1855    David Livingstone becomes the first European to see the Victoria Falls in what is now present-day Zambia-Zimbabwe.

1890    Salisbury, Rhodesia, is founded.

1965    In Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe), the white-minority government of Ian Smith unilaterally declares independence.

1979    The first black-led government of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 90 years takes power.

1980    Nationalist leader Robert Mugabe wins a sweeping election victory to become Zimbabwe's first black prime minister.

1980    The Republic of Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) comes into being, with Canaan Banana as the country's first President.

1980    Zimbabwe joins the United Nations.

1980    Zimbabwe establishes diplomatic relations with Algeria.

2000    In Zimbabwe, Parliament opens its new session and seats opposition members for the first time in a decade.

2002    Zimbabwe is suspended from the Commonwealth on charges of human rights abuses and of electoral fraud, following a turbulent presidential election.