Interesting Botswana Facts
Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa where it is bordered by four other countries. Situated on the continent of Africa, Botswana spans across approximately 581,730 sq km (224,610 square miles) of land. It is estimated that the population of Botswana is somewhere in the region of 2,155,784 people.
Check out interesting Botswana facts and information about this Southern African country with our fact file for kids. Identify important facts about the total population, continent, location, size, official language, main religion, people, history, culture, geography, vegetation and landscape of Botswana.
Discover Africa with our interesting country facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Botswana in? What color is the flag of Botswana? What is Botswana famous for? What are the traditional foods of Botswana? What is the main language of Botswana? What is the geography of Botswana like?
Botswana Fact File: Continent: Africa *** Country Name(s): Republic of Botswana, Lefatshe la Botswana *** Location: Southern Africa *** Bordering Countries: Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa *** Capital City: Gaborone *** Size: 581,730 sq km 224,610 square miles) *** Estimated Population: over 2,155,784 *** Main Religion(s): Christian *** Currency: Pula (BWP) *** Language(s): English and Setswana *** Country Code for Botswana: +267 *** Largest Cities / Towns of Botswana: Gaborone, Francistown, Molepolole, Mogoditshane, Maun, Selibe Phikwe, Serowe, Kanye, Mochudi and Mahalapye *** Geography of Botswana: Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta, rivers, swamps, pans, savanna grasslands and the Tsodilo Hills (rocks and caves) *** Famous Landmarks of Botswana: Three Chiefs' Statues, Khawai River Bridge, Christ the King Cathedral, Iskcon (temple / palace), Matsieng's Footprints, National Assembly Building, Tsodilo Hills (rock paintings and caves), religious sites, churches and temples
Interesting Botswana Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Where is Botswana located?
Botswana forms part of the continent of Africa. It is situated in Southern Africa, where it is landlocked by four countries. Its border countries are Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Botswana population and size
The approximate total area size of this Southern African country is 581,730 sq km (224,610 square miles). Botswana has an estimated population of approximately 2,155,784 with the country’s most populous region being the capital city of Gaborone.
Interesting Facts for Kids 3: The capital of Botswana
The capital city of Botswana is Gaborone which is positioned in the south of the country. Gaborone is the city with the largest population in Botswana and has an approximated population of 36,200 inhabitants. The area is known for its points of interest including religious and historical sites, museums and architectural buildings, as well its many tourist attractions. There are many impressive landmarks in the capital city of Gaborone including the Three Chiefs' Statues, Christ the King Cathedral, Iskcon (temple / palace), Matsieng's Footprints, National Assembly Building, religious sites, churches and temples. Gaborone is a popular city with tourists as the area features luxury hotels, casinos, golf courses, restaurants and ample tourist attractions and points of interest.
Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Botswana major cities
There are several major cities situated in Botswana, the names of the largest and most important cities and towns include the country’s capital Gaborone, and Francistown, Molepolole, Mogoditshane, Maun, Selibe Phikwe, Serowe, Kanye, Mochudi and Mahalapye. The second largest city is called Francistown and it is located in eastern Botswana. Often dubbed the 'Capital of the North', Francistown offers important transport links by road, rail and air. The city boasts many religious places of worship, historical sites and shopping malls. Mining and agriculture form an important part of Francistown's economy with the main reserves being cobalt, copper and nickel.
Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Botswana flag facts
The national flag of Botswana, whose design carries distinct meaning, was first introduced on September 30, 1966, and can be described as having a light blue background with a distinct black line, bordered top and bottom by a thin white frame, running horizontally through the centre of its design. The Batswana flag has three colours that exhibit various symbolic meanings; light blue, black and white. The colour blue is representative of water, and in particular, the hope for water in a country that suffers from drought caused by arid climate conditions and low rainfall. The colours black and white have racial and cultural significance, and symbolize the hope for peace and harmony between the various ethnic groups and multicultural societies of Botswana.
Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Language of Botswana
The main languages of Botswana include English and Setswana. The official language is English but despite this, the majority of the population actually speak Setswana, otherwise known as the Tswana language. Setswana is a Bantu language which is closely associated with Sotho languages. Other languages spoken in this African country include Sekalanga, Shekgalagadi, Zezuru, Sesarwa, Sembukushu and Ndebele.
Interesting Facts for Kids 7: What is the main religion of Botswana?
The main religion of Botswana is Christian. The Christian faith is practiced by over 70 percent of the country's population formed by Methodists, Anglicans and the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa. It's thought that between 15 to 20 percent of people have no religious beliefs, whilst the remainder practice other faiths including Roman Catholic, Badimo, Mormon, Muslim and Hinduism.
Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Botswana food facts
The cuisine in Botswana can be described as varied and rich. The most popular type of meats used in Botswanan cuisine include beef, lamb and chicken. Many types of foods are grown locally in Botswana including sorghum (for grain), maize, rice, wheat, beans, nuts, potatoes, tomatoes, plus various types of fruit and vegetables. The most popular Batswana foods include leswao, chotlho or seswaa (salted meat mashed up), serobe (animal intestine cooked slowly, goat, cow or sheep), bogobe (porridge), flour and bread based recipes including dumplings and flat cakes.
Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Botswana climate facts
Botswana is subject to warm winters and hot summers, and can be described as semiarid. The climate is defined as subtropical due the country's high altitude conditions. Southern Botswana experiences a dry season, which brings wind and dust, from April to October, whereas in the north, the dry season extends to November. The winter season in Botswana occurs between May and August, and the weather in the South is usually colder than the north with the average temperature being around 14 degrees Celsius. The summers in Botswana are hot throughout the country with average temperatures being approximately 26 degrees Celsius.
Interesting Facts for Kids 10: What animals live in Botswana?
Botswana is home to many different types of animals. The Kalahari Desert alone covers around 70 percent of this Southern African country's land and forms an ecosystem in which many forms of wildlife exist. Animals such as lions, cheetahs, African leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, antelopes, porcupines, elephants and giraffes can be found roaming the Kalahari Desert, as well as bird species such as owls, eagles, falcons and flamingos. The Okavango Delta is a popular tourist attraction that is home to many species of animals including wildebeest, giraffes, crocodiles, lions, hippopotamus, buffalo, elephant, cheetah, leopard, antelope, hyena, rhinoceros, zebra, baboon, monkey, warthog and wild dog. The Okavango Delta has an ecosystem of more than 400 bird species and 70 fish species. There are several major nature reserves in Botswana including Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Okavango Delta, Central Kalahari GR, and Nxai Pan National Park.
Interesting Facts for Kids 11: Botswana geography facts
The geography of Botswana is mostly flat with gradual elevation. Approximately 70 percent of the country's land is occupied by the Kalahari Desert which consists of pans and savanna grassland. A large swampy inland delta known as the Okavango Delta forms where the Okavango River empties. Also known as the Okavango Grassland, this swampy inland encompasses a large salt pan known as the Makgadikgadi Pan. Other major rivers present in Botswana include the Limpopo River and the Chobe River.
Interesting Facts for Kids 12: Botswana plants and fauna facts
Botswana is characterized by hundreds of different plant and tree species. The Kalahari Desert, which dominates a large percentage of the country's land, is home to many types of trees, shrubs, cacti, herbs and grasses including cactus species such as Hoodia cactus, camel thorn and black thorn (both species of Acacia). The Shepherd's Tree is a common species found growing in the Kalahari Desert, as is the Horned Melon Tree, belonging to the cucumber and melon family. The Tsamma Melon is a popular fruit produced in this region of Africa, it is also known as the Kalahari Melon. The Okavango Delta is thriving in vegetation in the form of marsh grasses, water lilies, reeds and papyrus. Some of the most popular tree species found growing in Botswana include Acacia Thorn, Palm, Sausage and Leadwood Trees.
Interesting Facts for Kids 13: Botswana famous landmarks
There are numerous fascinating landmarks, monuments and buildings in Botswana including the Three Chiefs' Statues, Khawai River Bridge, Christ the King Cathedral, Iskcon (temple / palace), Matsieng's Footprints, National Assembly Building, Tsodilo Hills (rock paintings and caves), religious sites, churches and temples.
Interesting Facts for Kids 14: Botswana economy facts
The economy of Botswana is growing strong and has experienced many positive and significant changes over the years. The country has gone from being one of the world's poorest to one of financial stability. Botswana is a country of economic liberty with the freedom to produce, trade and consume products and services without force. Trade, mining, agriculture and mining are very important to the country's economy. Botswana is one of the world's leading producers of gem stones and diamonds.
Interesting Facts for Kids 15: Botswana tourism facts
Tourism in Botswana centres mainly around the capital city of Gaborone where there are numerous activities, landmarks and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Tourists are well catered for in this busy city which features luxurious hotels, casinos, restaurants, golf courses, museums, as well as an amusement park, nature reserve, fishing club and yacht club.
Interesting Facts for Kids 16: What is Botswana famous for?
Botswana is famous for being one of the leading producers of gem stones and diamonds, boasting the richest diamond mine in the world. The country is known for its beautiful nature reserves, the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta which are home to hundreds of species of animals and plants.
Interesting Facts for Kids 17: Botswana culture facts
The culture of Botswana is characterized by many important traditions including tribes, languages, religions, music, dance, art, cuisine and various sports. Botswanan music is popular throughout the country and is influenced by string instruments, drums and clapping. Important ceremonies and celebrations often involve music and dance. Art forms an important part of the culture in this African country, and women in particular are renown for producing fabulous woven baskets using colorful designs. The main sport in Botswana is football and the country has a national football team nicknamed 'The Zebras'.
Interesting Facts for Kids 18: Botswana history facts
The earliest human inhabitants of Botswana were the Bushmen and Khoi people who began occupying this region of Africa over 100,000 years ago. Before European settlers started to arrive, the African people lived as farmers and herders, and formed numerous tribes. Europeans began arriving in Botswana during the 1700s when the ivory and slave trades were growing. King Shaka of the Zulu Empire prepared an army in readiness for their arrival. When the Europeans arrived, tribal groups managed to form trade deals by offering them skins and ivory in exchange for guns.
King Khama III ruled from 1875 to 1923, and it was under his reign that Christianity was established throughout Botswana. During the late 1800s, conflict arose between the Tswana and Ndebele tribes. This hostility led to the British Government stepping in on March 31, 1885 in order to protect Bechuanaland. The northern territory achieved independence as Botswana and the southern territory formed part of the Cape Colony. Botswana achieved independence on September 1966.
Interesting Botswana Facts for Kids 19: The Okavango Delta Facts
The Okavango Delta is located in Botswana and can be described as a large, swampy inland delta that forms where the Okavango River terminates in a closed drainage basin known as the endorheic basin, located in the Kalahari Desert. Here, the river water is retained rather than exiting out to a river or ocean. The Okavango Delta is subject to seasonal flooding, and a large quantity of water is either transpired by plants or evaporates. The Okavango Delta is a popular tourist attraction that proffers a rich ecosystem of plants in the form of marsh grasses, reeds and papyrus, and provides a home to an array of incredible animal species.
Interesting Botswana Facts for Kids 20: Jwaneng Diamond Mine Facts
The richest diamond mine in the world, by value of diamonds recovered, is located in the Kalahari Desert area of Botswana. It is called the Jwaneng diamond mine and is situated south-central of the country in the Neledi river valley. The name 'Jwaneng' means a place of small stones. The mine began operation in 1982 and forms one of the four diamond mines in Botswana. The Jwaneng is majorly important to the country's economy as it provides a high rate of quality diamond extraction, making the mine the richest in the world.
Interesting Botswana Facts for Kids 21: Who are the Bantu Peoples?
The Bantu Peoples are a community of people belonging to various ethnic groups in Africa. It is thought that the Bantu Peoples consist of 300 to 600 different ethnic groups and that around 650 Bantu languages are used amongst its people who can be found occupying areas from Central to Southern Africa.