Where is Botswana?

Botswana, the ‘land of the Tswana people’, is a country in southern Africa, landlocked between Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, with two-thirds of its territory covered by the Kalahari Desert.

Under British protectorate until 1966, the former Bechuanaland now has a prosperous economy and derives its wealth from diamond, copper and nickel mining, cattle farming and tourism.

The country is known for its good governance and stable, relatively corruption-free administration. Ninety percent of the population speaks Setswana, with some regional variations, but English remains the official language.

What is the capital of Botswana?

The capital of Botswana is Gaborone. However, you will hear more often about Maun, the country’s tourist capital, where most safaris depart from, or Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River.

Pula!

‘Let the rain fall’ is the country’s motto. The coat of arms of Botswana bears various symbols:

  • The three wavy blue bands in the centre represent Botswana’s dependence on water.
  • The three cogwheels represent industry.
  • The bull’s head symbolises the livestock industry.
  • The two zebras, one of which is leaning on an elephant’s tusk, represent the country’s natural wildlife.
  • The sorghum represents agriculture.

Discover Botswana with pictures

Okavango Delta
Traditional village in the Okavango Delta
The Kalahari Desert covers 85% of the territory.
Street food in Gaborone
Botswana is a republic based on a strong democracy. The country has been led by Duma Boko since 2024.ana est une république reposant sur une démocratie solide. Le pays est dirigé par Duma Boko depuis 2024.
The people of Botswana borrowed Shweshwe fabrics from South Africa and use them for their clothing, particularly for weddings.
Botswana's water surface area is 2.6%, making the country particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Botswana is home to seven national parks.
Maun is the tourist capital of Botswana.
Traditional dance in Botswana
Botswana has the largest elephant population on the continent, with more than 130,000 animals recorded.
Gaborone is the capital of Botswana.

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