In the 1880s, the British South Africa Company began its activities in the region, leading to the colonial era in Southern Rhodesia. Prior to its recognized independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, the nation had been known by several names: Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and Zimbabwe Rhodesia.

Was Zimbabwe ever part of South Africa?

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, lying between latitudes 15° and 23°S, and longitudes 25° and 34°E. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west and southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and northeast.

When did Rhodesia become Zimbabwe?

From 12 December 1979, to 17 April 1980, Zimbabwe Rhodesia was again the British colony of Southern Rhodesia. On 18 April, Southern Rhodesia became the independent Republic of Zimbabwe.

What was the name of Zimbabwe before Rhodesia?

The name Zimbabwe was officially adopted concurrently with Britains grant of independence in April 1980. Prior to that point, the country had been called Southern Rhodesia from 1898 to 1964 (or 1980, according to British law), Rhodesia from 1964 to 1979, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia between June and December 1979.

Who lived in Zimbabwe before it was colonized?

The Mapungubwe people, a Bantu-speaking group of migrants from present-day South Africa, inhabited the Great Zimbabwe site from about AD 1000 - 1550, displacing earlier Khoisan people. From about 1100, the fortress took shape, reaching its peak by the fifteenth century.

What did Zimbabwe used to be?

Prior to its recognized independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, the nation had been known by several names: Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and Zimbabwe Rhodesia.

What was Zimbabwe used to be called?

Prior to its recognized independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, the nation had been known by several names: Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and Zimbabwe Rhodesia.

What is the old name of Botswana?

Bechuanaland After 80 years as a British protectorate, Bechuanaland attained self-government in 1965, becoming the independent Republic of Botswana on September 30, 1966, and maintaining a position of stability and harmony ever since.

Why is Zimbabwe so rich?

As other southern African countries, Zimbabwean soil is rich in raw materials, namely platinum, coal, iron ore, and gold. Recently, diamonds have also been found in considerable deposits. Copper, chromite and nickel deposits also exist, though in lesser amounts.

Why is Botswana so rich?

Botswana is known to have vast coal deposits making it possibly one of the most coal-rich countries in the world. With its proven record of good economic governance, Botswana was ranked as Africas least corrupt country by Transparency International in 2004, ahead of many European and Asian countries.

What do you call a person from Botswana?

What is a person from Botswana called? Contrary to popular belief, a person from Botswana is a Motswana, the plural is Batswana and our language is Setswana.

Which is the richest country in Africa 2020?

Total private wealth in Africa as of 2020, by country (in billion U.S. dollars)CharacteristicWealth in billion U.S. dollarsSouth Africa604Egypt282Nigeria207Morocco1119 more rows•9 Jun 2021