Geography and culture in the development of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe's economy is in chaos. With an average inflation rate of at least 252% and an economic growth rate of -5% in recent years, the nation of Zimbabwe appears to be financially hopeless when viewed on paper. Nonetheless, there is reason to look with optimism at the further development of this economy. Many, if not all, of the financial difficulties faced by Zimbabwe appear to be the direct result of political mismanagement and do not indicate any difficulty in the supply of useful materials. Zimbabwe is home to one of Africa's richest nature reserves, and most of this abundance has yet to be adequately utilized in a way that maximizes economic growth and stability. While the culture of the indigenous populations, affected by disease and war, does not appear to be a source of progress, the geography of the nation promises many opportunities for the development of such a struggling nation. Zimbabwe, located in the heart of southern Africa, is a landlocked nation. Although there is no coastline, water remains an important element in the nation's economy. Water is a key aspect of the success and, as will be discussed later, the difficulty of the Zimbabwean economy. With energy literally pouring into the nation through the Zambezi River Dam, running water demonstrates its availability and use in Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe). From damming rivers to redirecting them, the people of Zimbabwe have found the use of irrigation useful in transforming some of the barren land in the south into arable land. This technique allows the nation's southern region, which receives little rainfall and faces limited groundwater, to...... middle of paper ......not Zimbabwean culture which is an obstacle to the development of the nation; the obstacle lies in the loss of culture. Zimbabwe is a nation struggling to survive. Economically it is falling apart. Socially it is tearing itself apart. Individually, death is almost impossible to avoid. But there are many positive aspects to the area. There is still the surplus of rich minerals, the various applications of available water systems and the presence of land capable of feeding its population. For all this nation's difficulties, it is far better off than many of its neighbors. There is optimism for Zimbabwe's growth. The geography and geology of the region are too rich to allow so many people to remain so poor. With proper leadership, there is a strong possibility that Zimbabwe will be able to capitalize on its many development opportunities.