Nyika yeZimbabwe · Flag, National Anthem, Symbols & Provinces
Discover Zimbabwe (Nyika yeZimbabwe)
Explore the meaning behind every colour on the Flag of Zimbabwe (Mureza), sing the National Anthem (Simudzai Mureza weZimbabwe) line by line in ChiShona and English, and learn about our national symbols and 10 Provinces!
🇿🇼 7 Flag Elements & Meanings
🎵 3 Anthem Verses (Shona & English)
🦅 4 National Symbols
🗺️ 10 Provinces & Capitals
🇿🇼 Nyika yeZimbabwe: Mureza, Rwiyo rweNyika neZviratidzo
Zita rekuti "Zimbabwe" rinobva pamazwi eChiShona anoti "Dzimba dzaMabwe" kana "Dzimbahwe" (dzimba dzakavakwa nematombo makuru). Nyika yedu ine mureza wemavara manomwe, rwiyo rwenyika rwakanyorwa naMuzvinafundo Solomon Mutswairo, nezviratidzo zvinodadisa.
The name "Zimbabwe" comes from the Shona phrase "Dzimba dzaMabwe" (Houses of Stone), honouring the ancient stone capital of Great Zimbabwe (Dzimbahwe). Explore the meanings behind the colours of the Zimbabwean flag, sing the National Anthem line by line, and discover our national emblems and ten provinces.
🏙️ Guta Guru · Capital City
Harare
🇿🇼 Zuva reRusununguko · Independence Day
18 April 1980 (18 Kubvumbi 1980)
🦅 Shiri yeNyika · National Emblem
Hungwe (The Zimbabwe Bird)
🌺 Ruva reNyika · National Flower
Kajongwe (Flame Lily)
🦌 Mhuka yeNyika · National Animal
Mharapara (Sable Antelope)
🤝 Chiga cheNyika · National Motto
Kubata Pamwe, Rusununguko, Basa (Unity, Freedom, Work)
1. 🇿🇼 Mureza weZimbabwe neMavara Awo — The National Flag of Zimbabwe & Its Colours
Adopted on Independence Day (18 April 1980), the flag of Zimbabwe features seven horizontal stripes of green, gold/yellow, red, and black, with a white hoist triangle bordered in black bearing a five-pointed red star and the golden Zimbabwe Bird (Hungwe).
👆 Tap any stripe or emblem on the flag to highlight its meaning
Girini (Zerere)
Green Stripes
🗣️ gee-REE-nee
Zvirimwa, masango, uye ivhu rakapfuma reZimbabwe rinopa chikafu.
Represents the agriculture, lush vegetation, and fertile land and soil of Zimbabwe.
Yero (Goridhe)
Yellow / Gold Stripes
🗣️ YEH-roh / goh-REE-dheh
Upfumi hwezvicherwa zviri pasi peivhu renyika yedu (goridhe, ngoda, mhangura).
Represents the abundant mineral wealth beneath Zimbabwe’s soil, including gold, platinum, chrome, and diamonds.
Tsvuku
Red Stripes
🗣️ TSVOO-koo
Ropa rakateurwa nemagamba munguva yehondo yerusununguko.
Symbolises the blood shed by heroes and heroines during the liberation struggle to achieve independence and freedom.
Tema (Nhema)
Central Black Stripe & Border
🗣️ TEH-mah / NHEH-mah
Vanhu vatema veZimbabwe, nhaka yavo, uye tsika dzemadzitateguru.
Represents the indigenous black majority of Zimbabwe, their ancestral heritage, and cultural identity.
Chena (Katatu keChena)
White Triangle
🗣️ CHEH-nah
Runyararo, rugare, nekubatana kwevanhu vese munyika.
Symbolises peace, reconciliation, tranquility, and a bright path forward for the nation.
Nyeredzi Tsvuku
Five-Pointed Red Star
🗣️ nyeh-REH-dzee TSVOO-koo
Tariro yeramangwana rakanaka uye shungu dzekuvaka nyika.
Represents the nation’s hope, aspirations, and vision for a prosperous future.
Shiri yeZimbabwe (Hungwe)
The Great Zimbabwe Bird (Hungwe)
🗣️ HOO-ngweh
Chifananidzo chenyika chakavezwa padombo reMunyati paDzimbahwe Guru, chinomiririra nhoroondo nekusimba kwenyika.
The national emblem of Zimbabwe, modelled on the ancient soapstone birds carved at Great Zimbabwe (Dzimbahwe), representing our history and sovereignty.
2. 🎵 Rwiyo rweNyika: Simudzai Mureza weZimbabwe
O Lift High the Banner, the Flag of Zimbabwe (Blessed Be the Land of Zimbabwe) · Lyrics by Professor Solomon Mutswairo (1924–2005), Music by Fred Changundega (Adopted March 1994)
Rwiyo rweNyika rwakanyorwa nemunyori mukuru weChiShona Muzvinafundo Solomon Mutswairo muna 1994, mimhanzi yaro ikarongwa naFred Changundega. Runoimbwa nezvikamu zvitatu zvinokudza rusununguko, runako rwenyika (makomo, nzizi, neVictoria Falls), uye mweya wekushanda nesimba.
Written by renowned Shona novelist and poet Professor Solomon Mutswairo and set to music by Fred Changundega in 1994, the anthem has three verses celebrating the raising of the flag, the natural wonders of Zimbabwe (including Victoria Falls / Mosi-oa-Tunya), and a prayer for honest leadership, hard work, and peace.
Verse 1
Chikamu cheKutanga (Verse 1)
Verse 1 — Raising the Banner of Freedom
Simudzai mureza wedu weZimbabwe,
🗣️ see-moo-DZAH-ee moo-REH-zah WEH-doo weh-zee-MBAH-bweh
O lift high the banner, the flag of Zimbabwe,
Yakazvarwa nemoto wechimurenga;
🗣️ yah-kah-ZVAH-rwah neh-MOH-toh weh-chee-moo-REH-ngah
The symbol of freedom proclaiming victory;
Neropa zhinji ramagamba,
🗣️ neh-ROH-pah ZHEE-njee rah-mah-GAH-mbah
We praise our heroes’ sacrifice,
Tiidzivirire kumhandu dzose;
🗣️ tee-ee-dzee-vee-REE-reh koo-MHAH-ndoo DZOH-seh
And vow to keep our land from foes;
Ngaikomborerwe nyika yeZimbabwe.
🗣️ ngah-ee-koh-mboh-REH-rweh NYEE-kah yeh-zee-MBAH-bweh
And may the Almighty protect and bless our land.
Verse 2
Chikamu cheChipiri (Verse 2)
Verse 2 — Mountains, Rivers, Rain & Victoria Falls
Tarisai Zimbabwe nyika yakashongedzwa,
🗣️ tah-ree-SAH-ee zee-MBAH-bweh NYEE-kah yah-kah-shoh-NGEH-dzwah
O lovely Zimbabwe, so wondrously adorned,
Namakomo, nehova, zvinoyevedza;
🗣️ nah-mah-KOH-moh neh-HOH-vah zvee-noh-yeh-VEH-dzah
With mountains, and rivers cascading, flowing free;
Mvura ngainaye, minda ipe mbesa,
🗣️ MVOO-rah ngah-ee-NAH-yeh MEE-ndah EE-peh MBEH-sah
May rain abound, and fertile fields;
Vashandi vatuswe, ruzhinji rugute;
🗣️ vah-SHAH-ndee vah-TOO-sweh roo-ZHEE-njee roo-GOO-teh
May we be fed, our labour blessed;
Ngaikomborerwe nyika yeZimbabwe.
🗣️ ngah-ee-koh-mboh-REH-rweh NYEE-kah yeh-zee-MBAH-bweh
And may the Almighty protect and bless our land.
Verse 3
Chikamu cheChitatu (Verse 3)
Verse 3 — Prayer for Wisdom, Unity & Peace
Mwari komborerai nyika yeZimbabwe,
🗣️ MWAH-ree koh-mboh-reh-RAH-ee NYEE-kah yeh-zee-MBAH-bweh
O God, we beseech Thee to bless our native land;
Nyika yamaDzitateguru edu tose;
🗣️ NYEE-kah yah-mah-dzee-tah-teh-GOO-roo EH-doo TOH-seh
The land of our fathers bestowed upon us all;
Kubva Zambezi kusvika Limpopo,
🗣️ KOO-bvah zah-MBEH-zee koo-SVEE-kah lee-MPOH-poh
From Zambezi to Limpopo,
Navatungamiri vave nenduramo;
🗣️ nah-vah-too-ngah-MEE-ree VAH-veh neh-ndoo-RAH-moh
May leaders be exemplary;
Ngaikomborerwe nyika yeZimbabwe.
🗣️ ngah-ee-koh-mboh-REH-rweh NYEE-kah yeh-zee-MBAH-bweh
And may the Almighty protect and bless our land.
📖 Key Words in the National Anthem (Mazwi eRwiyo rweNyika):
Mureza · Flag / Banner
(moo-REH-zah)
Kusimudza · To lift high / raise
(koo-see-MOO-dzah)
Magamba · Heroes & heroines
(mah-GAH-mbah)
Kudzivirira · To defend / protect
(koo-dzee-vee-REE-rah)
Kukomborera · To bless
(koo-koh-mboh-REH-rah)
Makomo neHova · Mountains and rivers
(mah-KOH-moh neh-HOH-vah)
Mbesa · Crops / Grain harvest
(MBEH-sah)
Madzitateguru · Forefathers / Ancestors
(mah-dzee-tah-teh-GOO-roo)
Nduramo · Integrity / Uprightness
(ndoo-RAH-moh)
3. 🦅 Zviratidzo zveNyika (National Symbols & Coat of Arms)
Tap any card to learn about the Zimbabwe Bird, Coat of Arms, Flame Lily, and Sable Antelope.
🦅
Shiri yeZimbabwe (Hungwe)
The Zimbabwe Bird (Fish Eagle / Bateleur Emblem)
Shiri yeHungwe yakavezwa padombo reMunyati (soapstone) pamadziro eDzimbahwe Guru mazana emakore akapfuura. Inowanikwa pamureza wenyika, pachidhindo chenyika, nepamari yeZimbabwe.
Eight carved soapstone birds stood atop monoliths at Great Zimbabwe (Dzimbahwe) over 700 years ago. Combining features of the African Fish Eagle (Hungwe) and the Bateleur Eagle (Chapungu), the bird serves as a sacred royal messenger and appears on the flag, Coat of Arms, and currency.
🛡️
Chidhindo cheNyika (Coat of Arms)
The National Coat of Arms of Zimbabwe
Chidhindo cheNyika chine nhoro mbiri (kudus) dzakamira pamusoro peivhu rine chibage, donje, negorosi. Pakati pane nhowo yegirini ine mufananidzo weDzimbahwe Guru nemafungu emvura, pamwe nechiga chinoti: "Kubata Pamwe, Rusununguko, Basa".
Adopted in September 1981, the Coat of Arms shows two majestic Kudus (Nhoro) supporting a green shield depicting Great Zimbabwe and 14 blue-and-white wavy lines (representing water and Victoria Falls). Above the shield sit the Great Zimbabwe Bird on a gold-and-green wreath, and behind it a crossed agricultural hoe (Badza) and rifle marking the transition from struggle to peace and farming. At the base is a banner reading "Unity, Freedom, Work" (Kubata Pamwe, Rusununguko, Basa).
🌺
Ruva reNyika: Kajongwe (Flame Lily)
National Flower: The Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba)
Kajongwe ( kana kuti Nyakajongwe) iruva remusango rinotumbuka pamavambo emwaka wezhizha kana mvura yave kunaya. Mipendero yaro ine mavara matsvuku neyero anofanana nemoto.
Known in Shona as Kajongwe (named because its curved red-and-gold petals resemble a rooster’s comb, jongwe), the Flame Lily blooms across Zimbabwe’s woodlands with the first November rains.
🦌
Mhuka yeNyika: Mharapara (Sable Antelope)
National Animal: The Royal Sable Antelope
Mharapara imhuka huru yemusango ine nyanga ndefu dzakakombama shure neganda dema rinopenya. Inoremekedzwa semhuka yehushe uye mutupo.
With its glossy black coat, striking white facial markings, and sweeping ringed horns, the Sable Antelope (Mharapara / Ngwarati) is Zimbabwe’s national animal and a revered clan totem.
4. 🗺️ Matunhu Gumi eZimbabwe (The 10 Provinces & Capitals)
Search or browse Zimbabwe’s ten provinces, their capital cities, languages/dialects, and famous landmarks.
📍 Harare Metropolitan
🏙️ HarareNamed after Chief Neharawa ("Haarare" — the one who never sleeps); includes Harare, Chitungwiza, and Epworth.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: ChiShona (ChiZezuru & all dialects), English, IsiNdebele
🏛️ Key Landmarks: National Heroes Acre, Epworth Balancing Rocks (Matombo), Mbare Musika
📍 Bulawayo Metropolitan
🏙️ Bulawayo (koBulawayo)Zimbabwe’s second-largest city and industrial/cultural hub of Matabeleland, founded by King Lobengula.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: IsiNdebele, ChiShona, Kalanga
🏛️ Key Landmarks: Khami Ruins (UNESCO), Natural History Museum, gateway to Matobo Hills
📍 Manicaland (Dunhu rekwaManyika)
🏙️ MutareThe Eastern Highlands province bordering Mozambique, home to Zimbabwe’s highest peak (Mount Nyangani) and tea estates.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: ChiManyika, ChiNdau, Barwe
🏛️ Key Landmarks: Mount Nyangani, Mutarazi Falls, Vumba Botanical Gardens, Chimanimani Mountains, Chirinda Forest
📍 Mashonaland Central
🏙️ BinduraNorthern agricultural and mining province stretching from the Mazowe Valley to the Zambezi Escarpment.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: ChiKorekore, ChiZezuru
🏛️ Key Landmarks: Mazowe Citrus Estates, Mount Darwin, Mavuradonha Wilderness
📍 Mashonaland East
🏙️ MaronderaHighveld granite country east of Harare, famous for ancient rock art and cultural centres.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: ChiZezuru (Mbire, Nohwe, Njanja)
🏛️ Key Landmarks: Domboshava Cave, Ngomakurira, Tsindi Ruins, Mutoko granite hills
📍 Mashonaland West
🏙️ ChinhoyiStretches from Kadoma and Chegutu northwards to Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: ChiZezuru, ChiKorekore, Tonga
🏛️ Key Landmarks: Chinhoyi Caves (Chirorodziva), Lake Kariba, Mana Pools National Park (UNESCO)
📍 Masvingo Province
🏙️ MasvingoNamed after "Masvingo" (stone enclosures); home to the ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: ChiKaranga, Shangani (Xichangana), Venda
🏛️ Key Landmarks: Great Zimbabwe National Monument (Dzimbahwe), Lake Mutirikwi, Gonarezhou National Park
📍 Midlands Province
🏙️ GweruThe central heart of Zimbabwe along the Great Dyke mineral belt, bridging Mashonaland and Matabeleland.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: ChiKaranga, ChiZezuru, IsiNdebele
🏛️ Key Landmarks: Naletale & Danangombe Stone Ruins, Kwekwe, Zvishavane, Chirumanzu
📍 Matabeleland North
🏙️ LupaneHome to Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) and Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, Hwange National Park.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: IsiNdebele, Tonga, Nambya, Dombe
🏛️ Key Landmarks: Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), Hwange National Park, Binga & Zambezi Gorges
📍 Matabeleland South
🏙️ GwandaSouthern border province extending from the sacred granite hills of Matobo to the Limpopo River at Beitbridge.
🗣️ Languages / Dialects: IsiNdebele, Kalanga, Venda, Sotho, ChiKaranga
🏛️ Key Landmarks: Matobo Hills (Matonjeni — UNESCO), Mapungubwe-Limpopo Valley, Plumtree
5. 📅 Mazuva eZororo reNyika (National Civic Holidays)
Key dates celebrated across Zimbabwe and by the Zimbabwean diaspora worldwide.
📅 21 February (21 Kukadzi)
Zuva reVechidiki (National Youth Day)
Celebrates young people, education, and the future generation of Zimbabwe.
📅 18 April (18 Kubvumbi)
Zuva reRusununguko (Independence Day)
Commemorates the birth of the Republic of Zimbabwe on 18 April 1980.
📅 25 May (25 Chivabvu)
Zuva reAfrica (Africa Day)
Celebrates African unity, heritage, and the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (African Union) in 1963.
📅 Second Monday & Tuesday of August (Nyamavhuvhu)
Zuva reMagamba neMauto (Heroes’ Day & Defence Forces Day)
Honours the heroes and heroines who sacrificed for Zimbabwe’s liberation and those who safeguard the nation.
📅 22 December (22 Zvita)
Zuva reKubata Pamwe (National Unity Day)
Celebrates national peace, reconciliation, and togetherness across all communities of Zimbabwe.