Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia. It is renowned for the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once one of the poorest nations at independence, Botswana transformed into one of Africa's most stable and prosperous countries largely through its diamond industry.
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Southern Africa
- Area
- 582,000 km²
- Coordinates
- 22° S, 24° E
Country facts
- Botswana gained independence from Britain on September 30, 1966, with Seretse Khama as its first president.
- The country is home to the Kalahari Desert, which covers roughly 70 percent of its land area.
- Setswana and English are both official languages widely spoken across the country.
- Botswana has one of the world's highest rates of elephant population, with tens of thousands roaming its national parks.
- The national animal is the zebra, which also appears on the country's coat of arms.
Capital facts
- Gaborone was purpose-built as the capital city, constructed just before independence in 1966.
- The city is named after Chief Gaborone of the Tlokwa people, who settled in the area in the late 19th century.
- The Gaborone Game Reserve, located within the city, allows residents to see wildlife close to an urban center.
- The National Museum and Art Gallery in Gaborone showcases Botswana's cultural heritage and natural history.
- Gaborone is home to the University of Botswana, the country's largest institution of higher learning.