Harare is the site of the University of Zimbabwe, the largest and most complete institution of higher learning in Zimbabwe, which is situated about 5km north of the city. Numerous suburbs surround the city, retaining the names colonial administrators gave them during the 19th century, such as Warren Park 'D', Borrowdale, Mount Pleasant, Marlborough, Tynwald and Avondale.

History

The name of the city was changed to Harare on April 18, 1982, the second anniversary of Zimbabwean independence, taking its name from the Shona chieftain Neharawa. It is also said the name derived from the European corruption of "Haarari" ("He does not sleep"), the epithet of the chief whose citadel was located in the area known today as the Kopje (pronounced "Koppie"). It was said that no enemy could ever launch a sneak attack on him. Prior to independence, "Harare" was the name of the Black residential area now known as Mbare.

The area at the time of founding of the city was poorly drained and earliest development was on sloping ground along the left bank of a stream that is now the course of a trunk road (Julius Nyerere Way). The first area to be fully drained was near the head of the stream and was named Causeway as a result. This area is now the site of many of the most important Government buildings, including the Senate House and the Office of the Prime Minister (now renamed for the use of President Mugabe after the position was abolished in January 1988.)

Climate

The climate supports a natural vegetation of open woodland. The most common tree of the local region is the Msasa Brachystegia spiciformis that colours the landscape wine-red with its new leaves in late August. An introduced tree that contributes most to the town's atmosphere is the Jacaranda (a South American species) that produces a burst of lilac when it blooms in September.

Suburbs

main: :Category:Suburbs of Harare These are some of the suburbs of Harare.

Notable landmarks and institutions

• CBZ Holdings
• Cairns Holdings
• Data Control & Systems
• Dynamos F.C.
• Gwanzura
• 44 Harvest House
• Mbare Musika
• Mushandirapamwe Hotel
• National Gallery of Zimbabwe
• Net*One
• Parirenyatwa Hospital
• Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Harare
• Rufaro Stadium
• Sam Nujoma Street
• St. John's College, Harare
• University of Zimbabwe
• Queen Victoria Museum
• Zimbabwe Stock Exchange
• Zimbabwe grounds
• Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences