Botswana: flag, capital, currency and history
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, is a country in Southern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Gaborone. The currency is the Botswana pula. Languages spoken include English and Tswana.
Quick facts about Botswana
- Official name
- Republic of Botswana
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Region
- Africa, Southern Africa
- Currency
- Botswana pula (BWP, P)
- Languages
- English, Tswana
- Calling code
- +267
- Internet domain
- .bw
- Area
- 582,000 km² (224,711 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Demonym
- Motswana
- National day
- Independence Day, September 30
Flag of Botswana
Download the flag of Botswana as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇧🇼.
History of Botswana
The Kalahari region was long inhabited by San hunter-gatherers, and Tswana-speaking peoples later became the dominant group. In the 19th century Tswana leaders sought British help amid pressure from neighbouring Boer and German-ruled territories, and in 1885 Britain declared the Bechuanaland Protectorate. The protectorate remained under British administration through the colonial period, and Botswana became independent on 30 September 1966 with Seretse Khama as its first president. Diamond deposits discovered shortly afterwards shaped its later economy. It has remained a multiparty republic since independence.
Key dates
- 1885Britain declares the Bechuanaland Protectorate.
- 1895Tswana chiefs travel to London to resist incorporation into the British South Africa Company.
- 1965The capital of the protectorate moves from Mafeking to Gaborone.
- 1966Botswana becomes independent on 30 September; Seretse Khama becomes president.
- 1967Diamonds are discovered at Orapa.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Botswana
Botswana uses the Botswana pula (BWP, P). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Botswana
Celebrations observed in Botswana, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Botswana?
The capital of Botswana is Gaborone.
What currency does Botswana use?
Botswana uses the Botswana pula (BWP, symbol P).
What languages are spoken in Botswana?
Languages used in Botswana include English and Tswana.
What is the calling code of Botswana?
The international calling code of Botswana is +267. Its internet domain is .bw.
Which countries border Botswana?
Botswana shares land borders with Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
On which continent is Botswana?
Botswana is in Africa, in the region of Southern Africa.
What is the national day of Botswana?
Botswana marks Independence Day on September 30.
Neighbours of Botswana
More countries in Southern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).