Zimbabwe is located in Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia. It covers an area slightly larger than Montana. A tropical climate (moderated by altitude) prevails in most of the country, with a rainy season from November to March. Much of the land forms high plateaus with a higher central plateau, the High Veld, extending from the southwest to the northeast. Mountains are found in the east. Natural resources include coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, vanadium, lithium, tin, and platinum metal groups.

The chaos of the land redistribution of the last few years has been caused severe economic deprivation for masses of Zimbabweans. Those who have been relocated on formerly white-owned lands have not prospered due to lack of essentials such as fertilizers, fuel and water. There have also been severe droughts. With an estimated 1 million people facing hunger and starvation and the devaluation its currency, Zimbabwe has moved away from its former status as breadbasket.