John AdoyiBotswana is a landlocked country located at the centre of Southern Africa. This rich nation bordered by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa is a stunning blend of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and a growing economy. Often referred to as the “Jewel of Africa,” this nation boasts a unique tapestry of landscapes that stretch across the country. This country of a little over 2 million population that got its independence from Britain in 1966, now stands as one of the rich countries in Africa, due to it fast growing economy and large deposit of diamond and other minerals.
As we celebrate Botswana’s Independence Day, let’s delve into some fascinating facts that make this nation truly unique.
Bechuanaland: Botswana has not always been the name of the African Jewel. Before her independence in 1966, Bechuanaland was the name. It was a protectorate under the British Empire until she was recognized as an independent nation and the name changed to Botswana, a name gotten from the largest ethnic group in the country, Tswana and Sir Seretse Khama became the first president.
The Okavango Delta: This is the largest inland Delta in the world. Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Kalahari desert,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique ecosystem attracts tourists from all corners of the globe, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and breathtaking beauty.
Home for wildlife: 38 percent of Botswana’s land is dedicated to national parks and wildlife reserves. This land is home to the largest reserve of African elephants and it is home to large array of other animals like Leopards, Lions, rhinoceros, the national animal of Botswana the Burchell’s zebra and the Kori Bustard, the national bird of Botswana.
Large producers of Diamonds: Botswana is rich in large quantity of minerals. Botswana is the second largest producer of the world’s diamonds behind Russia. Botswana is a significant player in the global diamond market. 25 per cent of the world’s diamond comes from Botswana. In 2022, Botswana exported 24.5 million carats of Diamonds. The country is home to some of the world’s richest diamond mines. The Jwaneng Diamond Mine in Botswana is the richest diamond mine in the world. Diamond forms 60 per cent of the country’s total export and diamond exports have played a crucial role in its economic growth and development. In 2022, diamonds contributed 4.5 Billion US Dollars to the country’s GDP.
Botswana is home to the Kalahari Desert: According to National Geographic, the massive Kalahari Desert covers more than 70 per cent of Botswana, spans about 360,000 square miles (900,000 square kilometers), and touches nine African countries including South Africa and Namibia.
Official language: English is the official language of the country. However, Setswana is the national language and it is widely spoken in the country more than English. Also, it’s estimated that 31 different languages are spoken in Botswana and these languages include Kalanga, Kgalagardi, Shona, Mbukushu, Ndebele, and Tshwa. ETC.
Pula is the currency used in Botswana. In Setswana, Pula means rain and it is also the motto of Botswana. 100 Thebe equals a Pula. The Pula is one of the strong currencies in Africa. A pula equals to 56 Naira and exchanges at $13 to a Pula.
Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and it is the largest city in the country. It was not the capital until 1965 when the seat of government was moved from Mafikeng, South Africa. It is the administrative and economic ground of Botswana.
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A person from Botswana is not called a Botswanan, but are called Motswana and the plural is Batswana.
Botswana stands as one of the countries in Africa that has never experienced a coup. It operates a multiparty system of government that has been flourishing since 1966.
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