Botswana is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. The capital and largest city is Gaborone. The official languages are English and Setswana. With a population of over 2 million people, Botswana is one of the least populous countries in Africa.

Botswana's economy is based on diamonds and mining, which accounts for a significant portion of the country's GDP and exports. The country is also a major producer of beef and has a growing tourism industry due to its wildlife reserves and natural beauty. Botswana has made significant progress in reducing poverty and improving education and health outcomes, and is considered a middle-income country.

Botswana is a parliamentary republic, with a President serving as the head of state and government. The country is divided into 10 districts, each headed by a district commissioner. Botswana is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community, among other international organizations.

Botswana has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a center of the San and Tswana peoples. The country has a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Maitisong Festival, which is a celebration of music, dance, and theater. Botswana is also home to many wildlife reserves, including the Okavango Delta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Despite its many strengths, Botswana faces challenges such as high rates of HIV/AIDS and income inequality. The country has taken steps to address these issues, including implementing comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs, and investing in education and job creation. Botswana has also been working to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on diamonds, with a focus on developing its tourism industry and other sectors.

National holiday
Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)

Telephone Code
267

Local Emergency Phone
997911

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Currency (Code)
Botswana pulas (BWP)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G

Major Languages
Setswana, Sekalanga, Shekgalagadi, English, Zezuru/Shona, Sesarwa, Sembukushu, Ndebele

Major Religions
Christian 79.1%, Badimo 4.1%, other 1.4%, none 15.2%, unspecified 0.3%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Chobe National Park; Okavango Delta; Tsodilo Hills; Nxai Pan National Park; Tuli Block; Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Major Sports
Soccer, boxing, softball, cricket, rugby

Cultural Practices
Handshakes, in Botswana, are more intricate than in western countries and involve the left hand placed under the right elbow.

Tipping Guidelines
Tip $1-2 (USD) per bag for porters to bring luggage to your room. A $1-2 (USD) tip for hotel staff is also common. A $10 (USD) per day tip is average for guides.

Souvenirs
Woven baskets, native dolls, leather and textile items, wood carvings, jewelry and ostrich shell items

Traditional Cuisine
Seswaa (or loswao) — beef or goat meat boiled with salt until tender and sometimes pounded; often served with maize meal, ground corn, or sorghum

Geography
Area
total: 581,730 sq km
land: 566,730 sq km
water: 15,000 sq km

Climate
semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Natural resources
diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver

People and Society
Population
2,417,596 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and people of European ancestry 7%

Languages
Setswana 77.3%, Sekalanga 7.4%, Shekgalagadi 3.4%, English (official) 2.8%, Zezuru/Shona 2%, Sesarwa 1.7%, Sembukushu 1.6%, Ndebele 1%, other 2.8% (2011 est.)

Religions
Christian 79.1%, Badimo 4.1%, other 1.4% (includes Baha'i, Hindu, Muslim, Rastafarian), none 15.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.)

Population growth rate
1.37% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Gaborone

Economy
Economic overview
good economic governance and financial management; diamond-driven growth model declining; rapid poverty reductions; high unemployment, particularly among youth; COVID-19 sharply contracted the economy and recovery is slow; public sector wages have posed fiscal challenges

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$38.415 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$14,800 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, roots/tubers, vegetables, sorghum, beef, game meat, watermelons, cabbages, goat milk, onions

Industries
diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver; beef processing; textiles

Exports
$7.931 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
India 21%, Belgium 19%, United Arab Emirates 19%, South Africa 9%, Israel 7%, Hong Kong 6%, Singapore 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
diamonds, insulated wiring, gold, beef, carbonates (2019)

Imports
$9.277 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
South Africa 58%, Namibia 9%, Canada 7% (2019)

Imports - commodities
diamonds, refined petroleum, cars, delivery trucks, electricity (2019)