Heritage and national symbols

National symbols

• The national flag: green (agriculture and vegetation), yellow (mineral wealth), red (blood shed during the liberation struggle), black (the heritage of the majority), the white triangle (peace), the red star (hope and aspirations) and the Zimbabwe Bird (national identity).
• The Zimbabwe Bird: carved soapstone birds found at Great Zimbabwe.
• The national anthem: "Simudzai Mureza weZimbabwe" / "Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe" ("Blessed be the land of Zimbabwe").
• The coat of arms.

Heritage sites

Great Zimbabwe (ancient stone city near Masvingo), Khami ruins (near Bulawayo), Victoria Falls, the Matobo Hills (with rock paintings), National Heroes' Acre (Harare). Great Zimbabwe, Khami, Victoria Falls, Mana Pools and the Matobo Hills are World Heritage Sites.

Important days

Independence Day (18 April 1980), Heroes' Day and Defence Forces Day (August), Unity Day (22 December).

Culture

Languages (Zimbabwe recognises 16 official languages), music (mbira, marimba), dances (Mbende Jerusarema, Isitshikitsha), totems, food and dress.

Check yourself

1. What does the yellow colour on the flag stand for?
2. When did Zimbabwe become independent?
3. Name two World Heritage Sites in Zimbabwe.