Snapshot of Botswana

Location:

Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It is bordered on the west and north by Namibia. It is bordered on the east by Zimbabwe. South Africa is situated on the southern border of Botswana.

Land Area:

Botswana covers approximately 224,710 square miles, about the size of Texas.

Terrain:

Botswana’s landscape is composed of deserts and savannas.

Climate:

The climate of Botswana is mostly sub-tropical.

Population:

Though the land area of Botswana is quite large, the population is relatively small. Only 1.5 million people live in Botswana. The largest two ethnic groups in Botswana are Tswana (55%-60% of the country) and Kalanga (25%-30%).

Language:

The official language of Botswana is English. However, the languages of Setswana and Ikalanga are also spoken.

Religion:

60% of the population of Botswana is Christian, while 40% practice indigenous faiths.

Major Cities:

Gaborone is Botswana’s capital and its largest city with a population of about 175,000. No other cities in Botswana have a population greater than 100,000.

Government:

Botswana has a multi-party parliamentary democracy, which has its roots in the village councils of it’s tribal culture. Botswana achieved independence from Britain in 1965. National elections occur at least once every five years. The president of Botswana is Sir Ketumile Masire.

Economy:

Botswana has had very strong economic growth since the mid-1970's. The stability of Botswana’s democracy has encouraged international investment, and allowed Botswana to benefit from its most valuable natural resource: diamonds. Botswana is an active member of numerous regional and international economic organizations. A modern telecommunications and transportation infrastructure has allowed Botswana to link its people to one another.

Flag:

The flag of Botswana contains a blue field with a horizontal, white-edged black band in the center.