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Botswana

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description Botswana Overview

Botswana is a landlocked republic in Southern Africa bordering South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, with Gaborone as its capital. Administered as the British protectorate of Bechuanaland until independence in 1966, it has since maintained a multiparty democracy and built one of Africa's more prosperous economies on diamond mining. The Kalahari Desert covers much of its territory, and the Okavango Delta, a vast inland river delta and UNESCO World Heritage site, supports large populations of elephants and other wildlife that underpin a significant safari industry.

help Botswana FAQ

Where are the best safaris in Botswana?

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site best explored by mokoro canoe, and Chobe National Park, famous for some of Africa's largest elephant herds, are the headline destinations. Moremi Game Reserve within the delta is another favourite for predator sightings.

When did Botswana gain independence, and from whom?

Botswana became independent from Britain on 30 September 1966, having previously been administered as the protectorate of Bechuanaland. Seretse Khama, who had been exiled over his marriage to Ruth Williams, became its first president.

What currency does Botswana use?

The currency is the Botswana pula, whose name literally means 'rain' — a fitting choice in a dry country. The subunit is called the thebe, and cards are widely accepted in cities like Gaborone.

Why is Botswana wealthier than many neighbouring countries?

Diamonds are the key: after the discovery of the Orapa pipe in the 1960s, Botswana channelled revenues through Debswana, its joint venture with De Beers dating from 1969. At independence it was among the world's poorest countries, and it has since risen to upper-middle-income status.