About Botswana

Bordered by South Africa, Zambia and Namibia, Botswana’s landscape is a study of contrasts - an expanse of savannahs, deserts, wetlands and salt pans stretching from the red desert dunes of the Kalahari, home of the Bushmen, to the lush green of the waterways of the Okavango Delta. The varied landscapes change with the seasons meaning that, in Botswana, every safari is unique.

Botswana is home to a vastly diverse wildlife population, including species such as Elephant, various Antelope, Kudu, Giraffe, Cheetah, Ostrich, Leopard, Wild Dog, Lion and more.

Botswana is one of Africa's success stories. Tourism was identified decades ago as the best way to create a sustainable industry that employs a large number of its people, while still preserving the environment. The country’s commitment to conservation has resulted in an excellent reputation for environmental tourism. The focus is on high-quality and authentic wildlife experiences.

Country Facts

Capital

Gaborone

Urban Centres

Gaborone, situated in the South Eastern part of Botswana, is the capital city of Botswana. The city has good road and air links to South Africa and other main centres in the country. Other main towns include Francistown, Lobatse, Selebi Phikwe, Ghanzi, Mahalapye, Jwaneng, and Kasane with Serowe, Palapye, Kanye, Maun, Molepolole, Ramotswa as major villages.

Population

The current total population of Botswana is estimated at 1.85 million with a population growth rate of 3.5% per annum.

Coordinates

22 00 S, 24 00 E

Area

600,370 sq km

Measures

Metric System

Electric Current

220 volts

Driving

In Botswana, driving is on the left hand side of the road. The general speed limit is 100km/h or 120 km/h on open roads and 60km/h in urban areas. It is advisable to look out for the speed limit signs on the road and keep the allowed speed as over speeding penalties can be high depending on the speed at which you are driving.

Language

English is the official language of Botswana. Setswana is the national language and is widely spoken. Other languages spoken in Botswana include Afrikaans in the south and south western part in areas bordering Botswana & South Africa, Kalanga in the North East, Shekgalagari in the South Western areas, Siyeyi in the Okavango Delta areas, as well as many other languages.

Currency

The currency in Botswana is Pula and Thebe. Pula in Setswana means ‘rain’. One Pula is made up on 100 Thebe. Coins available are: 5t, 10t, 25t, 50t, P1, P2 and P5. Notes available are: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200.

Time

Botswana is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round.

Economy

Industry: Diamonds, Copper, Nickel, Salt, Soda ash, Potash, Livestock processing/Beef, Textiles.
Agriculture: Sorghum, Maize, Millet, Livestock.
Exports: Diamonds, Copper, Nickel, Soda ash, Beef.

Botswana Flag

Light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center.

Explanation of the flag: The blue represents water; the white-black-white bands depict the racial harmony of the people as well as the pluralist nature of the society. They are inspired by the coat of the zebra, the national animal.

Botswana is a destination of myriad beauties, rich cultures, beautiful scenery, and most importantly a peaceful and stable country.