Funny Facts About Zimbabwe!
Welcome to the land of sunshine, Zimbabwe! This country has a rich cultural heritage that is both fascinating and exciting. From the famous Victoria Falls to the Great Zimbabwe ruins, there is always something interesting to discover in Zimbabwe. But, did you know that Zimbabwe also has some funny and quirky facts that will make you laugh out loud? In this article, we will explore some of these funny facts about Zimbabwe that will surely make your day.
1. Zimbabwe's Currency
Zimbabwe has had a long history with its currency. In 2009, the country experienced hyperinflation, which led to the Zimbabwean dollar being abandoned as the official currency. Instead, the country adopted a multi-currency system, which means that Zimbabweans can use a variety of currencies such as the US dollar, South African rand, and Botswana pula, among others, for their transactions.
2. Zimbabwe's National Anthem
Zimbabwe's national anthem is unique in that it is the only anthem in the world that is sung in five different languages. These languages are Shona, Ndebele, English, Kalanga, and Nambya. The anthem was composed by a Zimbabwean musicologist, Professor Fredrick Changunda, and was adopted in 1994.
3. Zimbabwe's National Parks
Zimbabwe is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in Africa. These parks are known for their diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. But, did you know that one of Zimbabwe's national parks has a unique feature? The Hwange National Park has a swimming pool where visitors can cool off while watching elephants drink from the nearby waterhole.
4. Zimbabwe's Traditional Beer
Traditional beer is a popular drink in Zimbabwe, and it is made from fermented maize and sorghum. This beer is known as "chibuku" and is sold in brown paper cartons. The interesting thing about chibuku is that it has to be stirred using a long wooden spoon before drinking to mix the sediment at the bottom of the carton.
5. Zimbabwe's Wedding Customs
Weddings in Zimbabwe are a big deal, and they are usually celebrated with much fanfare. One of the interesting customs in Zimbabwean weddings is the "roora" ceremony. In this ceremony, the groom's family pays a bride price to the bride's family, which is usually in the form of money or livestock. The bride's family then uses this money to start a business or invest in other ventures.
6. Zimbabwe's National Sport
Football is the most popular sport in Zimbabwe, but the national sport is actually something else. Zimbabwe's national sport is "mbira," a musical instrument that is made from a wooden board with metal keys attached to it. The mbira is played by plucking the keys with the thumbs and fingers, and it is a popular instrument in traditional Zimbabwean music.
7. Zimbabwe's Famous Soap Opera
"Studio 263" is a popular soap opera in Zimbabwe that has been running since 2002. The show is set in a fictional advertising agency and follows the lives of the employees. What makes "Studio 263" unique is that it is entirely in English, which is rare for a Zimbabwean show.
8. Zimbabwe's National Symbol
The national symbol of Zimbabwe is the bird, which is represented by the Zimbabwe bird. This bird is found on the country's flag and coat of arms and is believed to have been used as a spiritual symbol by the Shona people.
9. Zimbabwe's Unique Name
Zimbabwe's name is unique in that it is derived from a combination of two Shona words, "dzimba" and "hwe," which mean "houses of stone." The name was inspired by the Great Zimbabwe ruins, which are made of stone and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Zimbabwe's Food Culture
Zimbabwean cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with many dishes inspired by traditional African recipes. One of the popular dishes in Zimbabwe is "sadza," which is a type of porridge made from maize meal. Sadza is usually served with a variety of meats and vegetables and is a staple in many Zimbabwean households.
11. Zimbabwe's Unique Wildlife
Zimbabwe is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world. The country is known for its large herds of elephants, which can be seen roaming in the national parks. But, did you know that Zimbabwe is also home to the "painted dogs," which are one of the most endangered species of carnivores in Africa?
12. Zimbabwe's Famous People
Zimbabwe has produced many famous people, including musicians, actors, and athletes. One of the most famous Zimbabweans is the musician Oliver Mtukudzi, who is known for his unique sound and socially conscious lyrics. Other famous Zimbabweans include the actor Danai Gurira, who starred in the hit TV show "The Walking Dead," and the athlete Kirsty Coventry, who has won multiple Olympic medals in swimming.
13. Zimbabwe's Unique Architecture
Zimbabwe's architecture is a blend of traditional African designs and modern styles. One of the unique buildings in Zimbabwe is the Eastgate Centre in Harare, which is an office and shopping complex that is designed to be energy-efficient. The building uses a unique ventilation system that is inspired by the way termites build their mounds.
14. Zimbabwe's Unique Festivals
Zimbabwe is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, which celebrate the country's rich heritage. One of the popular festivals is the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), which brings together artists from different parts of the world to showcase their talents. Another popular festival is the Harare Jazz Festival, which is a celebration of jazz music and attracts musicians from all over the world.
15. Zimbabwe's Unique Geography
Zimbabwe's geography is diverse, with different regions of the country having unique features. For example, the eastern highlands are known for their stunning mountain ranges and waterfalls, while the Zambezi valley is known for its wildlife and fishing. The Matobo Hills, located in the south-west of Zimbabwe, are known for their stunning rock formations and are a popular tourist destination.
Conclusion:As you can see, Zimbabwe has many funny and quirky facts that will make you appreciate this beautiful country even more. From its unique currency to its diverse wildlife and rich culture, Zimbabwe is truly a fascinating place to visit. So the next time you plan a trip to Zimbabwe, don't forget to explore some of these funny and interesting facts. You won't regret it!
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