mugabe, in office since 1980, gained a new term in controversial elections in 2013Economy: Economy appears to be stabilising after years of crisis with rampant inflation, "de-industrialisation" and shortages of food and fuel. Agricultural production has shrunkInternational: Several countries avoid Zimbabwe's hope of promoting a democratic reform

1830-1890: European hunters, traders and missionaries explore the region from the south.1889: Rhodes' British South Africa Company (BSA) gains a British mandate to colonise what becomes Southern Rhodesia.1972: Guerilla war - against white rule1980: Veteran pro-independence leader Robert Mugabe and his Zanu party win British-supervised independence elections. Mugabe is named prime minister. Independence on 18 April is internationally recognised. Zimbabwe Rhodesia now becomes the independent republic of Zimbabwe.2003: December - Zimbabwe pulls out of Commonwealth after the organisation decides to extend suspension of the country indefinitely.2005: January - The US labels Zimbabwe as one of the world's six "outposts of tyranny". Zimbabwe rejects the statement.2012: February - European Union lifts sanctions on some prominent Zimbabweans, while retaining the travel restrictions and the freeze on the assets of President Mugabe.

British influence:- The English language- Religion- Hope for democracy- Commonwealth (until 2003)- Independence- Multiculturalism- Racism- Poverty- War

Zimbabwe as a former British colony

Facts about Zimbabwe today

Timeline

Despite the economic growth in Zimbabwe, poverty remains. Why?

Did the British imperium "make the modern world"?