In 1964, Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia became independent as the separate countries of Malawi and Zambia. In 1965, the white- dominated parliament of Rhodesia declared itself independent, an illegal action under British law. Most of the people living in Rhodesia were black Africans who were not being equally represented by the white-government. Only white-dominated South Africa openly traded with the country.

In 1979, this economic pressure, combined with successes of guerrilla fighters, brought black majority rule to Rhodesia. Soon after, Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, but the long period of conflict weakened the once prosperous economy.

In the years since the civil war, Zimbabwe’s leaders have focused on rebuilding the country. Many factories started during the neighboring countries. The commercial agriculture on forms owned by whites is prosperous again. Although the majority of commercial farms in Zimbabwe are owned by whites, the government recently passed legislation that would equalize the distribution of land among black and whites farmers. Other economic and political reforms are taking places as well.

The Republic of Zimbabwe formerly called Rhodesia, is a landlocked country in south central Africa. It is slightly smaller in size than California Harare (formerly Salisbury,) the capital, and Bulawayo are the largest cities in Zimbabwe.