Overview of Botswana

Profile

A landlocked country in the central part of southern Africa, most of the land consists of plateaus around 1,000m above sea level and the Kalahari Desert. Government-designated protected areas account for approximately 17% of the land, making wildlife safaris one of the main industries. Thanks to abundant diamonds and good governance, it has achieved one of Africa's highest economic growth rates since independence, with English and Tswana as official languages. It maintains a moderate multi-party democracy and relatively good security, and is known for policies that balance tourism with resource development.

Official name: Republic of Botswana
Common name: Botswana
Numeric code: 072
Alpha-3 code: BWA
Alpha-2 code: BW
Population: Approximately 2.64 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 4 people/km2
Primary languages: English, Tswana
Major religions: Christianity, Traditional Religions
National anthem: Fatshe Leno la Rona
Calling code: +267
Internet TLD: .bw

History

Gained independence from Britain in 1966 and has maintained stable democracy without coups ever since.

After becoming the British protectorate of Bechuanaland in the late 19th century, it became independent as the Republic of Botswana on September 30, 1966. Under the leadership of first President Seretse Khama, it invested in education and healthcare based on the diamond industry, achieving high growth. During the Cold War and apartheid era, it maintained non-alignment and reconciliation, protecting security and democratic institutions amid unstable regional conditions. In 2024, the first peaceful transfer of power took place, attracting international attention as an example of mature democracy.

Geography & climate

Over 70% of the land is covered by the Kalahari Desert, with the world's largest inland delta in the north and low hills scattered in the east forming a basin-like plateau terrain.

Semi-arid steppe to subtropical desert climate

Area: Africa / 581730 km²
Capital: Gaborone
Largest city: Gaborone
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Ngami, Lake Xau (seasonal lake)
Bordering countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Natural resources

Diamonds, Copper, Nickel, Coal, Soda Ash, Salt, Silver, Uranium, Oil Shale, Tourism Resources, Solar Power, Wildlife

Politics

Government: Republic (Presidential system, multi-party democracy)

Economy

Currency: Pula (BWP)

GDP (nominal): 20.35 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 44.1 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Tswana

Time zone: CAT

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Tswana, Kalanga, San, Ndebele, Herero, Europeans

Life expectancy

Approximately 61 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 87%

National sports

Football, Athletics, Cricket, Golf, Rugby