About BW
Official Name
The official name of the country is the Republic of Botswana.
Location
Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia to the west and north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, and South Africa to the south and southeast.
Capital
The capital city of Botswana is Gaborone, located in the southeastern part of the country.
Population
Botswana has a population of approximately 2.4 million people, making it one of the least densely populated countries in the world.
Languages
The official language of Botswana is English. However, Setswana is the national language and is widely spoken across the country.
Ethnic Diversity
Botswana is home to various ethnic groups, with the Tswana people being the largest ethnic group. Other ethnic groups include the Kalanga, Basarwa (San), and Bayei.
Geography
Botswana is characterized by a mostly flat landscape, with the Kalahari Desert covering much of the country's territory. The Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas, is located in the northwest of Botswana and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Economy
Botswana has a relatively stable and growing economy, largely driven by diamond mining, tourism, and agriculture. The country has one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa, largely due to its diamond reserves.
Currency
The currency of Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP).
Government
Botswana is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party political system. The President of Botswana is both the head of state and the head of government, and the country's Parliament consists of the National Assembly and the House of Chiefs.
Wildlife
Botswana is renowned for its wildlife and is home to diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses. The country has several national parks and game reserves, such as Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, which attract tourists from around the world.
National Items of Botswana
Zebra
The Zebra (Equus quagga) is the national animal of Botswana. It symbolizes the natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and the country's commitment to wildlife conservation. The zebra's black and white stripes also reflect Botswana's racial harmony.
Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert is a significant geographical feature in Botswana. It represents the country's unique landscapes, natural beauty, and the resilience of its people and wildlife.
Mopane Tree
The Mopane Tree (Colophospermum mopane) is important in Botswana for its ecological and economic value. It symbolizes the country's rich biodiversity and the importance of natural resources.
Botswana Basket
Traditional Botswana baskets, known for their intricate designs and craftsmanship, symbolize the country's rich artisanal heritage and cultural identity.
Tswana Cattle
Tswana cattle are an important part of Botswana's agricultural heritage. They symbolize wealth, sustenance, and the traditional livelihood of the people.
Diamonds
Botswana is one of the world's largest producers of diamonds. Diamonds symbolize the country's economic prosperity, natural resources, and global trade significance.
Pula
Pula, which means "rain" in Setswana, is a significant word in Botswana. It symbolizes life, prosperity, and the preciousness of water in the country's semi-arid climate. Pula is also the name of the country's currency.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are one of the largest salt flats in the world. They represent Botswana's unique geological features and natural beauty.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant natural landmark in Botswana. It symbolizes the country's rich biodiversity, natural beauty, and commitment to conservation.
Botswana Traditional Dress
Traditional Tswana attire, including the 'leteisi' (print fabric) and 'dikhiba' (traditional wrap), symbolizes the cultural heritage, identity, and traditional fashion of the Botswana people.
Bogobe
Bogobe, a traditional porridge made from sorghum or millet, symbolizes the rich culinary heritage and agricultural traditions of Botswana.
Elephant
The African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) is abundant in Botswana and symbolizes the country's rich wildlife heritage and conservation efforts.
Giraffe
The Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) symbolizes the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of Botswana.
Motswana Hut
Traditional Motswana huts, often round with thatched roofs, symbolize the architectural heritage, cultural traditions, and rural lifestyle of the Botswana people.
San Rock Art
San Rock Art, created by the indigenous San people, represents the rich historical and cultural heritage of Botswana.
The national anthem of Botswana is called "Fatshe leno la rona" in Setswana. Here are the lyrics in Setswana and their English translation:
Fatshe leno la rona,
La bo rata go bua;
Bo ntate le bo moratwa,
Ba tsaya kwa go kgotso;
Lefatshe leno la rona,
La bokamoso ke ya;
Kgabo re bua ka wena,
Re go rata go sa itse.
This land of ours,
Is a land we love;
Where our fathers dwelled,
They lived in peace;
This land of ours,
Is our future;
We speak of you,
Because we love you, although we don't know you.
