43 Facts About Botswana

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa and is sparsely populated despite its large land area.

It lies near the center of southern Africa and has a roughly triangular shape. It borders Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

The country’s name comes from the Tswana people, the dominant ethnic group. The language is called Setswana, the people are known as Batswana, and an individual is called a Motswana.

English is the official language, while Setswana is the national and most widely spoken language.

Botswana was known as Bechuanaland when it was a British protectorate and became independent in 1966.

Gaborone is the capital city. Locals often call it “Gabs,” and it is named after Chief Kgosi Gaborone, a Tswana leader.

Botswana covers about 581,730 square kilometres and has a population of just over 2 million, giving it one of the lowest population densities in Africa.

Botswana transformed from one of the poorest countries in the world at independence into an upper-middle-income economy, largely due to good governance and diamond revenues.

Diamonds are the backbone of the economy, making Botswana one of the world’s leading diamond producers.

Some of the largest diamonds ever discovered were found in Botswana, including Lesedi La Rona and stones weighing over 1,000 carats from the Karowe mine.

The national currency is the pula, which means “rain” or “blessing” in Setswana.

Around 70 percent of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert, which is a semi-arid sandy region rather than a true desert.

The Kalahari name comes from Tswana words meaning “great thirst” or “waterless place.”

Botswana contains the Makgadikgadi Pans, among the largest salt pans in the world.

The Okavango Delta, located in the Kalahari, is the world’s largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About 40 percent of Botswana’s land is protected as national parks, game reserves, and wildlife management areas.

Botswana has the largest elephant population in the world, with most found in Chobe National Park.

The country is home to the Big Five: lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

Botswana has rich biodiversity, with over 150 mammal species and more than 460 bird species.

The San (Basarwa or Bushmen) people live in parts of Botswana and speak click-based Khoisan languages.

Botswana’s climate is mostly semi-arid, with hot summers, mild winters, and a rainy season from about October to April.

Botswana and Zambia share the shortest international land border in the world, measuring only about 135 meters.

Botswana is made up of several major Tswana tribes, each traditionally led by a Kgosi (chief).

Cattle play a major role in culture and wealth. Ownership of cattle is traditionally a sign of status and prosperity.

The national animal is the Burchell’s zebra, shown on the country’s coat of arms for its black-and-white stripes symbolizing unity.

The national bird is the kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird in Africa.

Traditional religion centered on Modimo, a supreme being, with rainmaking and initiation rituals. Today, Christianity is widespread alongside traditional beliefs.

Seswaa, a pounded meat dish made from beef or goat, is the national dish and is served at weddings and funerals.

Bogobe, a maize or millet porridge, is a staple food.

Mopane worms, the caterpillar of the emperor moth, are a common traditional protein source.

Popular traditional drinks include madila (fermented milk) and Setswana beer made from sorghum.

Greeting customs are important. People greet others with “Dumela Rra” (sir) or “Dumela Mma” (madam), even when meeting strangers.

Giving or receiving items is done with the right hand or both hands, often supporting the right arm with the left.

Holding hands between friends is a sign of trust and friendship.

Red clothing is traditionally avoided during thunderstorms, as it is believed to attract lightning.

Rain on a wedding day is considered a blessing.

Weddings can last several days and involve food, dancing, and speeches.

Soccer is the most popular sport, with village teams often competing locally.

Botswana follows a “high value, low impact” tourism model that limits visitor numbers while protecting wildlife.

The Tsodilo Hills are a sacred site with ancient rock art and are among the country’s highest points.

Botswana provides free basic education up to early secondary level, funded largely by diamond revenue.

The country is regarded as one of Africa’s most politically stable democracies.

Lonely Planet named Botswana the world’s top travel destination in 2016 due to its conservation-focused tourism policy.