Botswana is one of South Africa’s neighboring countries. I’ve never visited this country, but I would love to one day. Botswana is also bordered by Zimbabwe, Zambia (at a single point) and Namibia.
Here are 19 Interesting Facts you might not know about Botswana
1. Botswana gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 and was formerly known as Bechuanaland.
2. Gaborone is the capital city of the country and was founded in 1964. Today the city has a population of about 208,000.
3. 70% of the country’s land is covered by the Kalahari desert.
4. The former seat of government for Bechuanaland was Mafikeng (now known as Mahikeng). Today the town is in the North West Province of South Africa.
5. The country has a population of roughly 2.65 million people (according to 2023 estimates).
6. The country’s monetary unit is the Pula. The currency was implemented in 1976 (replacing the South African Rand) and is one of the strongest currencies in Africa.
7. The Pula means “rain.” The Pula (Botswana’s currency) is named after the Setswana word for “rain,” reflecting how precious water is in a country dominated by the Kalahari. “Pula” is also a national motto meaning blessings and good fortune, making the currency a small, daily reminder of the country’s values and environment.
8. The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta. Each year approximately 11 cubic kilometers of water irrigate the 15,000 square kilometer area. The delta is formed where the Okavango River empties onto a swamp in an endorheic basin in the Kalahari Desert.
9. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve was established in 1961 and covers an area of 52,800 square kilometers (making it the second largest game reserve in the world).
10. The highest point in the country is in the Tsodilo Hills (1,489 meters).
11. Botswana has the largest population of African elephants per square kilometer. The majority of these elephants live in Chobe National Park.
12. Chobe National Park has the greatest concentration of wildlife on the entire continent of Africa, including the national animal of Botswana, the Burchell’s zebra.
13. The country is the world’s second-largest producer of diamonds by value and the largest producer of ethical diamonds.
14. The country is home to the world’s oldest tribe, the San, who have inhabited the region for over 22,000 years.
15. The Kasungula border crossing between Botswana and Zambia is the only international quadripoint in the world, where four countries (Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) meet.
16. 38% of Botswana’s land area is dedicated to national parks and wildlife reserves, making it a prime destination for wildlife conservation.
17. The country ranks as one of the least corrupt countries in Africa, reflecting its stable governance and political integrity
18. Upon independence in 1966, Botswana adopted the new name meaning “land of the Tswana.” More than five decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created an enduring democracy and upper-middle-income economy – one of Africa’s most remarkable development stories.
19. Duma Boko is the current president of Botswana, having been sworn in on 1 November 2024 as the country’s 6th president. His election ended nearly six decades of uninterrupted rule by the Botswana Democratic Party.
Well, there you have it, 19 facts you might not have known about Botswana. If I left something important out, feel free to comment below.
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