Economic Growth in Zimbabwe
Economic Growth in ZimbabweThe country of Zimbabwe is one of the most economically
developed on the African continent . A fairly young political entity,
Zimbabwe has only enjoyed recognized autonomy since 1980, the year in
which the United Kingdom repealed its imperialistic claims to the
African nation . Despite its youth the country has achieved a level of
economic development uncharacteristic of sub-Saharan African nations.
Second only to South Africa in economic development, Zimbabwe's
economic system is one indicative of a transitional country, a country
making the transition from dependency underdevelopment to self-reliant
industrialization. The purpose of this essay is to make a cursory but
adequate examination of Zimbabwean socio-economic and political
system, as means to analyzing the countries economic development. The
ultimate purpose of this study is to provide a model of the structure
necessary to achieve economic development where none previously
existed. Zimbabwe is an appropriate model because the dynamics of
underdevelopment to development in this country are readily apparent.
This model can be useful in understanding underdevelopment in other so
called "third-world" countries and in determining what is necessary
for these countries to make the transition to industrialization.
Geography
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in the southern, sub-Saharan
area of the African continent bordered by South Africa to the South,
Botswana to the West, Mozambique to the East and Zambia to the North.
With an area of 391,090 km2 Zimbabwe is only slightly larger than the
state of Colorado. Harare is Zimbabwe's capital and largest city with
a population of 1,100,000. Containing vast amounts of rare
mineralogical resources and possessing a favorable growing climate
Zimbabwe's economy is drawn almost equally between the mining of
minerals ($2.2 billion) and the production of staples and cash crops
($2.1 billion).
People
Zimbabweans are comprised of two primary ethnic groups, the
Shona, comprising 74% of the population and the Ndebele comprising
20%. Other ethnic black groups and Asians make up 4% of the population
while whites make up just over 1% of the population. Zimbabwe has a
population of 10.35 million people with a population density of 24
persons per km2. 1992 census figures estimate Zimbabwe's growth at
3.0% with 90% of this growth rate within the Shona group. This 3.0%
growth is quite rapid given its relation to the countries declining
annual growth rate of -15%.
History
Zimbabwe's history dates back to the 9th century A.D., the
believed period in which many great buildings were built, buildings
clearly indicative of an early and great civilization. Of the many
sites the most impressive is the Great Stone House or Great Zimbabwe
the source of the countries name. Despite the impressive nature of the
Great Zimbabwe and the other building sites, it is believed that the
civilization that created them did not survive to see the new
millennium.
Some...
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