What is the capital of Zimbabwe?
Harare stands on a plateau 1,483 metres above sea level in north-eastern Zimbabwe, in the Mashonaland region, which gives it a subtropical highland climate rather than a tropical one.
Harare is the capital and seat of government of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe itself has an estimated population of 16,950,795 (2025).
Harare is also the largest city in Zimbabwe, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.
Harare at a glance
| City population | 1,849,600 (2022 census) |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan area | 2,487,209 (2022, Harare Metropolitan Province) |
| Pronunciation | hə-RAR-ay |
| Country | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe |
| Founded | 1890 |
| Largest city in Zimbabwe | Harare |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 (CAT) |
| Currency | Botswana pula (BWP) |
About Harare
The city was founded on 12 September 1890 by the Pioneer Column, a small military force of the British South Africa Company, and was named Fort Salisbury after the British prime minister Lord Salisbury. It was incorporated as a city in 1935.
The city was renamed Harare on 18 April 1982.
Harare Metropolitan Province takes in the city together with the municipalities of Chitungwiza, Epworth and Ruwa.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Harare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Zimbabwe?
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What is the population of Harare?
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Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Zimbabwe on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.