Harare
The city was founded in this area because it was the spot where the British South Africa Company’s Pioneer Column halted its march into Mashonaland
.In 1982, two years after Zimbabwe’s independence, the city's name was changed from Salisbury to Harare in honor of the Shona-speaking "Harare" people who lived in a nearby settlement before British rule.
.Harare was officially declared a city in 1935 when its population reached almost 20,000. By the time of Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, the population had grown to 616,000. As of 2023, Harare's population is estimated to be 1,578,128.
The main businesses in Harare, and Zimbabwe as a whole, are centered around several key industries. The nation's economy is comprised of agriculture, industries, and services, with the industrial sector contributing about 25.1% of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Some of the major industries include mining, cement, clothing and footwear, wood products, and others.
The mining sector is particularly significant, with Zimbabwe being rich in materials and minerals such as platinum, iron ore, gold, diamonds, and coal..
Agriculture is another vital industry, with large-scale commercial farming and subsistence or small-scale farming. Commercial farming includes the production of cotton, coffee, various fruits, peanuts, and tobacco, while small-scale farming is mostly focused on wheat and maize.
The Zimbabwe Electrical Supply Authority manages the country's power distribution and supply, with energy mainly produced from large facilities such as the Kariba Dam along the Zambezi River and the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
Electricity generation in Harare - Barry Lungu - Shona artist from Harare Zimbabwe
The tourism sector also plays a role in the economy, although it has faced challenges over the years. The sector has shown signs of improvement since 2016.
The city is situated at 1470m.
The temperature varies from about 5 degrees in the night and 22 degrees in the daytime in Winter to 30 degrees in summer and in the rainy season.
Things to do in Harare!
Harare has a variety of things to see and do. Some popular activities and attractions include:
Visiting the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which features a collection of Zimbabwean art and sculptures
Resting after a meal sculpted by Sampson Kuvenguhwa - Artist name Sam Kuve - Shona Sculptor
Exploring the Harare Botanical Gardens, which features a variety of native plants and flowers.
Photo from David Clode on Unsplash
Visiting the Harare Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Zimbabwe
Shopping at the Mbare Musika market, which is known for its traditional crafts and souvenirs
Painting by Barry Lungu - Shona artist from Harare Zimbabwe
Visiting the Mukuvisi Woodlands, which is a nature reserve that offers hiking and bird-watching opportunities
Visiting the Harare International Conference Centre, which is a popular venue for events and conferences.
Relaxing at a cafe or restaurant in the city center.
Painting by Barry Lungu - Shona artist from Harare Zimbabwe
There are also some nearby tourist attraction such as the Lion and Cheetah park and the Borrowdale Brooke golf course.
