While millions of people have endured years of deepening poverty, the middle class was able to stay afloat. Now, store shelves are empty, and factories closing because the owners find they cannot keep their costs below the price set by the government for their products.

"The last seven years, I haven't panicked at all," a one Bulawayo clothing manufacturer who, did not want his name used told The Times. "Now, I'm not so sure. I think there's a real collapse coming."

The government shows no signs of relenting, instead moving to nationalize more of the economy.

"We are at war," Joseph Msika, a vice president, said in a speech July 18. "We will not allow shelves to be empty."

Zimbabwe's economic crisis began when Mugabe ousted white farmers, leading to a sharp drop in agricultural production.