Resistance to the regime was fierce. The ensuing war was fought between three factions: the Rhodesian government led by Ian Smith, the Marxist-Leninist Zimbabwe African People's Union and Robert Mugabe's socialist Zimbabwe African National Union, which emerged victorious. Hostilities ceased in 1979, ending white-minority rule and bringing into being the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Pictured here is Victoria Falls, which sits on Zimbabwe's border with Zambia and is probably the country's most prized natural wonder.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now discover which are the world's safest and most dangerous countries

25 countries that disappeared from the world map