Botswana

1885 – British protectorate established: The region known as the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland

1966 – Independence from the United Kingdom (Saturday, September 30, 1966): Botswana becomes a republic with Seretse Khama as its first president

1970s – Discovery of diamonds: Botswana becomes one of the world’s leading producers of diamonds

1997 – Death of President Seretse Khama (Monday, July 13, 1997): His son, Festus Mogae, succeeds him

2001 – Successful management of HIV/AIDS: Botswana becomes a global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS with widespread treatment programs

2016 – Mokgweetsi Masisi becomes President (Sunday, April 1, 2018), after the retirement of Ian Khama

2020 – COVID-19 pandemic: Botswana implements strict measures to control the virus, including a nationwide lockdown in March 2020

Continent: Africa (Southern Africa)
Location: Landlocked, bordered by Namibia to the west and north, Zambia to the north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, and South Africa to the south and southeast
Capital: Gaborone
Language: English (official), Setswana (national language)
Currency: Pula (BWP)
Population: ~2.6 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)

Borders: Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa
Landscape: Arid, with desert regions (Kalahari Desert), savannah, and salt pans
Major Rivers: Okavango, Zambezi (via the Chobe River)
Notable Features: Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans, Kalahari Desert

Ethnic Groups: Tswana (80%), Kalanga, Basarwa (San), other minorities
Religion: Christianity (approximately 71%), indigenous religions (27%), other (2%)
Urban Population: ~70% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Botswana has a relatively small population, with a significant portion living in urban areas, particularly around Gaborone, its capital

Famous For: Wildlife, the Okavango Delta, traditional dance, and art, diamond mining, and political stability
Cuisine: Seswaa (meat stew), pap (maize porridge), bogobe (millet porridge), traditional soups
Arts: Traditional music, beadwork, basket weaving
Sports: Football (soccer), rugby, athletics, cricket

Economy Type: Stable, upper-middle-income economy, dependent on mining (diamonds), agriculture, and services
GDP: Approx. $18.9 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Diamond mining, tourism, livestock, agriculture (maize, millet, sorghum), manufacturing
Key Exports: Diamonds, copper, nickel, beef, textiles
Unemployment Rate: ~18.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Mining is concentrated in the central and western parts of the country, while agriculture is important in the east

Government Type: Unitary parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Mokgweetsi Masisi (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: President Mokgweetsi Masisi (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (National Assembly)
Constitution: In effect since 1966, following independence

Okavango Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its wildlife and lush landscapes
Chobe National Park: Known for its large elephant population and biodiversity
Makgadikgadi Pans: One of the largest salt pans in the world, offering a stark, yet beautiful landscape
Gaborone: The capital city, known for its modern infrastructure and cultural landmarks
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1 (last updated: 2023)