Botswana
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Botswana has maintained one of the world’s highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966. Below are a few interesting facts about Botswana:
Location:
Southern Africa, north of South Africa
Area:
total: 581,730 sq km
Botswana is the 47th largest country in the world
Area - comparative:
Landlocked country slightly smaller than the US state of Texas
Border countries:
Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m
highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m
Geography - note:
landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country
Nationality:
noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
Ethnic groups:
Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7%
Religions:
Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6% (2001 census)
Languages:
Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)
