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The first known inhabitants of present day Botswana were nomadic foragers, Khoe &
San speakers, who lived, passed through and hunted here in small, egalitarian families for millennia prior to the arrival of the Tswana and Bantu people.
Prior to being organized as a British protectorate in 1885, Botswana (though not yet a nation) operated in a multicultural coexistence in which small scale trade between tribes flourished.
Population pressures and colonial rivalries prompted the formation of Bechuanaland which remained a poor and peripheral land until it achieved independence in 1966.
Today this pro-western country is one of the most progressive and successful on the African continent, with dramatically improved overall health care and educational systems.
Most of the country's population base congregates in the eastern savanna grasslands, along its borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Botswana's economy is given a serious boost by being the world's third-largest producer of diamonds, and a large exporter of beef to Europe. In addition, it has a solid level of tourism, highlighted by a series of national parks, including the Chobe NP, and the Okavango Delta wildlife areas in the north.
Weaknesses include a continuing high birthrate and the insidious spread of AIDS.
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- Official Name Republic of Botswana
- Population 1,600,000
- Capital City Gaborone (178,000)
- Currency Pula (BWP)
- Currency Converter
- Languages Setswana 78%, Kalanga 8%, and others
- National Day September 30
- Religions Christian (75%), Badimo, and others
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Located south of the Equator and disected by the Tropic of Capricorn, Botswana is in both the eastern and southern hemispheres. This landlocked country is positioned in southern Africa, and bordered by the countries of Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
- Coastline 0 (landlocked)
- Land Area 569,582 sq km (219,916 sq mi)
- Highest Point Tsodilo Hills - 4,885 ft. (1,489 m)
- Lowest Point At the junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers - 513 m (1,683 ft)
- Land Divisions 9 districts and 5 town councils; districts include: Central, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, Souther; town councils include: Francistown, Gaborone, Jwaneng, Lobatse, and Selebi-Pikwe
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The flat southern African plateau covers much of the country, with an average elevation of 3,300 ft. The Kalahari Desert blankets the southwest.
To the north, the
Okavango Delta provides a thriving oasis, while numerous salt lakes and pans attract an array of migrant waterfowl, including
Flamingos.
Additional landforms include savanna grasslands in the east, and a dry scrub along the western border with Namibia.
Significant rivers include the Limpopo, Okavango and Shashe. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 24º 45' S, 25º 55' E
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Known worldwide for its outstanding
game preserves, national parks, and incredible varieties of wildlife.
Botswana (must sees) include the Makgadikgadi (Salt) Pans,
Mokolodi Nature Reserve, the Okavango Delta, and the Tsodilo Hills
area.
Highly recommended is
Living With Elephants, where visitors accompany the herd on daily foraging treks.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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Winters are comfortable, with cool nights and some frost in the desert. Daytime highs in the low 40s are commonplace.
Summers are hot and dry with daytime highs in the upper 80s; often much higher in the desert.
The summer rainy season runs (November - March), and 20 inches of total accumulation is the norm. Rainfall in the Kalahari Desert is very light and significant rain during other times of the year is rare.
Note that Botswana seasons are just the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere; Spring (Sept - Oct), Summer (late Oct - mid-Mar), Fall (late Mar - Apr) and Winter (May-Aug.)
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Wildlife in Botswana......
Baobab trees in Botswana......
Bushmen huts in Botswana......
Moonrise behind a baobab tree...... |
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