Farming compounds have a higher population density. Image credit sfbayview.com

Farming compounds have a higher population density. Image credit sfbayview.com

ZIMSEC O Level Geography Notes: Population:Population distribution in Zimbabwe

  • The population of Zimbabwe as of 18 August 2012 was 12 973 808
  • 6 234 931 males and 6 738 877 females
  • This population lived 3 076 222 households
  • At an average of 4, 2 persons per household
  • Zimbabwe has a land area of  390 757 square kilometres
  • This leads to an overall population density of 33 persons per square kilometer
  • Harare is the largest province with 16% of the population followed by Manicaland in which 14% of the population lives
  • Harare has the largest population density of 2406 with Bulawayo next with a population density of 1 369
  • This is because these provinces are for the most part metropolitan (town) provinces
  • The population density in rural areas tends to be between 0 and 60 people per square kilometer
  • In urban areas this goes up to over 2000 people per square kilometer
  • Zimbabwe can be divided into three population distribution areas:

1. Low population density areas (0-20 people per square kilometre)

  • For example Matebele Land North and South areas
  • The Zambezi and Limpopo valleys
  • These areas are dominated by National Parks and game reserves
  • In the Zambezi areas there is the Zambezi escarpment which dissuades human settlement
  • Kalahari sands in Western Zimbabwe coupled with a semi arid environment also discourages human settlement

2 Medium population density areas (21-40 people per square kilometre)

  • Includes the mid veld ares, areas along rail and lines and main commercial farming areas on the highveld
  • Mining centers, small industrial and commercial towns

3 High population density areas (41+ people per square kilometre)

  • For example large cities such as Harare
  • The Eastern Highlands ( Manicaland has a density of 48 people per square kilometre which is the highest of any rural area)
  • Reserves where people where forced to settle by the Land Apportionment Act enforced during the colonial era

To access more topics go to the Geography Notes page.