Bulawayo, city, southwestern Zimbabwe, on the Matsheumlope River, at an elevation of about 1340 m (about 4400 ft). It is the second largest city of Zimbabwe and a major industrial center; it is also a vital national distribution point and railroad junction. Industries include printing and publishing, brewing, and the manufacture of clothing, tires, radios, metal products, and construction materials. The city is also the processing center for produce of the ranches and farms of the surrounding area. Located here are Bulawayo Technical College (1927) and the National Museum (1901), with exhibits of wildlife and geology. The community was founded by the Ndebele in the mid-1800s, and it served as the headquarters of the Ndebele king Lobengula. In 1893 the British occupied the settlement. It was moved south to its present site in 1894. A railroad was constructed to the town in 1897. Population (1992) 620,936.
