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Botswana
Africa
Famous for its wildlife and diamond industry, Botswana is one of Africa's most stable democracies with a strong tourism sector.
2,700,000
Population
581,730
Area (km²)
Gaborone
Capital
21
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
21 Events
September 13, 2025 - At the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Botswana athletes shine: Collen Kebinatshipi wins gold in the men's 400m (43.53 seconds), Bayapo Ndori takes bronze in the same event, and the men's 4x400m relay team claims gold, prompting President Boko to declare a national public holiday on September 22 to celebrate.
August 25, 2025 - President Boko declares a nationwide public health emergency over severe shortages of medicines and hospital supplies, linked to budget cuts and reduced U.S. aid.
July 04, 2025 - Due to financial constraints, the government scraps the Top Achievers scholarship program for high school students pursuing overseas studies.
May 28, 2025 - Global Venture Partners (GVP) establishes its African headquarters in Botswana in partnership with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, aiming to attract tech investments.
February 25, 2025 - The government signs a new 10-year agreement with De Beers, increasing Botswana's share of rough diamond sales to 30% in their Debswana joint venture.
February 24, 2025 - Nationwide floods, exacerbated by extreme rainfall and urbanization, kill at least nine people, primarily in Gaborone.
November 02, 2024 - UDC leader Duma Boko is sworn in as Botswana's fifth president.
November 01, 2024 - Early election results confirm the BDP's loss, marking a peaceful transition of power.
October 30, 2024 - General elections result in a historic defeat for the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) after 58 years in power; the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) secures a majority.
September 13, 2024 - Former President Ian Khama returns from exile to face a high-profile wildlife poaching trial.
August 22, 2024 - The world's second-largest diamond, weighing 2,492 carats, is discovered at the Jwaneng mine.
August 08, 2024 - Letsile Tebogo wins gold in the men's 200m at the Paris Olympics, securing Botswana's first Olympic gold medal.
June 12, 2024 - Chinese firm MMG announces a $700 million investment to double copper output at its Selebi-Phikwe mine, boosting the mining sector.
April 03, 2024 - President Masisi threatens to airlift 20,000 elephants to Germany amid a dispute over conservation policies and trophy hunting bans.
March 28, 2024 - A bus carrying Botswana citizens crashes in South Africa, killing at least 45 people.
December 31, 2023 - Economic growth slows to 3.8% amid declining diamond production and a weaker global environment; inflation trends downward, but unemployment remains high at 23.6% and extreme poverty at 13.5%.
September 01, 2023 - The Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of the Constitution presents its report to President Mokgweetsi Masisi, recommending reforms to enhance democratic processes.
July 08, 2023 - The Serowe West by-election occurs following the expulsion of opposition MP Tshekedi Khama from the National Assembly due to party disputes.
April 01, 2023 - Police use force against students at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources during a strike closure, beating those who refused to vacate premises.
January 09, 2023 - Lesego Motsumi, a prominent politician, passes away at age 59.
January 01, 2023 - Health authorities conduct a two-round supplementary polio vaccination campaign against circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), targeting children under five.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botswana
100 Questions
Botswana is in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
The capital is Gaborone.
Around 2.8 million people as of 2025 estimates.
English is the official language, and Setswana (Tswana) is the national language.
Semi-arid, with hot summers, mild winters, and seasonal rainfall.
The Botswana pula (BWP).
Light blue with a black stripe bordered by white in the center.
Gaborone, Francistown, Molepolole, Maun, and Serowe.
On September 30, 1966, from Britain.
The Bechuanaland Protectorate.
Sir Seretse Khama.
Mokgweetsi Masisi (as of 2025).
A parliamentary representative democracy.
It is considered one of the most stable democracies and least corrupt countries.
Christianity is the majority, with traditional beliefs also practiced.
Diamonds, copper, nickel, beef, and textiles.
They account for over 70% of export earnings.
Around $20 billion in 2025 estimates.
Around $7,000, one of the highest in Africa.
Around 88%, among the highest in Africa.
Around 69 years.
About 2.9 children per woman.
About 70%, mainly the Kalahari Desert.
A vast inland delta, UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in wildlife.
Large elephant populations and diverse wildlife.
Maize, sorghum, millet, beans, and beef.
A traditional dish made of pounded beef.
A porridge made from sorghum or maize.
Bojalwa (sorghum beer).
Football, athletics, and boxing.
Yes, in athletics, including Nijel Amos in 2012.
Machinery, fuel, foodstuffs, and vehicles.
Around 25–30%, higher among youth.
Stable, around 5–7%.
Air Botswana.
University of Botswana and Botswana International University of Science & Technology.
Public healthcare is free or subsidized; private hospitals also exist.
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria (in the north).
Around 20%, one of the highest globally, but improving with treatment.
Around 86%, slightly lower than men.
Many practice subsistence farming and cattle raising.
Over 70% of people live in urban areas.
Rondavels (circular huts with thatched roofs).
Shweshwe fabric outfits, with western styles common in cities.
Traditional drumming, gospel, kwaito, and Afro-pop.
Setapa, borankana, and tsutsube.
“Pula” meaning rain, a symbol of blessing and prosperity.
Cattle are a symbol of wealth and important in the economy.
Dominated by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) since independence.
The unicameral parliament of the country.
Active member of the Southern African Development Community.
It supports democracy, mediation, and regional development.
It is a member contributing to peacekeeping missions.
Okavango, Chobe, Makgadikgadi Pans, and Central Kalahari.
Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and zebras.
Over 500 species, including flamingos and fish eagles.
One of the world’s largest salt flats, in northeastern Botswana.
One of the largest protected areas in Africa.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient rock art.
A major source of income, focused on eco-tourism.
Overreliance on diamonds.
Promoting agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
It dominates the economy, especially diamonds.
A joint diamond mining company owned by the government and De Beers.
Partnership in health programs, especially HIV/AIDS.
It is Botswana’s main trading partner.
Investments in infrastructure and trade.
Generally stable, controlled by sound financial policies.
Low compared to other African countries.
Small, mostly in South Africa, UK, and U.S.
Over 95%, one of Africa’s best rates.
Lower than youth, especially in rural areas.
Around $7,000 annually.
One of the lowest in the world, about 4 people per km².
Declining, but still above replacement level.
A mix of Tswana traditions and colonial influences.
Indigenous hunter-gatherers of the Kalahari Desert.
Marginalization and loss of traditional lands.
High, as English is the language of education and government.
Lower than in rural areas.
University of Botswana, BIUST, and Botho University.
Increasingly active in politics, business, and education.
Around 89%.
Around 86%.
Roads are good, with limited rail links and air services.
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone.
Botswana Railways, connecting to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Balancing democracy with economic diversification.
Advisory roles in cultural and community matters.
Coal and imported electricity.
High potential in solar energy.
Low and stable.
Major source of livelihood and exports.
The zebra.
The Kalahari Devil’s Claw.
The Kori bustard.
“Pula” – meaning rain, life, and blessing.
HIV/AIDS, unemployment, economic diversification, and inequality.
Stable democracy, with opportunities in tourism and renewable energy.
It is a model of democracy, economic stability, and conservation success.