Geography

This flat semi-desert country has no coastline, lying to the north of South Africa. It has no border with Botswana because of the existence of the Caprivi Strip. There is only one border entry point into Zambia.

One-third of the territory is occupied by the Kalahari desert.

Area
582,000 square kilometers

General Information

Status
Republic

Government
Democratized power, multiparty system; includes a president and a parliament made up of 40 members elected for 5 years by universal suffrage plus 4 members named by the president.

Important date
September 30, 1966 - Bechuanaland acquired its independence and took the name of Botswana

Capital
Gaborone

Currency
Pula

Languages spoken
Setwana; English (official language)

Principal industries
Botswana is the world's second largest diamond mine operator (the principle mines being at Jwaneng, Orapa and Letlhakane) and 12th in nickel mining.

Agriculture
Very sparse; centered mostly around sorghum and sheep, cattle and goat raising.