Here are some critical facts about Botswana:
- Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It borders South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
- With an area of 581,730 sq km, Botswana is roughly the size of France or Texas. However, it has a population of only around 2.3 million people.
- The capital and largest city is Gaborone. Other significant towns include Francistown, Molepolole, and Selebi-Phikwe.
- Botswana is a flat and arid country, with up to 70% of its territory covered by the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango Delta in the northwest is a lush wetland.
- It is a stable multi-party democracy with a solid human rights tradition and sustainable economic policies since independence in 1966.
- Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest nations at independence to an upper-middle income country with a GDP per capita of around $17,000.
- Diamond mining, tourism, and beef exports are major economic drivers. Botswana is the world's second-largest producer of diamonds.
- Around 79% of the population is ethnically Tswana. Other groups include Kalanga, Bayei, Bambukushu, and smaller numbers of Europeans and Asians.
- English is the official language, but Setswana is widely spoken nationwide.
- Notable attractions include the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the ancient rock paintings at Tsodilo Hills.
