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Botswana

Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is known for its stable multiparty democracy, low population density, and major natural landmarks such as the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta.

Geography

Botswana is a largely flat, landlocked country in Southern Africa. Most of its territory lies in the Kalahari Basin, and the country includes major ecosystems such as the Okavango Delta. About 70% of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert.

History

The area was formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland. Botswana adopted its current name and gained independence on 30 September 1966.

Government and politics

Botswana is a parliamentary republic with a long record of civilian rule and multiparty elections. Its political stability is frequently noted in international references, and it is widely described as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.

Economy

Botswana’s economy has been strongly shaped by diamond mining, with additional importance from tourism, livestock, and other sectors. It is commonly described as one of Africa’s more stable middle-income economies.

Key facts

  • Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.
  • About 70% of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert.
  • Botswana became independent from Britain in 1966.
  • It is widely described as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
  • Diamonds have been a major driver of the economy.
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Canadian context

Botswana is a Commonwealth country and a stable democratic partner of interest to Canadian readers, especially in international affairs, development, conservation, and mineral trade.

Frequently asked questions

What is Botswana’s capital?
Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana.
When did Botswana become independent?
Botswana became independent from Britain on 30 September 1966.
What languages are official in Botswana?
English is the official language, and Setswana is the national language.
What is Botswana known for geographically?
It is known for the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta.
What countries border Botswana?
Botswana borders South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botswana
    Supports: Basic facts on Botswana as a landlocked Southern African country, area, and population.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/place/Botswana
    Supports: Official name, geography, capital, area, population, and national composition.
  3. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13040376
    Supports: Political stability, democracy, population, languages, capital, and economy context.
  4. Botswana Tourism / private travel sitehttps://www.botswana.co.za/Botswana_Regional_Info-travel/botswana-interesting-trivia.html
    Supports: Country area, location, major landmarks, and tourism context.
  5. U.S. Department of Statehttps://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/botswana.html
    Supports: Borders, landlocked status, time zone, and location in Africa.
  6. CIA World Factbookhttps://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2022/countries/botswana/summaries
    Supports: Independence history and political stability context.