Facts about Botswana
Botswana is an English-speaking southern African landlocked nation. The official name of Botswana is the Republic of Botswana. Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and the national currency of the country is Pula. Setswana and English are the official languages of Botswana. Similarly, the national anthem of the country is "Fatshe lene la Rona". Linyanti River is the principal river of Botswana. Kori Bustard is the national bird and Sengaparile is the national flower of the country. Furthermore, the national tree of Botswana is Morula. Zebra is the national animal and Football is the national sport of Botswana. With these interesting facts about Botswana, let’s learn more about the history, culture, religion, people, industries, tourism, tradition, and many more.
Quick Facts about Botswana
The official name of Botswana: The Republic of Botswana
Area: 5,81,730 km2
Population(2018): 2.3 million
Population density: 3.7 per kilometers Square
GDP (PPP)(2021): $43.389 Billion
GDP Per Capita (nominal): $7,817
Continent: Africa
Capital: Gaborone
Language: English, Tswana, and 20 other languages are also spoken
Official Languages: Setswana and English
Largest by area: 47th largest country
Religion: Christianity: 73% (Protestantism: 22.2%, Other Christian: 7%), No religion: 20%, Traditional faiths: 6% and Others-1%.
Government: Unitary dominant-party parliamentary republic with an executive presidency
Currency: Pula (BWP)
Calling Code: +267
Time Zone: UTC+2 (Central Africa Time)
24 Interesting Facts about Botswana
1. Bordered country of Botswana
Botswana is bordered by South Africans in the South, Namibia on the West, Zambia on the North, and Zimbabwe on the East. It is a landlocked country so the border of the country is not touched by any ocean.
2. Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert
Botswana is topographically flat with up to 70% of its territory is covered by the famous Kalahari desert. The Kalahari desert isn't actually a true desert, but a sandy semi-arid savanna rich in wildlife. Similarly, the Kalahari desert is one of the oldest deserts. It is said that the Kalahari desert is about 60 million years ago old. Furthermore, the desert was as old as the forming of the African continent.
3. The lowest population density in the world
Botswana has one of the lowest populations densities in the world with a population of 2.2 million people.
4. Population groups living in Botswana
There are many population groups living in Botswana who are Kalanga, Bambukushu, Basarwa (San people), Shona, Basubia, Baherero, Bakgalakgadi, Indians, and Europeans.
5. The Name of Botswana's currency means "Rain"
The Name of Botswana's currency means "rain". The Pula is the currency of Botswana. The word Pula literally means rain in the local Setswana language. Most of Botswana is desert so rainfall in this country is a rare event. Therefore, rain is highly valuable in-country and considered to be a blessing.
Furthermore, the currency of the country is also one of the powerful currencies in Africa.
This is one of the popular interesting facts about Botswana.
6. Home of African elephants
Botswana is home to the world's biggest concentration of African elephants. In Botswana, around 130 thousand elephants roam all over the country. Similarly, the main place for elephants in Chobe National park of Botswana. Furthermore, there are many parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries in Botswana for many endangered species.
7. Largest inland deltas in the world
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the largest inland deltas in the world. It lies in the Kalahari desert. The delta is in the middle of a Kalahari desert and gives life to many forms of life. The water of the Okavango river doesn't flow into the sea. 96% of its water just evaporates, either directly or through plants.
8. Largest diamond producer in the world
The Orapa mine in Botswana has the largest diamond mine on the earth. It is the world's biggest producer of diamonds in terms of quality. Around 40% of all government revenues are generated by the mining industry of diamond. Due to this, the country is among the most prosperous and steadily growing countries in Africa.
Botswana is the second biggest producer of diamonds in terms of volume and Russia is at the top.
This is one of the popular interesting facts about Botswana.
9. Strong democratic country
After its independence in 1966 from the British protectorate, the country maintained a strong democracy. Thus, Botswana hasn't had any political conflict and strife in recent history. Traditionally, the country is based on a culture of free speech where everyone has the right to speak their mind.
10. Largest salt flats in the world
The Makgadikgadi pan is one of the largest salt flats in the world the remnant of a former huge lake. It is located in the northeast of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and southeast of the Okavango Delta. Similarly, it covers an area of 30,000 square Km. The now dried-up lake used to cover an area larger than Switzerland, jamaica, and Isreal. Furthermore, this magnificent salt pan was listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010. Okavango Delta is a massive inland delta covered by Swampland vegetation and is inhabited by numerous mammals such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Okavango Delta is one of the seven natural wonders of Africa.
Additionally, several years ago during the wet season, the Makgadikgadi pan is a breeding area for flamingos they gather in thousands in numbers.
This is one of the popular interesting facts about Botswana.
11. Low corruption country in African Continent
Botswana is one of Africa's least corrupt countries. But president Ian Khama faces corruption allegations before being outgoing from the president's post. He becomes faced the problem of the looting of the national petroleum fund, abuse of office, fraud, theft, and money laundering.
12. Botswana is home to the San Peoples
Botswana is one of the homes of the San people who are indigenous people of Southern Africa. Similarly, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, and Angola are other countries where the san people can be found. Out of all countries, Botswana is the highest population of San people.
San people are believed to have been Southern Africa's oldest living inhabitants. These people are still practicing their traditional hunting for a living.
13. A person from Botswana
A person from Botswana is called a Motswana for a single person and Batswana for multiple peoples.
14. A great destination for a safari Adventure
Botswana is a great destination for a safari adventure. If you love safari, then this country is one of the best destinations in the world.
15. The high number of HIV victim
Botswana suffers from one of the world's worst HIV or Aids epidemics. After Swaziland and Lesotho. The average life expectancy is 34 and it is the low average life expectancy in the world. According to the World Health Organization, the country has an adult HIV prevalence rate of 248%. The government pays the high costs of managing HIV or Aids at a national level. It is a major challenge to the nation's economy.
16. Home of two of the world largest Diamonds
Botswana is the home of two of the world's largest diamonds. In 2021, Debswana diamond mining company has said to have been unearthed a 1,098 carat stone and it break the record and become the third-largest diamond on the earth.
Similarly, in 2015, the second-largest diamond was discovered in Botswana which is 1,111 carat stone. The size is around a tennis ball and was found in Karowe mine. It was the biggest diamond to be discovered in Botswana.
Furthermore, in 1905 the biggest diamond is found in South Africa in Capetown and it was about 3,106-carat and named Cullinan.
This is one of the popular interesting facts about Botswana.
17. World Shortest International Border
The border between Botswana and Zambia is only 150 meters, which makes it the shortest international border in the world.
19. The country has a large area covered by National parks
Nearly, 40% of the country areas have covered by National parks and wildlife in Botswana. In those national parks the plenty of areas for animals to roam. These wildlife reserves include four main national parks and many other protected sites and game reserves.
Gaborone game reserve is one of the popular reserves in Botswana, which is located in the capital city of the country.
20. Strongest currency in Africa
Botswana currency is one of the strongest currencies in Africa. Botswana Pula is the national currency of the country. It is currently one of the strongest and stable currency ranking 5th in Africa.
21. Opened its borders to 103 countries
Botswana has opened its borders to 103 countries whose citizens can visit without a Visa making it the 42nd most welcoming country in the world. Similarly, the country passport is also among the most affordable to obtain in the world. If you want to visit this country then you can easily visit the country at minimum costs.
22. Second peaceful country in Africa
According to the global peace index, Mauritius is the most peaceful country in Africa and Botswana is in the second position. Furthermore, Botswana is in the 33rd position in the world to become the most peaceful country.
23. Member of different international organizations
Botswana is a member of the African Union, The Southern African Development Community, The Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.
24. Birthplace of all modern Humans
Botswana was the birthplace of all modern humans. About two hundred thousand years ago the modern humans are lived in Botswana. The modern human left the evidence by cave paintings which are about 73,000 years old.
These are some interesting facts about Botswana.
In conclusion
In this article, we discuss interesting facts about Botswana. That is all we have written about Botswana in this article. If you have any queries about this beautiful African country then please comment to us. We are always ready to solve any queries related to this country. Furthermore, if you have to know more facts about this country then also comment to us so that we also learn from you and add more facts to this article. Have a great time.
