Introducing Harare & Surrounds

The capital of Zimbabwe, Harare, which used to be referred to as Salisbury, lies in the North Eastern part of the country.  Harare is Zimbabwe's largest city and its administrative, commercial, and communications center.

This region of Zimbabwe has a mild climate and is the trade center for an agricultural region whose main products are tobacco, corn, cotton, and citrus fruits. Manufactures include textiles, clothing, processed food and tobacco, beverages, steel, chemicals, furniture, fertilizers, and construction materials. Gold is mined in this area of the country. Harare is connected by rail with Bulawayo, which lies in the South West of Zimbabwe.

Harare was founded in 1890 as a fort by the Pioneer Column, a mercenary force organized by Cecil J. Rhodes to seize Mashonaland. The city was originally named Salisbury after the 3d marquess of Salisbury, then British prime minister. It became a municipality in 1897 and a city in 1935. Salisbury was the capital of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. 

After World War II the population of this African country grew as many people migrated to the city. After Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, the name of the city was changed to Harare. Harare is the site of the University of Zimbabwe, the National Gallery, which has collections of African soapstone carvings, and the National Museum, known for its archaeological holdings.