Chic African Culture Africa Factbook

Did you know?

1. No African country names begin with the letters F, H, I, J, O, P, Q, V, W, X, or Y.

2. Africa is surrounded by water but by definition Africa is not an island because Africa is a continent.

3. The Republic of the Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa.

Rhodesia Zimbabwe Government Timeline

Rhodesia Zimbabwe Government Timeline

In 1965, the Rhodesian Government, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, severed its relations with the British Crown. Rhodesia Zimbabwe Government Timeline explains the changes in Rhodesia Zimbabwe Government rule.



Emmerson Mnangagwa President of Zimbabwe
Emmerson Mnangagwa President of Zimbabwe


When the Prime Minister Ian Smith and the Rhodesian Government broke its bonds with the British Crown in 1965, The US immediately supported the British sanctions with embargoes on arms exports and sugar imports and the UN called for all its members to implement economic sanctions in 1966. France and the Russia abstained, but South Africa, Portugal refused, and their continued trading with Rhodesia was instrumental in keeping the government running. Negotiations with British Prime Minister Harold Wilson failed.

Joshua Nkomo's Zapu and Robert Mugabe's Zanu parties overcame their differences to form the Patriotic Front (PF) to confront Ian Smith. Armed resistance from their guerrilla movements continued until white rule formally ended in June 1979, when Abel Muzorewa of the African National Congress (ANC) became the first black prime minister of the newly named Zimbabwe-Rhodesia.

"There can be no happiness in a country while the absurd situation continues to exist where people, such as ourselves, who have ruled themselves with an impeccable record for over 40 years, are denied what is freely granted to other countries." - Prime Minister Ian Smith


1923

The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the former British South Africa Company in 1923.

1965

In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country​.

1980

UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence as Zimbabwe in 1980.

1987

Robert Mugabe, the nation's first prime minister 1980-1987, has been the country's only ruler as president since 1987 and has dominated the country's political system since independence.

2017

Zimbabwe enacted a new constitution by referendum, although many provisions in the new constitution have yet to be codified in law. In November 2017, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over following a military intervention that forced Mugabe to resign. Mnangagwa was inaugurated president days later, promising to hold presidential elections in 2018.

2018

Zimbabwe new president Emmerson Mnangagwa pledged "zero tolerance on corruption" and said he was "doing everything possible to deal with our debts." Asked whether people could trust the word of a man who worked closely with Mugabe for more than five decades, Mnangagwa said, "Those who want to live in the past can continue to live in the past. But those who want to see the future, where we are going, can look at what we are doing."


Africa is surrounded by water but is not an island, here are a few African Island facts.

Madagascar is the 4th large island in the world and is located in the Indian Ocean supporting a unique biology, about 90% of its plants and animals are found nowhere else on earth.

Composed of 155 islands, Seychelles is Africa's smallest country. By far the largest island is Mahe, home to about 90% of the population and the site of its capital city of Victoria.

Cabo Verde has a strategic location 310 miles or 500 km from the west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site.

Africa is surrounded by water but by definition Africa is not an island because Africa is a continent. Continents can not be considered islands because of their size and also by historic definition since many people who study geography define islands and continents as two different things.

This Week’s Best Posts and Pages

Using Amen and Ashe or Ase

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

How to make sweet Nigerian Agege bread

Africa’s smallest mountain

African cultures express, encourage, and communicate energy

Support African History and Culture

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet are dedicated to discovering, collecting and sharing African history and heritage celebrating 14 years of service in 2021. Share and support in the pride of being part of an important cultural and educational resource.



Being African in America I have grown up learning about different ethnic cultures. My father and mother are historians of African culture and history and their influence expanded my activities to several best-selling cookbooks, magazine columns, self-branded products, and a popular African culture and food blog.

Chic African Culture


Be better than average and support African history and culture. Since 2008 Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet highlight Africa through her food and culture. Contact us culture1africangourmet@gmail.com

More LOVE from Africa to Read About