|
The Republic of Zimbabwe was founded on April 18, 1980. Previously, the country was named Rhodesia and was ruled by a white minority regime that prevented the black majority from full rights. The Country is about the size of Montana and is home to Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. The literacy rate is 90%, the highest in Africa. The government has long focused on education and is committed to providing free primary education. The quality of teaching has dropped substantially and supplies of books and other teaching essentials has virtually stopped. In addition many children have dropped out of school to help their families find food. Life expectancy is 34 years for women, the lowest in the world, and 37 for men. Zimbabwe’s crisis has become a humanitarian one, causing life expectancy to drop from 60 years. At one time, Zimbabwe had one of the strongest and most diversified industrial infrastructures in sub-Saharan Africa. Confronted by widespread power blackouts and fuel shortages, factories are now operating at less than 20 percent. Roads, railways, electricity and many other basics are deteriorating. The economic crisis is de-industrializing Zimbabwe. Agriculture has declined precipitously. As a result, the country once known as the “bread basket” of Africa for its ample exports of food to neighboring countries has been dependent upon international food aid for six consecutive years. Currently, there are widespread shortages of food, water and fuel. Unemployment is 85% and Foreign investment has stopped. As many as 4 million people, out of a population estimated at 13 million, have fled the country. The US is a leading provider of food aid. The US State department recently issued a travel warning: Sources: |