Matabeleland

Matabeleland is a region in the west and south-west of Zimbabwe, between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers. Named after its inhabitants, the Ndebele people, who took control of the area in 1834 after having been pushed out of other areas of southern Africa during the Mfecane. Population (1992) 1,855,300. Area: 181,605 sq km. The language spoken is Ndebele.

Consisting chiefly of rich central plains, watered by tributaries of the two rivers, with agricultural products including cotton, sugar, maize, and cattle. The area also has important gold deposits. Industries include gold and other mineral mines, and engineering.

It is now divided into two provinces: Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South. The major city is Bulawayo. Another notable town is Hwange.