Bulawayo

Bulawayo
Name	Bulawayo
Settlement type	City
Pushpin label position	bottom
Coordinates	20°10′S 28°35′E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Zimbabwe
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Matabeleland North
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	Bulawayo District
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Solomon Mguni
Area total km2	1700
Elevation m	1358
Population total	653337
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	384
Timezone	CAT
Utc offset	+2

Bulawayo. Located in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe, it is the country's second-largest city, after Harare. The city is situated near the Matabeleland region and is close to the Botswana border, with Gaborone being a neighboring city. Solomon Mguni, the current Mayor of Bulawayo, has been working to improve the city's infrastructure, with support from organizations like the African Development Bank and the European Union.

Geography

Bulawayo is located in the southwestern part of Zimbabwe, near the Mzingwane River and the Umguza River. The city's geography is characterized by a mix of granite and basalt rocks, with inselbergs and dolerite dykes being common features. The climate is humid subtropical, with warm summers and mild winters, similar to cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria in South Africa. The city is also close to several national parks, including Hwange National Park and Matobo National Park, which are home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes, and are protected by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

History

The city of Bulawayo has a rich and complex history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. The city was an important center of trade and commerce during the Mthwakazi period, with links to other cities like Great Zimbabwe and Khami. The city was also a key location during the Scramble for Africa, with Cecil Rhodes and the British South Africa Company playing a significant role in its development. The city was also affected by the Second Matabele War and the First Matabele War, which were fought between the Matabele Kingdom and the British Empire, with key figures like Lobengula and Leander Starr Jameson involved. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe and the Bulawayo Railway Museum, which are supported by organizations like the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

Economy

The economy of Bulawayo is diverse and includes industries like manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. The city is home to several major companies, including Zimplats, Hwange Colliery, and National Railways of Zimbabwe, which are involved in industries like platinum mining, coal mining, and railway transportation. The city is also a major center for trade and commerce, with links to other cities like Harare and Beitbridge, and is supported by organizations like the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries. The city is also home to several markets, including the Bulawayo Market and the Renkini Market, which sell a range of goods, including textiles, food, and crafts, and are supported by organizations like the Zimbabwe Farmers' Union and the Zimbabwe Women's Bureau.

Culture

The culture of Bulawayo is rich and diverse, with a mix of African, European, and Asian influences. The city is home to several cultural institutions, including the Bulawayo Theatre, the Bulawayo Art Gallery, and the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, which are supported by organizations like the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts. The city is also known for its vibrant music scene, with genres like mbira and chimurenga being popular, and is home to several musicians, including Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi, who have performed at festivals like the Harare International Festival of the Arts and the Bulawayo Arts Festival. The city is also home to several traditional festivals, including the Intwasa Arts Festival and the Bulawayo Cultural Festival, which are supported by organizations like the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Bulawayo is well-developed, with a range of facilities and services available. The city is home to several major roads, including the A6 highway and the A8 highway, which connect it to other cities like Harare and Beitbridge. The city is also served by Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, which offers flights to destinations like Johannesburg and Cape Town, and is supported by organizations like the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe. The city is also home to several hospitals, including the Mpilo Central Hospital and the United Bulawayo Hospitals, which are supported by organizations like the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe.

Education

The education system in Bulawayo is well-developed, with a range of schools and institutions available. The city is home to several major universities, including the National University of Science and Technology and the Bulawayo Polytechnic, which offer a range of programs in fields like science, technology, and engineering, and are supported by organizations like the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education and the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education. The city is also home to several schools, including the Christian Brothers College and the Milton High School, which are supported by organizations like the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council and the Association of Trust Schools. The city is also home to several research institutions, including the Agricultural Research Trust and the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre, which are supported by organizations like the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development and the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences.

Category:Cities in Zimbabwe