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Did You Know There Are Only Two Countries That Start with the Letter Z in the World?

Zimbabwe and Zambia

Zimbabwe and Zambia are the only two countries in the world that start with the letter “Z.” The sound of the letter “Z” is rare in languages globally, appearing in only 30% of them and in just 0.07% of English words. This rarity makes their names especially unique.

Zimbabwe: A Land of Stone and Struggles

Zimbabwe, once called Rhodesia during colonial rule, got its current name in 1980 after gaining independence. The name comes from the Shona phrase dzimba dzemabwe, meaning “house of stone,” referring to the historic site of Great Zimbabwe, known for its large stone structures.

Located in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is a landlocked country surrounded by South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia. Its capital, Harare, is in the northern part of the country.

Archaeologists believe people have lived in the region for hundreds of thousands of years. Great Zimbabwe, a significant ancient city, showcases the area’s rich history, with its impressive stone walls and buildings.

Europeans first encountered the region in the 15th century when Portuguese traders explored East Africa. By the 19th century, the British had taken control. After a brutal guerrilla war, Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980.

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During colonial times, Zimbabwe’s economy was strong, but the majority of Black Africans were denied basic rights. In the 1990s and 2000s, corruption and poor land reform policies caused the economy to collapse. Hyperinflation and unemployment plagued the country for years. Recently, there have been small signs of recovery, but challenges remain.

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Zambia: The Land of the Great River

Zambia, formerly Northern Rhodesia, gained independence in 1964 and took its name from the Zambezi River. The name “Zambezi” means “the great river.”

Located in East and Central Africa, Zambia is also landlocked, surrounded by Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. Its capital city is Lusaka.

Humans have lived in the area for over 100,000 years. By the first millennium AD, people in Zambia were farming and working with iron. Over time, they became skilled metalworkers, producing copper ingots as early as 1000 AD.

Colonial powers, including the Portuguese and later the British, controlled Zambia by the 19th century. During World War I, Zambia was part of the African theater of war.

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Zambia is home to many ethnic and cultural groups, with the Bemba being the largest. Urbanization has transformed the country since the 1950s, with many people moving to cities like Lusaka for work and better opportunities.

Christianity is the dominant religion, with 95% of Zambians following various denominations. A smaller percentage practice traditional religions.

Today, Zambia focuses on mining, particularly copper, as a key industry. While agriculture still employs many people, small family farms continue to play an important role. Despite being landlocked, Zambia has made deals with neighboring countries to use ports for trade, helping it connect to the global market.

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