Manicaland is a province in eastern Zimbabwe, bordered by Mashonaland East Province to the northwest, Midlands Province to the west, Masvingo Province to the southwest, and Mozambique to the east. After Harare Province, it is the country's second-most populous province, with a population of 2.037 million as of the 2022 census, making it the third most densely populated province after Harare and Bulawayo provinces. It has an area of 36,459 square kilometres (14,077 sq mi), equal to 9.28% of the total area of Zimbabwe, making it the sixth-largest in area of Zimbabwe's ten provinces. Manicaland was one of five original provinces established in Southern Rhodesia in the early colonial period.
The name Manicaland derives from the fact that part of the area has been occupied in history by the Manyika people. The Eastern Highlands run along the eastern edge of Manicaland.
The northern part of Manicaland is drained northwards by tributaries of the Zambezi River, including the Gairezi and the Nyangombe. The central and southern portions of the province are drained southwards by the Save River and its tributaries, including the Odzi River.
Manicaland is the second most populated province in Zimbabwe and is divided into ten administrative subdivisions of seven rural districts and three towns/councils, including the provincial capital, Mutare.
Map of Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe
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Historical Context
Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the north, and Mozambique to the east. The region was long inhabited by the San, and was settled by Bantu peoples around 2,000 years ago. Beginning in the 11th century the Shona people constructed the city of Great Zimbabwe, which became one of the major African trade centres by the 13th century. From there, the Kingdom of Zimbabwe was established, followed by the Mutapa and Rozwi empires.
The British South Africa Company of Cecil Rhodes demarcated the Rhodesia region in 1890 when they conquered Mashonaland and later in 1893 Matabeleland after the First Matabele War. In 1895, the BSAC adopted the name "Rhodesia" for the territory, in honour of Rhodes. In 1898, "Southern Rhodesia" became the official name for the region south of the Zambezi river, which later adopted the name "Zimbabwe". The region to the north, administered separately, was later termed Northern Rhodesia (present-day Zambia).
The United Kingdom annexed Southern Rhodesia on 12 September 1923. Under the new constitution, Southern Rhodesia became a self-governing British colony, subsequent to a 1922 referendum. In 1953, Britain consolidated the two Rhodesias with Nyasaland (Malawi) in the ill-fated Central African Federation, which Southern Rhodesia essentially dominated. Growing African nationalism and general dissent, particularly in Nyasaland, persuaded Britain to dissolve the union in 1963, forming three separate divisions.
Ian Smith's Rhodesian Front government in Salisbury issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) from the United Kingdom on 11 November 1965. A civil war ensued when Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), supported actively by communist powers and neighbouring African nations, initiated guerrilla operations against Rhodesia's predominantly white government.
On 11 April 1980, Southern Rhodesia became the independent nation of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's first president after its independence was Canaan Banana in what was originally a mainly ceremonial role as head of state.
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People and Culture
The people of Manicaland speak Shona although the different districts have own languages and dialects. For example, Mutasa District use Manyika as a language. In Makoni District, the MaUngwe people use the chiUngwe. In Chimanimani District, Chipinge District the Ndau people use chiNdau and the Machangana/ Shangaani people use chiChangana/ Shangaan language.
A great number of the population practise their own traditional way of worshipping, but many also practice Christianity (about 65%). The majority falling under the traditional churches: Methodist Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church. The Pentecostal churches have large followings in the urban areas of Mutare and a few other growth points. Some gatherings fall under the Apostolic Churches, with a notably higher proportion of the Apostolic followers in Mutare and Buhera district. Polygamy is quite prevalent among church members.
Manicaland boasts of some of the best performing schools in the country. In general, there is a school within a 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) radius across Manicaland. There are numerous primary and secondary schools scattered across the province.
Economic Overview
Zimbabwe's economy depends upon mining and agriculture, although the government's poorly executed land reform scheme has weakened agricultural production. Flooding and drought, in addition to food shortages and allegations of government corruption, have crippled Zimbabwe's economy at the start of the twenty-first century.
Recent developments in the province are noted mainly in Bocha area where several major infrastructural projects are underway. The province is one heavily underdeveloped areas in the country, on top of that, its economy is one the worst mainly due to Zezuru-Korekore supremacy agenda which was pushed by former president Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
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It is noticeable like in this instance despite the fact it hubs largest rural population, second largest population by province and country third largest city, it is among last 5 developed provinces and does not have an international airport which in turn restricts its growth. It is the home of Zimbabwean tourism alongside Matebeleland North but international tourists does not have direct access, they have to come via Harare where there is an international airport.
The beauty of Manicaland Province Zimbabwe Video of the week
Tourism in Manicaland
Manicaland is endowed with the country's major tourist attractions, the likes of Mutarazi Falls, Nyanga National Park and Zimbabwe's top three highest peaks. The province is one the home of Zimbabwean tourism alongside Matebeleland North.
Leopard Rock Hotel
Here are some notable tourist attractions in Manicaland:
- Mutarazi Falls: The highest waterfall in Zimbabwe and second-highest in Africa.
- Nyanga National Park: Known for its scenic landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and Mount Nyangani, the highest peak in Zimbabwe.
- Leopard Rock Hotel: A luxurious hotel known for its stunning views and unique architecture.
- Vumba Botanical Gardens and Reserve: A serene location showcasing a variety of plant species and offering a peaceful retreat.
- Bridalveil Falls: Located in Chimanimani, these falls are known for their beauty and tranquil surroundings.
- Chimanimani National Park: Offers rugged mountain scenery and opportunities for hiking and exploration.
- Troutbeck Resort: A popular destination for relaxation and recreation.
- Christmas Pass: A scenic gateway to Mutare City.
These attractions highlight the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available in Manicaland, making it a significant destination for tourists.
Nyanga National Park
The perceptions of local people concerning the potential of tourism to alleviate poverty and bring about community development in the Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. The results show that tourism development in Manicaland brought about community development through social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits. The authors suggest that there are interrelationships between tourism, poverty alleviation and community development.
Table of Key Facts about Manicaland Province
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Population (2022) | 2.037 million |
| Area | 36,459 square kilometres (14,077 sq mi) |
| Capital | Mutare |
| Major Attractions | Mutarazi Falls, Nyanga National Park, Leopard Rock Hotel |
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