Post by Zimbabwe - Rhodesia on Dec 28, 2009 23:59:04 GMT -5
Republic of Zimbabwe - Rhodesia
Brief History:
Founded in 1889 by Cecil Rhodes, Zimbabwe – Rhodesia became a self-governing colony of the British Empire on October 1, 1923 known as Southern Rhodesia. On November 11th 1965, the Colony of Southern Rhodesia declared independence from the British Empire after failed dialogue between the colony and the Government of the United Kingdom over the issue of decolonization and majority rule government. Upon declaring independence, the United Nations (the WA’s predecessor) denied recognition of the sovereign state of Rhodesia. From 1972-1987, Rhodesia was involved in internal conflict known as the “Rhodesian Bush War,” between the European minority rule government and nationalist leaders. In 1979 an internal settlement of shared government was signed between the minority rule government and moderate nationalist leader, establishing a power sharing legislative but leaving the executive and majority of seats in the legislative in the firm hands of the European minority. However, despite the internal agreement, the hard line nationalists continued to fight on until 1987, when they were defeated. Since 2009, nationalist protests and acts of terrorism have been reported, and the government has been moving to quell potential problems.
Government
Government Type: Minority Rule Parliamentary Democracy
Capital: Salisbury, Population: 400,000
Government Notes: The Government is quite stable, although domestic terrorism has been in a problem in the past.
Political Parties:
Rhodesian Front, Leader: Richard Byron
United African National Council, Leader: Osei Gueye
United People’s Federation Party, Leader: Jalloh Okoro
Geography
Area:
Total: 390,757 km
Land: 386,849.43 km
Water: 3907.57 km
Climate: Tropical
Elevation Extremes:
Highest Point: Inyangani 2,592 m
Lowest Point: coastline, 0 m
Natural Resources:
coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals
Natural Hazards:
recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare
Notable Geographical Features:
Victoria falls, during February to April, forms the largest curtain waterfall in the world.
People & Culture
Population:5 Million
Major Cities (Name, Population):
Salisbury: 400,000
Bulawayo: 350,000
Fort Victoria: 200,000
Life Expectancy:
male: 87
female: 94
Ethics Groups:
Shona (40%), Matabele (25%), Anglo-African (25%), Afrikaner (10%)
Religions:
Christianity (75%), Native Religions (25%)
Languages:
English (Official), Afrikaans, numerous tribal dialects
Technology Level: 10
Technology Culture: Landowning Aristocracy
Major Landmarks & Tourist Attractions: Victoria Falls National Park, Nyanga National Park, Hwange National Park, Great Zimbabwe
Economy
Currency: Rhodesian Dollar
Trade Philosophy: Free Market
Major Industries: Tourism, Agriculture, Firearms
Unemployment rate: 2%
Military
Chief Commanding Officer: General Louis von Schmidt GCV CLM
Size: 4,000 Active Duty; 16,000 Reserve
Branches:
Rhodesian Air Force
Rhodesian Army
Rhodesian Navy
Special Forces:
Rhodesian Special Air Service
Rhodesian Special Boat Service
Selous Scouts
Notable Weapons and Technology:
Nuclear Weapons: A classified number of thermo-nuclear warheads are fitted to free-fall bombs and included in the arsenal of the Rhodesian Air Force.