Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. Its capital and largest city is Gaborone. Botswana covers 581,730 square kilometres and recorded a population of 2,359,609 in its 2022 census.[1][2]
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana became independent on 30 September 1966, with Seretse Khama becoming its first president.[3] The country subsequently experienced major economic growth associated particularly with diamond mining. Large diamond deposits were identified soon after independence, and the government developed the industry through a long-running partnership with De Beers, including the jointly owned Debswana mining company.[4][5]
Much of Botswana consists of relatively flat, dry terrain associated with the Kalahari basin, while the north contains the Okavango Delta, one of the world's major inland delta systems. The delta and the Tsodilo rock-art landscape are Botswana's two properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List.[6]
Botswana is a multiparty republic. The president is both head of state and head of government, and the country's institutions include the executive, legislature and judiciary.[1] Duma Boko became president in 2024 after the Umbrella for Democratic Change won a parliamentary majority, ending the Botswana Democratic Party's uninterrupted period in national government since independence.[7][8]
Name
The name Botswana is associated with the Tswana people. A citizen of the country is commonly called a Motswana, while the plural is Batswana. Setswana is the country's national language, while English is the official language used extensively in government and administration.[1]
The word pula, meaning "rain" in Setswana, has strong national significance in a country where much of the environment is dry. It is also the name of Botswana's currency, the pula. The pula is divided into 100 thebe.[1]
History
Early settlement and pre-colonial societies
Human occupation in the territory of present-day Botswana extends far into prehistory. The archaeological landscape at Tsodilo in northwestern Botswana preserves evidence of human activity extending over tens of thousands of years. More than 4,500 rock paintings have been recorded there, and UNESCO describes the area's archaeological sequence as documenting human activity and environmental change over at least 100,000 years.[9]
Over later centuries, communities speaking languages of the wider Bantu family became established across much of the region. Tswana-speaking polities developed systems of settlement, cattle ownership and political authority centred on chiefs and communities. Different Tswana kingdoms and other peoples occupied areas that later became part of modern Botswana.
Bechuanaland Protectorate
During the 19th century, regional political pressures increased as African states, Boer communities and British colonial interests competed for influence in southern Africa. Britain established the Bechuanaland Protectorate in 1885. The protectorate covered much of the territory that would later form Botswana, while neighbouring British Bechuanaland to the south was ultimately incorporated into the Cape Colony.
Unlike some surrounding territories, much of Bechuanaland remained under indirect colonial administration, with traditional institutions continuing to play significant local roles. Political organization expanded during the 20th century as movements seeking greater local representation and eventual independence emerged.
Independence
A new constitution was adopted as the protectorate moved toward self-government and independence. On 30 September 1966, Bechuanaland became the independent Republic of Botswana. Seretse Khama, who had served as prime minister immediately before independence, became the country's first president, while Quett Masire became vice-president.[3]
Botswana entered independence with limited infrastructure and a relatively small formal economy. The discovery of the Orapa diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe in 1967 soon changed the country's economic prospects. The De Beers Botswana Mining Company was established in 1968, and the partnership that developed into Debswana became equally owned by the government and De Beers. Orapa Mine was commissioned in 1971, while the Jwaneng deposit was discovered in 1972 and later developed into another major mine.[5]
Development after independence
Diamond revenue became central to Botswana's public finances and export economy. Revenue from mining helped support large expansions in roads, health services, education and other public infrastructure. Debswana describes its mining operations at Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa and Jwaneng as major contributors to Botswana's economic development.[10]
For most of the period following independence, national government was controlled by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Presidents after Seretse Khama included Quett Masire, Festus Mogae, Ian Khama and Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The 2024 general election produced the first transfer of national power to an opposition coalition since independence. The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by Duma Boko, secured a parliamentary majority, and Masisi conceded defeat. Boko subsequently became Botswana's sixth president.[8][7]
Geography
Botswana lies in the interior of Southern Africa and has no coastline. The government gives the country's area as 581,730 square kilometres.[1] Much of the landscape is relatively flat or gently undulating and lies on the southern African plateau. Large areas are covered by the sandy deposits of the Kalahari basin.
The country borders Namibia to the west and north, South Africa to the south and southeast, Zimbabwe to the northeast and Zambia in the north. The government describes Botswana as extending approximately from 18° to 27° south latitude and from 20° to 30° east longitude.[1]
The eastern part of the country contains a greater concentration of settlement, infrastructure and agricultural activity. Gaborone is situated in southeastern Botswana near the border with South Africa. Other important settlements include Francistown, Maun, Molepolole, Serowe, Kanye and Mahalapye.
Kalahari
The Kalahari dominates much of Botswana's physical landscape. Although often called a desert, extensive parts of it support grasslands, shrubland and savanna vegetation. The country's terrain averages roughly 1,000 metres in elevation in many areas, while soils are often sandy and surface drainage is limited across large portions of the interior.[11]
Prominent dryland features include the Makgadikgadi salt pans, remnants of an ancient lake system in northeastern Botswana, and the large protected landscapes of the central Kalahari.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in northwestern Botswana is an inland wetland formed where water from the Okavango River spreads across the Kalahari basin rather than reaching the sea. Seasonal floodwaters arrive during Botswana's dry season, creating a changing mosaic of channels, lagoons, marshes, floodplains, grasslands and islands.[12]
UNESCO inscribed the delta as a natural World Heritage Site in 2014. The listed property covers more than two million hectares and supports diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, African wild dogs, cheetahs and numerous bird species.[12]
Climate
Botswana has a predominantly semi-arid to arid climate. Summers are generally hot, while winter nights can become cold, particularly in dry and desert areas. Rainfall is highly variable and generally increases from the drier southwest toward northern and eastern parts of the country.[13]
Most rainfall occurs during the warmer part of the year. Drought is a recurring environmental concern, affecting agriculture, livestock and water supply. Conditions in the Okavango Delta differ from much of the country because the wetland's flood cycle is driven substantially by rainfall in the river's upstream catchment in Angola.[11]
Environment and wildlife
Botswana contains extensive savanna, dry woodland, grassland, wetland and desert ecosystems. Conservation areas form an important part of the country's land-use system and tourism economy.
The Okavango Delta supports particularly high biodiversity. UNESCO records more than 1,000 plant species, hundreds of bird species and numerous mammals in the World Heritage property and surrounding ecosystem.[12] Botswana also supports a very large population of African elephants, especially in northern areas around the Okavango and Chobe ecosystems.[12]
Among the country's major protected areas are Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Moremi Game Reserve, Nxai Pan National Park and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Wildlife-based tourism has become an important source of international visitors and income.
Botswana has two UNESCO World Heritage properties. Tsodilo, inscribed in 2001, is recognized for its archaeological record, rock art and continuing cultural importance. The Okavango Delta was inscribed in 2014 for its natural landscape, ecological processes and biodiversity.[6][9]
Government and politics
Botswana is a multiparty republic governed under a constitution dating from independence in 1966, with subsequent amendments. The president serves as head of state and leads the executive branch. The country's three principal branches of government are the executive, legislature and judiciary.[1]
The national legislature is the National Assembly. The president is selected through Botswana's constitutional electoral system in connection with elections to the National Assembly. National elections are ordinarily held every five years.[1]
As of September 2026, Duma Boko is president and Ndaba Gaolathe is vice-president and minister of finance. Dithapelo Keorapetse serves as speaker of the National Assembly.[7][14]
Botswana's legal framework combines statutory law influenced by Roman-Dutch and common-law traditions with customary law administered through traditional institutions in applicable matters.[1]
The 2024 election marked a major political transition. The UDC won 35 of the 61 directly elected parliamentary seats reported following the election, giving the coalition a majority and enabling Duma Boko to assume the presidency. The BDP, which had governed since 1966, moved out of national government after President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat.[8]
Administrative divisions
Botswana is divided for administrative and statistical purposes into districts and other local-government areas. Population is concentrated unevenly, with much of the western and central Kalahari being sparsely settled.
The 2022 census recorded 246,327 residents in Gaborone. Kweneng East was the most populous census district listed by Statistics Botswana, with 330,220 residents, while several desert and delta districts had much smaller populations.[15]
Economy
Botswana developed from a low-income economy at independence into an upper-middle-income country, with diamond mining playing a central role in this transformation. The industry remains important to exports, government revenue and foreign-exchange earnings, although successive governments have pursued diversification into services, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and other industries.[16]
The World Bank reported a population of about 2.56 million and gross domestic product of about US$19.93 billion for 2025, with GDP per capita of approximately US$7,778.[17]
Diamonds and mining
Diamonds are the country's most important mineral industry. The Orapa deposit was discovered in 1967, shortly after independence, and the Jwaneng kimberlite deposit was discovered in 1972.[4]
Debswana is jointly owned by the Government of Botswana and De Beers. Its operations include Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa and Jwaneng, and the company is one of Botswana's largest private-sector employers.[10]
Botswana has also sought to capture more of the diamond value chain through sorting, valuation, sales and processing activities. De Beers moved its Global Sightholder Sales operation from London to Botswana, with its first major sight in the country taking place in 2013.[4][5]
Dependence on diamonds also creates economic vulnerability when global demand weakens. The International Monetary Fund reported that economic activity contracted in 2024 amid a substantial decline in diamond-sector output and remained under pressure during 2025. The IMF has emphasized economic diversification, fiscal reform and stronger non-mineral growth as important long-term priorities.[18]
Agriculture and livestock
Agriculture represents a relatively small share of national economic output but remains important for rural livelihoods. Cattle raising has long held economic and cultural significance, while crop farming is restricted by low and unreliable rainfall in much of the country.
Common agricultural challenges include drought, limited water availability, variable soils and the risks associated with climate conditions.
Tourism
Tourism is concentrated heavily around Botswana's wildlife and protected landscapes. The Okavango Delta, Chobe region, Kalahari reserves and Makgadikgadi area are among the country's best-known destinations.
The sector includes photographic safaris, wildlife viewing, cultural tourism and wilderness travel. Botswana has often developed low-density nature tourism in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly within the Okavango Delta, where tourism facilities are regulated to limit environmental impacts.[12]
Currency and finance
Botswana's currency is the pula, identified by the international currency code BWP and divided into 100 thebe.[1] The country's central bank is the Bank of Botswana.
Demographics
The 2022 Population and Housing Census recorded 2,359,609 residents, including 1,150,608 males and 1,209,001 females.[19] The previous census was conducted in 2011.
Statistics Botswana reported that the population grew by about 15.9 percent between the 2011 and 2022 censuses and estimated an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.4 percent over the intercensal period.[15]
Settlement is concentrated in the east and southeast and around larger towns and transport routes, while much of the Kalahari interior has a very low population density.
Ethnic groups and languages
The Tswana form the largest cultural and linguistic grouping, but Botswana is home to a variety of communities, including Kalanga, Basarwa or San communities, Herero, Mbukushu, Yeyi and others.
Setswana is the national language and is widely spoken. English is the official language and is used in national administration, law and much formal education. Other indigenous languages are spoken in different regions of the country.[1]
Religion
Christianity is the largest religious tradition in Botswana, alongside indigenous beliefs and smaller communities following other religions. Religious practice may combine Christian traditions with local cultural customs and family practices.
Health
Botswana operates a public health system extending from local health posts and clinics through primary and district hospitals to referral hospitals. The government describes the public system as having five levels of health facilities.[1]
The country has faced a major public-health burden from HIV/AIDS. Botswana developed large-scale HIV prevention and treatment programs, including broad access to antiretroviral therapy. Life expectancy, which was heavily affected by the epidemic during earlier decades, subsequently recovered substantially; World Bank data placed life expectancy at birth at about 69 years in 2024.[17]
Education
Botswana expanded formal education considerably after independence as public revenue and infrastructure increased. The education system includes primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary institutions.
The principal public university is the University of Botswana in Gaborone. Other tertiary institutions include specialized universities, colleges and technical institutions. Botswana participates in international education reporting through organizations including the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.[20]
Transport and infrastructure
Botswana's major population centres are connected through a national road network that links the country with South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The country's landlocked position makes regional transport links important for trade.
Rail transport historically developed along the eastern corridor, where many of Botswana's largest settlements are located. Air transport is centred on airports including Sir Seretse Khama International Airport at Gaborone, with regional airports also serving tourism areas such as Maun and Kasane.
Culture
Botswana's culture reflects Tswana traditions as well as the histories of the country's other ethnic and linguistic communities. Cattle have long held social and economic importance, while traditional community institutions, music, dance, crafts and oral storytelling remain significant forms of cultural expression.
Traditional public meeting places known as the kgotla have historically served as venues for community discussion, dispute resolution and consultation. Customary institutions continue to exist alongside the country's modern constitutional and administrative system.
Botswana's heritage also includes ancient archaeological landscapes. Tsodilo contains thousands of rock paintings and evidence of a long history of human settlement and cultural activity, making it one of the country's most important heritage sites.[9]
Media and communications
Botswana has print, radio, television and digital media. Internet use has expanded with mobile telecommunications and broadband services. World Bank data reported that about 57 percent of the population used the internet in 2024.[17]
The country's internet domain is .bw, while the international telephone country calling code is +267.
International relations
Botswana became a member of the United Nations shortly after independence, joining on 17 October 1966.[21]
The country participates in regional and international organizations including the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and the Commonwealth of Nations. Its geographic position gives it close economic and transport connections with neighbouring Southern African states.
Botswana also participates with Angola and Namibia in cooperation over the shared Okavango river system. Management of water resources upstream is particularly important because the ecological condition of the Okavango Delta depends on flows originating outside Botswana.[12]
World Heritage Sites
Botswana has two properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.[6]
- Tsodilo was inscribed in 2001 as a cultural property. The site contains more than 4,500 rock paintings and archaeological evidence documenting a very long period of human occupation.[9]
- Okavango Delta was inscribed in 2014 as a natural property. It is recognized for its inland delta landscape, ecological processes and biodiversity.[12]
See also
- Gaborone
- History of Botswana
- Geography of Botswana
- Economy of Botswana
- Culture of Botswana
- Okavango Delta
- Tsodilo
- Southern Africa
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 About Our Country. Government of Botswana. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 2022 Population Census = 2,359,609. Statistics Botswana. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 History of Parliament. Parliament of Botswana. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Our History & Heritage Since 1888. De Beers Group. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Our History. Debswana. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Botswana. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Leadership. Government of Botswana. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Botswana voters kick out ruling party of nearly six decades. Reuters. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Tsodilo. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 About Us. Debswana. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Source book for the inland fishery resources of Africa Vol. 1 – Botswana. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 Okavango Delta. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ Tropical forest resources assessment project – Botswana. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ Members of Parliament. Parliament of Botswana. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Statistics Botswana Annual Report 2022/23. Statistics Botswana. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ Addressing Growth Bottlenecks in Botswana. International Monetary Fund. 30 December 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Botswana – Data. World Bank. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Botswana. International Monetary Fund. 26 September 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ Demography. Statistics Botswana. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ SDG 4 Country Profiles. UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
- ↑ World Statistics Pocketbook 2024 – Botswana. United Nations Statistics Division. Retrieved 26 September 2026.