Provinces In Zimbabwe and Their Cities

Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in southern Africa, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. The ten provinces in Zimbabwe and their cities each offer unique experiences and attractions.

Let’s Explore The Provinces In Zimbabwe and Their Cities

Each of the provinces in Zimbabwe and their cities offers unique experiences, from wildlife safaris to cultural exploration. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or adventure, there’s something for everyone to discover. So how many provinces does Zimbabwe have?

The Number Of Provinces In Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has 10 provinces, within which, 2 cities have the distinction of provincial status.

As a unitary state, Zimbabwe’s provinces only have the authority that the national government chooses to grant them. In this unitary state, all other political divisions or administrative subdivisions are completely subordinate to the central or national government.

The 10 provinces in Zimbabwe are subdivided into districts, which are, in turn, split up into wards.

Bulawayo Province

Capital: Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, is known for its colonial architecture, museums, and botanical gardens. It’s a cultural hub, hosting various festivals and events throughout the year.

Harare Province

Capital: Harare

Harare, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks. It’s a commercial center and a gateway to Zimbabwe’s national parks.

Manicaland Province

Capital: Mutare

Manicaland is home to the Eastern Highlands, a picturesque region with lush forests, waterfalls, and national parks. Mutare, the provincial capital, is a popular tourist destination with its colonial architecture and proximity to the Nyanga National Park.

Matabeleland North Province

Capital: Hwange

Matabeleland North is famous for the Hwange National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa. The province also offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Ndebele people.

Matabeleland South Province

Capital: Plumtree

Matabeleland South is known for its vast cattle ranches and the Matopos Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The province is also home to the Domboshava Caves, a sacred site with ancient rock paintings.

Mashonaland East Province

Capital: Marondera

Mashonaland East is a fertile agricultural region with tea plantations and citrus orchards. Marondera, the provincial capital, is a growing town with a mix of modern and traditional architecture.

Mashonaland West

Capital: Chinhoyi

Chinhoyi, formerly known as Sinoia, is a city in north-central Zimbabwe, located approximately 115-120 km northwest of Harare. The town has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to a settlement established in 1893 by gold and mineral prospectors.

Chinhoyi Caves National Park is the most prominent and iconic landmark in Chinhoyi. With a network of limestone and dolomite caves and sinkholes, it’s famous for its crystal-clear, deep blue “Sleeping Pool”.

Mashonaland Central Province

Capital: Bindura

Mashonaland Central is a mountainous province with national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Bindura, the provincial capital, is a mining town with a rich history.

Midlands Province

Capital: Gweru

Midlands is a diverse province with a mix of agricultural land, mining areas, and national parks. Gweru, the provincial capital, is an industrial center with a vibrant cultural scene.

Masvingo

Capital: Masvingo

Masvingo, formerly known as Fort Victoria, is a city in southeastern Zimbabwe and the capital of Masvingo Province. It holds significant historical importance as the oldest colonial settlement in Zimbabwe, founded in 1890 by the British South Africa Company’s Pioneer Column.

While many visitors pass through Masvingo as a transit point, its proximity to the awe-inspiring Great Zimbabwe Ruins and the natural beauty of Lake Mutirikwi make it a significant destination for those interested in Zimbabwean history, culture, and nature.

What Is The Biggest Province In Zimbabwe?

Harare Province is Zimbabwe’s largest province in terms of population. With more than two million residents in 2012, it is the location of Harare, the capital city. The provinces of Midlands and Manicaland have the second and third highest populations, respectively.

The biggest province in Zimbabwe by area is Matabeleland North. It has a total area of 75,025 square kilometers. The second-largest province is Mashonaland West.

Naming The Zimbabwe Provinces

The names of Zimbabwe’s provinces are derived from various sources, including:

• Historical and geographical features: Some provinces are named after specific regions or landmarks within their borders. For example, Matabeleland is named after the Matabele people, a Nguni ethnic group that inhabited the region.
• Tribal or ethnic groups: Several provinces are named after the dominant ethnic groups that have historically lived there. For instance, Manicaland is named after the Manyika people, a Shona subgroup.
• Natural resources: In some cases, provinces are named after the primary natural resources found in the area. Mashonaland, for example, is named after the Mashona people, who were skilled in mining and metallurgy.

It’s important to note that the naming of the provinces of Zimbabwe reflects the historical and cultural context of Zimbabwe in Africa and the diverse ethnic and linguistic groups that have inhabited the country over time.

When Were The Provinces Created

The exact dates of the creation of the provinces in Zimbabwe and their cities, vary and can be somewhat complex due to historical factors and changes in administrative boundaries.

However, a significant event in the formation of the modern provinces was Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980. This marked the end of colonial rule and the establishment of a new government, which led to the reorganization of administrative divisions. This included the reorganisation of Zimbabwe provinces and Zimbabwe districts.

While the provinces may have existed in some form prior to independence, the current boundaries and names were solidified or revised during or shortly after this period, creating the current provinces in Zimbabwe and their cities.