ABOUT BOTSWANA
WHERE IS BOTSWANA?
Botswana is located in the center of Southern Africa. It is surrounded on the northeast by Zambia, on the south by South Africa, on the west by Namibia, and the northwest by Angola.
POPULATION
The population of Botswana in 2022 was 2,346,279.
It is the least populated country in the world related to its size.
The average age of its citizens is 24 years.
GEOGRAPHY
Botswana is about the size of France and a little smaller than Texas.
The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world.
The Kalahari Desert, a semi-arid and sandy savanna, covers about 70% of Botswana.
WILDLIFE
The Kalahari Desert is home to a large variety of animals including the large Kalahari Lion.
The most dense population of elephants in the world is found in Botswana. 70% of all African elephants are in Botswana.
The national animal is the zebra.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Botswana is English and beginning in second grade, children are taught English in schools.
Setswana is the language most widely spoken.
There are 18 tribal languages.
Most people speak three languages: Setswana, English, and their tribal language.
The literacy rate is now close to 90%.
HISTORY
Botswana was a protectorate of England but never a colony.
It became independent in 1966 and at that time it was one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world.
Botswana now has a representative democratic government.
FUN FACTS
The flag of Botswana is blue, white, and black. The blue represents the sky and water. The black and white stripes stand for racial harmony.
Botswana is known for its amazing safari life and for its diamonds mined in the southern part of the country. Diamonds from Botswana are certified conflict free (no association with rebel or terror groups).
