Ever wondered which countries start with the letter Z? Here’s your chance to get acquainted. There are actually two fascinating nations in the world whose names begin with the rarely used last letter of the alphabet. In this article, we’ll go through an overview of the two countries that start with Z. We’ll look at where they’re located, a bit about their cultures and histories, and some key facts to help you remember them.
An Overview of Countries that Start with Z
These are the countries starting with the letter Z, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These African nations have a lot to offer for those wanting to explore destinations off the beaten path.
Zambia
Zambia, officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Zambia’s culture is influenced by more than 70 tribes as well as European influences. Zambia has a population of over 20 million people. According to the census, the most widely spoken languages in Zambia are Bemba (35% of the population), Nyanja or Chewa (20%), Tonga (12%), and Lozi (6%).
Zambia covers a land area of 752,614 square kilometers, slightly larger than Texas or France. The capital and largest city is Lusaka, located in the south-central part of the country. Zambia has a tropical climate with a rainy season from October to April. The Zambezi River flows through the western region, with the magnificent Victoria Falls located on the border with Zimbabwe.
Zambia gained independence from Britain in 1964. The country transitioned to a multi-party political system in the early 1990s. Zambia has a relatively stable political system and economy in comparison to some of its neighbors in Southern Africa.
Zambia’s official language is English, while Bemba is the most commonly spoken language. Zambia’s major ethnic groups are Bemba, Nyanja-Chewa, Lozi, Luvale, and Tonga. Traditional arts include basketry, pottery, and copper crafts. Popular sports are football, rugby, and boxing. Staple foods include maize, rice, millet, and cassava.
Zambia’s currency is the Zambian Kwacha. Zambia has a developing economy based on agriculture and mining, especially copper mining. Tourism is an important industry, focused on Victoria Falls and Zambia’s national parks. Zambian culture reflects the country’s diverse population. Traditional arts include basketry, pottery, and wood carving. Music and dance also play an important role, with popular traditional styles including kalela, ngoma, and liwanzi. A staple food is nshima, a thick cornmeal porridge usually eaten with relishes like meat and vegetable stews. Soccer is Zambia’s most popular sport.
Zambia’s economy has historically been based around copper mining. Zambia is the world’s eighth largest producer of copper and the second largest producer in Africa. The mining industry makes up 70% of Zambia’s foreign exchange and contributes significantly to the overall GDP. Agriculture is also an important sector, with maize being the staple crop. Tourism is growing in Zambia due to the country’s natural attractions like Victoria Falls and South Luangwa National Park.
Zambia is seen as a peaceful country with stunning natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for tourists looking to go on safari or experience the magnificent Victoria Falls, and adventure activities. A visit to this beautiful country in the heart of Africa is sure to create lasting memories.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, located in southern Africa, is a landlocked country known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife. Zimbabwe has a population of over 16 million people. The capital and largest city is Harare, with over 1 million residents. The major ethnic groups are Shona and Ndebele. English is the official language, along with Shona and Ndebele. Zimbabwe has a tropical climate with a rainy season that lasts from November to March.
Zimbabwe covers an area of 399,757 square kilometers. It borders South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. The landscape includes highlands, mountains, savanna grasslands, and forests. Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, is located on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean culture is influenced by Shona and Ndebele traditions. Traditional arts include pottery, basketry, textiles, and wood carvings. The music incorporates the mbira, a handheld musical instrument. Traditional ceremonies and rituals are an important part of the culture. Many Zimbabweans practice Christianity, while some follow traditional religions. Traditional arts in Zimbabwe include pottery, basketry, textiles, jewelry, and carvings. Zimbabwean music includes folk and pop styles, with instruments such as the mbira, an instrument with metal tines that create a ringing vibration. Contemporary music genres incorporate hip-hop, reggae, and dancehall. Popular sports in Zimbabwe include football, cricket, rugby, and netball.
The country is home to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. The Zambezi River that forms the falls also creates a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe also has one of Africa’s largest game reserves called Hwange National Park where you can see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos in their natural habitat.
The cuisine incorporates native crops like corn, millet, and sorghum as well as introduced crops like maize. Staples include sadza, a thick cornmeal porridge usually eaten with stew or greens, and rice. Beef, chicken, and fish are popular meats. Peanuts, beans, and leafy greens are common side dishes. Fruit like bananas, oranges, and avocados are also eaten. A popular snack is biltong, dried, cured meat.
Zimbabwe faces major economic challenges, including hyperinflation and high unemployment. The currency is the Zimbabwean dollar. The economy depends heavily on agriculture and mining. Major agricultural products include tobacco, corn, cotton, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts, sheep, goats, and cattle. Minerals mined in Zimbabwe include gold, platinum, and diamonds. Tourism contributes to the economy, with attractions like Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.
In summary, Zimbabwe is a culturally and geographically diverse country facing significant challenges. But its natural and cultural heritage also provides opportunities for economic development through tourism and other means. The traditional arts, music, ceremonies, and cuisine showcase the creativity of the Zimbabwean people.
Conclusion
Zambia and Zimbabwe are the only countries in the world that start with Z. Aside from these two countries, there are other important places, cities, and landmarks beginning with Z. Zurich, Switzerland, for example, is recognized for its gorgeous architecture and is sometimes referred to as the “gateway to the Alps”. There is also the Zambezi River, which flows through numerous African countries and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Another well-known site that begins with the letter Z is the Zanskar Valley, a remote area in northern India noted for its breathtaking mountain beauty and Buddhist monasteries. Finally, there is Mount Zion, a biblical site in Jerusalem that is revered by various religious faiths.