Mashonaland

Mashonaland is a region in northern Zimbabwe. It is inhabited by the Shona people.

• -17.82916731.0522221 Harare - the capital of Zimbabwe
• -16.81666728.352 Bumi Hills
• -17.3530.23 Chinhoyi - with the Chinhoyi Caves
• -18.18333331.554 Marondera - at the entrance to the Eastern Highlands
• -17.8066730.386115 Kutama - birthplace of former president Robert Mugabe

• -17.06535330.7069561 Mutoroshanga Ethel Mine – a flooded quarry that is a dive site

Mashonaland includes the country's capital, Harare, as well as important cities, towns, agricultural areas, wildlife destinations and historic sites. The region is traditionally associated with the Shona people and forms an important political, economic and cultural part of Zimbabwe. Mashonaland is generally divided into three provinces: Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West. The region includes major urban centres as well as extensive rural and agricultural areas. The landscape varies from highveld grasslands and farming areas to river valleys, wooded countryside and wilderness areas. Much of the region lies on the Zimbabwean plateau, giving many areas a relatively moderate climate compared with lower-lying parts of the country. Mashonaland is closely associated with the Shona people, whose language and culture have played an important role in the history and identity of Zimbabwe. Shona is widely spoken throughout the region, while English is used in government, education, business and tourism.

Mashonaland has been inhabited for centuries and contains important evidence of the development of Shona civilisation. The region was historically home to a number of communities, chiefdoms and states involved in agriculture, trade and cattle keeping. During the colonial period, the region became an important centre of European settlement, mining and commercial agriculture. Harare, originally known as Salisbury, developed into the main administrative and commercial centre. Following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, Mashonaland continued to play a central role in the country's political and economic life. Harare became the capital of independent Zimbabwe and remains the country's largest urban centre.

Most of Mashonaland has a subtropical highland climate. Summers are generally warm and rainy, with most precipitation falling between approximately November and March. Winters are usually dry, sunny and mild during the day, although nights can become cool or cold, particularly in higher areas.

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport near Harare is the principal international gateway to Mashonaland and Zimbabwe. Domestic and regional transport connections may also be available through other airports and airfields.

Mashonaland is connected to other parts of Zimbabwe by major highways. Roads radiate from Harare towards Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, Kariba and other destinations.

• Eastern Highlands — A mountainous region in eastern Zimbabwe known for scenic *landscapes and outdoor activities.
• Bulawayo — Zimbabwe's second-largest city and a gateway to western Zimbabwe.
• Matobo National Park — Known for its distinctive granite rock formations and wildlife.
• Masvingo — Gateway to the historic Great Zimbabwe ruins.
• Victoria Falls — One of Africa's best-known natural attractions.