390,310 sq km (150,873 sq miles).

12,293,953 (1997).

31.5 per sq km.

Harare.

1,400,000 (1993).

Zimbabwe is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Mozambique to the northeast, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the southwest. The central zone of hills gives rise to many rivers, which drain into the man-made Lake Kariba to the northwest, the marshes of Botswana to the west or into the Zambezi River to the northeast. The highveld landscape is dotted with kopjes (massive granite outcrops). Along the eastern border for some 350km (220 miles) is a high mountainous region of great scenic beauty, rising to 2592m (8504ft) at Mount Inyangani, the country's highest point. Zimbabwe offers some of the best wildlife parks in southern Africa, notably Hwange (southwest), Matopos (south) and Nyanga (northeast) national parks. These, together with the Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe, are the principal attractions for visitors.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1980. Head of State and Government: President Robert Mugabe (head of state since 1987 and head of government since 1980).

The official languages are English with Shona and Ndebele dialects.

Christianity with traditional beliefs in rural areas, and some Hindu and Muslim minorities.

GMT + 2.

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Telephone: Full IDD is available. Country code: 263. Outgoing international code: 110. Fax: Widely available. Telegram: Available at post offices and major hotels. Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to one week. Press: The main English-language newspapers are The Herald, The Chronicle, The Financial Gazette and The Sunday Mail.