age 18-49: 1,043,702 (2005 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:
$106.8 million (2004)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
1.8% (2004)

Transnational Issues Zambia

Disputes - international:
in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections and joined Namibia in
supporting plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over
the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not
clearly delimited Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river; 90,000
Angolan refugees were repatriated from Zambia by 2004, the remaining
160,000 are expected to return in 2005

Refugees and internally displaced persons:
refugees (country of origin): 158,894 (Angola) 58,405 (Democratic
Republic of the Congo) 5,767 (Rwanda) (2004)

Illicit drugs:
transshipment point for moderate amounts of methaqualone, small
amounts of heroin, and cocaine bound for Southern Africa and
possibly Europe; a poorly developed financial infrastructure coupled
with a government commitment to combating money laundering make it
an unattractive venue for money launderers

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@Zimbabwe

Introduction Zimbabwe

Background:
The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa Company in
1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in
power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its
independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more
complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country
(then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising
finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe)
in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister, has been
the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated
the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land
redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white
farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages
of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE
rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection.
Opposition and labor groups launched general strikes in 2003 to
pressure MUGABE to retire early; security forces continued their
brutal repression of regime opponents.

Geography Zimbabwe

Location:
Southern Africa, between