Zimbabwe Provinces and Capitals List

Zimbabwe is divided into 10 provinces. Here is a list of the provinces of Zimbabwe:

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. The country is divided into 10 provinces for administration and regional governance, including two metropolitan provinces. Harare is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe, serving as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center.

Zimbabwe includes high plateaus, savannas, mountain ranges, river valleys, and wildlife-rich national parks spread across a diverse landscape. Different provinces are known for mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, livestock farming, and hydroelectric power generation, while Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage reflects Shona, Ndebele, and other African traditions along with the legacy of the ancient Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe.

Key Facts

National capital: Harare | Total population: 16,900,000 (2024 Estimate) | Total area: 390,757 km² (150,872 sq miles) | Currency: Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and multiple foreign currencies | Bordering countries: Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia | Total Provinces: 10 | Total Districts: 60+

List of Provinces and Capitals of Zimbabwe

Total administrative divisions shown: 10 | Combined population: 16,900,000 | Combined area: 390,757 km²

Largest Provinces by Area

• Matabeleland North - 28,967 sq mi (75,025 km²)
• Mashonaland West - 22,178 sq mi (57,441 km²)
• Masvingo - 21,840 sq mi (56,566 km²)
• Matabeleland South - 20,916 sq mi (54,172 km²)
• Midlands - 18,983 sq mi (49,166 km²)
• Manicaland - 14,077 sq mi (36,459 km²)
• Mashonaland East - 12,444 sq mi (32,230 km²)
• Mashonaland Central - 10,945 sq mi (28,347 km²)

Most Populous Provinces

• Midlands - Population: 2,750,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Harare Metropolitan - Population: 2,600,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Manicaland - Population: 2,150,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Mashonaland East - Population: 1,950,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Mashonaland West - Population: 1,900,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Masvingo - Population: 1,650,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Mashonaland Central - Population: 1,450,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Bulawayo Metropolitan - Population: 820,000 (2024 Estimate)

Smallest Provinces by Area

• Bulawayo Metropolitan - 211 sq mi (546 km²)
• Harare Metropolitan - 371 sq mi (960 km²)
• Mashonaland Central - 10,945 sq mi (28,347 km²)
• Mashonaland East - 12,444 sq mi (32,230 km²)
• Manicaland - 14,077 sq mi (36,459 km²)
• Midlands - 18,983 sq mi (49,166 km²)

Provinces by Geographic Grouping

• Capital Region: Harare Metropolitan
• Central Industrial Region: Midlands
• Eastern Highlands: Manicaland
• Eastern Plateau Region: Mashonaland East
• Northern Plateau Region: Mashonaland Central
• Northwestern Agricultural Region: Mashonaland West
• Northwestern Savannah Region: Matabeleland North
• Southern Border Region: Matabeleland South
• Southern Highlands Region: Masvingo
• Southwestern Metropolitan Region: Bulawayo Metropolitan

Landlocked Provinces

• Bulawayo Metropolitan
• Harare Metropolitan
• Manicaland
• Mashonaland Central
• Mashonaland East
• Mashonaland West
• Masvingo
• Matabeleland North
• Matabeleland South
• Midlands

Provinces Sharing an International Border

• Manicaland - borders Mozambique
• Mashonaland Central - borders Zambia and Mozambique
• Mashonaland West - borders Zambia
• Matabeleland North - borders Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia
• Matabeleland South - borders Botswana and South Africa
• Masvingo - borders Mozambique and South Africa

Major Economic Activities by Province

Important Natural and Cultural Areas

• Victoria Falls: Matabeleland North Province
• Great Zimbabwe Ruins: Masvingo Province
• Hwange National Park: Matabeleland North Province
• Eastern Highlands: Manicaland Province
• Lake Kariba: Mashonaland West Province
• Matobo Hills: Matabeleland South Province

Sources

• Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency
• Government of Zimbabwe
• World Bank - Zimbabwe Data
• Encyclopaedia Britannica - Zimbabwe
• CIA World Factbook - Zimbabwe