Country Info

Botswana is large but arid and empty. It’s low population density and rich mineral wealth has ensured that it’s people are amongst the best off in
Africa. Tourism plays a major role in this with Moremi, Chobe and The Okavango Delta comprising the highlights.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Area: 581,730sq km (21st in Africa)
Capital: Gaborone
Largest towns: Gaborone, Francistown, Selibi-Phikwe, Lobatse
Population: 1,640,000
Official language: English, Setswana
Currency: Pula
Head of state: President Festus Mogae
Life expectancy:Life expectancy should be at 72 years, but the huge number of AIDS cases has cut life expectancy to 39 years.
G.N.I. US$ 2800-00 per person annually.
Literacy: 80%

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Okavango Delta. Kalahari Desert. Moremi Game Reserve. Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Beef, Diamonds, Maize.

MAJOR CULTURES

European, Tswana.

RELIGIONS

Christian, ZCC.

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

Landlocked. The country is divided into 2 topographical regions divided by a plateau which is about 4000ft high Consists mainly of a flat, practically uninhabitable semi- desert – Kalahari. Vast inland delta – Okavango delta. Summer rains. Summer November to March.

HISTORY

Went under British protection in 1885.
Seretse Khama and Quett Masire started the Bechuanaland Democratic Party in 1962.
First general elections in 1965.
1965 Seretse Khama elected president.
1966 Gained independence.
Khama knighted with independence.
1967 diamonds discovered near Orapa.
1980 Sir Seretse Khama died, succeeded by Dr. Quett Masire – Botswana
Democratic Party still in power.

CRIME AND SAFETY

Low crime, especially against tourism.
The BDF are very good.

MONEY

Strong currency. Easy changeable. Difficult to get money out on credit cards from banks and ATM’s.

POST AND TELEPHONE

Fairly good postal system in major towns. Good phone system.

INTERESTING FACTS

Of the 7 major diamond pipes in the world, 3 are found in Botswana. The second largest diamond mine in the world is found at Orapa in Botswana. The first school in Botswana was founded in 1815 by Robert Moffat.
When the “buffalo” fence was erected in 1966 approx 300 000 wildebeest died while trying to move from South to North to try and get water. Lake Ngami was discovered in 1849 by David Livingstone