Botswana flag

Botswana

History

Tswana chiefdoms consolidated across the Kalahari margins.
Britain declared the Bechuanaland Protectorate at the chiefs' request.
Independence came on 30 September, with Seretse Khama as first president.
Diamonds were found at Orapa, transforming the economy.
Sustained growth made Botswana one of Africa's stronger middle-income economies.
Africa thumbnailPart ofAfricaMore countries, cities and routes.
CapitalGaborone
Population2.4M
Area582k km2
CurrencyBotswana pula

Short facts

RegionSouthern Africa
LanguageEnglish, Tswana
Time zoneCAT (UTC+2)
Drives onLeft

Worth seeing

  • Okavango Delta: An inland delta that floods the Kalahari each year, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Chobe National Park: Known for one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.
  • Makgadikgadi Pans: Vast salt flats, remnants of a prehistoric lake, east of Maun.

Find a city in Botswana

Showing all cities

Gaborone thumbnailGaboroneCity

Planning questions

What is Botswana known for?Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans.
What is the capital?Gaborone.
Which language is useful?English, Tswana.
When is the national day?30 September.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.

Upcoming events

Use Gaborone as the first planning anchor for Botswana, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Street food thumbnailStreet foodSignature dishCoffee thumbnailCoffeeLocal drink

Known for

Okavango DeltaChobe National ParkMakgadikgadi PansGaboroneStreet foodCoffee
Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailMusic & CultureFestivals, concerts and cultural calendars.Africa thumbnailAfrican outdoorsParks, coasts, desert routes and seasonal nature calendars.