Botswana
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 2
Currency
💱 Botswana pula
Languages
🗣️ English, Tswana
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 36 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Botswana
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Motswana
Independence
September 30, 1966 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.bw
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+267
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Gaborone
ISO Alpha-2
BW
ISO Alpha-3
BWA
UN Code
72
Geographic Coordinates
-22,24
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
582,000#47 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
2,515,633#141 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
4.38
Highest Point (m)
1,494 meters (Otse Hill)
Lowest Point (m)
513 meters
Land Use
Primarily used for livestock grazing and agriculture.
Irrigated Land
Relatively small amount of land is irrigated.
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Semi-arid; hot summers, mild winters
Natural Resources
Diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Major Rivers
The Okavango, Limpopo, and Chobe rivers are major waterways.
Major Lakes
Lake Ngami is a notable lake in Botswana.
Government Type
Parliamentary republic
Administrative Divisions
9 districts and 5 town councils.
Legal System
Based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law.
Chief of State
President Mokgweetsi Masisi
Head of Government
The President is also the head of government.
Cabinet
Appointed by the President.
Elections
Elections are held for the National Assembly every five years.
Judicial Branch
High Court; Court of Appeal; industrial, land, and customary courts.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly
Major Political Parties
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Botswana pula
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
19.93#136 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
53.03#134 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7,778.12#115 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.78
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
27.88
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
64.63
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.66#102 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,199,393
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
24.48#4 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
19.75
Budget
Botswana's budget is determined by government revenue and expenditures, supporting various sectors.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.38#124 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.48#127 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Botswana maintains substantial foreign exchange reserves.
Currency Exchange
Botswana's currency is the Pula (BWP). Exchange rates fluctuate; check with banks or online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Mining, services, and agriculture are major sectors.
Major Industries
Diamonds, tourism, beef, and copper.
Major Export Partners
Primarily to the EU, South Africa, and India.
Major Import Partners
Primarily from South Africa, the EU, and Namibia.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2003)Checked September 29, 2026
81.19#117 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
24.4
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.7
Net Migration Rate
Approximately 0 migrants per 1,000 population (2022 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 26 years (2022 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
67.96#98 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Botswana is experiencing continued urbanization.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
69.3#156 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Botswana has a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
6.26
Ethnic Groups
Mostly Tswana, with smaller populations of other groups.
Religions
Primarily Christianity, with indigenous beliefs and other religions present.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Tswana
Education
Education System
Botswana's education system follows a 7-5-2-3 structure (primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, tertiary). Education is free at primary and secondary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2008)Checked September 29, 2026
12.4
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Botswana, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).
Culture
Cultural Overview
Botswana's culture is a blend of various ethnic groups, with strong traditions and respect for elders. Distinct traditional dances, music, and art are prevalent. The official language is English, but Setswana is widely spoken.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Ascension Day (2026-05-14)
- Sir Seretse Khama Day (2026-07-01)
- Presidents' Day (2026-07-20)
- Independence Day (2026-09-30)
- Botswana Day holiday (2026-10-01)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
- Boxing Day (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Includes traditional Setswana music, gospel, and increasingly, modern genres like hip-hop and Afro-pop.
Traditional Food
Includes seswaa (pounded meat), bogobe (porridge), and morogo (wild spinach).
Sports
Football (soccer) is very popular, along with athletics, cricket, and softball.
Major Festivals
Gaborone International Music and Culture Festival, Maitisong Festival.
Famous People
Include Isaac Makwala (athlete), and Precious Ramotswe (fictional character in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
UNESCO Sites
Tsodilo.
Annual Tourist Visits
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Tourism Overview
—
Top Tourist Attractions
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Famous Cities
—
National Parks
—
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
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Visa Requirements Overview
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Travel Advisory
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Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality varies, with improvements ongoing.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and provider.
Number of Hospitals
Botswana has a number of hospitals, both public and private.
Universal Healthcare
Botswana aims for universal healthcare with a public healthcare system providing services, although challenges remain in access and quality.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available in urban areas, with less coverage in rural areas.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but access can be limited in remote areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
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Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
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Safety Overview
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Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
Limited railway network, primarily for freight and some passenger services.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
Road network is the primary mode of transport. Air travel is also available, along with limited rail services.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Kasane International Airport (BBK), Maun International Airport (MUB), Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW), Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), Jwaneng Airport (JWA), Selebi Phikwe Airport (PKW)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
57.46#153 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.74#97 of 202
Air Quality Index
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Water Pollution Level
—
Renewable Energy Usage
—
Environmental Issues
—
Natural Hazards
—
Waste Management
—
Environmental Agreements
—
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
—
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, African Union
Major Treaties
—
Visa-Free Countries
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