Harare

Harare (formerly Salisbury), estimated population 1,485,615 (1992), is the capital of Zimbabwe. The city is Zimbabwe's largest city and its administrative, commercial, and communications center. It is a trade center for tobacco, maize, cotton, and citrus fruits. Manufactures include textiles, steel, and chemicals. Gold is mined in the area.

The city was founded in 1890 as a fort by the Pioneer Column[?], a mercenary force organized by Cecil Rhodes. The city was originally named Salisbury after the 3d marquess of Salisbury, then British prime minister. It became a city in 1935. Salisbury was the capital of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland[?] from 1953 to 1963. After Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, the name of the city was changed to Harare.

Harare is the site of the University of Zimbabwe[?].