| Area |
581,730 sq km (224,607 sq miles). |
| Population |
1,640,115 (estimate 2005). |
| Capital |
Gaborone- population 186,007 (2001) |
| Climate |
Although located in the tropics, temperate conditions prevail all year, as the climate is moderated by altitude and the inland position of the country. The hot and dry season is from September to October, and the rainy season from November to March. The best months to visit are April to May and August to September. Night-time temperatures can fall below freezing. |
| Language |
English is the official language. Setswana is the national language, with minorities speaking Kalanga and Sekgalagadi. |
| Religion |
A significant proportion of the population holds animistic beliefs, although the 2001 census showed that 71 per cent claimed to be Christians. There are small Muslim communities and the Bahá'í Faith is also represented |
| Time |
GMT + 2.
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| Highlights |
The renowned Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta - together with the Kalahari Desert are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this country's attractions. The abundance and variety of wildlife in the Chobe National Park and the Moremi Wildlife Reserve is staggering and certainly unrivalled in Southern Africa. Whilst in the Kalahari, do not miss the chance to see the 30,000-year-old paintings and wander back in time. The endless gigantic salt pans are also there to be explored, not to mention the Mokoro trails which provide a unique experience!
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| Country Facts |
Botswana is bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and touches Zambia just west of the Victoria Falls. The Kalahari Desert covers most of Botswana and National Parks represent 17% of the country. To the north-west is the Okavango Basin, where the Moremi Wildlife Reserve and the Chobe National Park support abundant wildlife. To the south-west is the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. The majority of the population lives in the south-east around Gaborone, Serowe and Kanye along the South African border. The vast arid sandveld of the Kalahari occupies much of north, central and western Botswana. The seasonal rains bring a considerable difference to the vegetation, especially in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Okavango Basin in the north. The latter, after the winter floods, provides one of the wildest and most beautiful nature reserves in Africa. |