Geography and culture in the development of ZimbabweZimbabwe's economy is in ruins. With an average inflation rate of at least 252% and an economic growth rate of -5% in recent years, the nation of Zimbabwe appears financially desperate on paper. Despite this, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future development of this economy. Much, if not all, of the financial difficulties faced by Zimbabwe appear to be the direct result of political mismanagement and do not indicate any difficulties in the supply of beneficial materials. Zimbabwe is home to one of Africa's richest reserves of natural resources, and much of this abundance has yet to be properly utilized in ways that maximize economic growth and stability. Although the culture of the indigenous peoples, stricken by disease and war, does not seem to be a source of progress, the geography of the country 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 country's economy. Water is a key aspect of the success and, as we will see later, the plight of Zimbabwe's economy. As energy literally flows into the country via the Zambezi River Dam, running water proves its availability and usage in Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe). Whether it is damming rivers or redirecting them, the people of Zimbabwe have found the use of irrigation useful in transforming some of the infertile soils of the south into farmable land. This technique helps the southern region of the country, which receives little rainfall and faces limited groundwater levels...... middle of paper ......and not Zimbabwe's culture which constitutes 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 collapsing. Socially, she is torn apart. Individually, death is almost impossible to avoid. But this territory has many positive aspects. There is still a surplus of rich minerals, the various applications of water systems available and the presence of land capable of feeding its population. Despite all the difficulties facing this nation, it is faring much better than many of its neighbors. There is optimism about 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 good chance that Zimbabwe will be able to capitalize on the many development opportunities..