Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, is a country in southern Africa. It is sparsely populated, with about 2.3 million people. Most of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert.
The capital city is Gaborone, next to the border with South Africa.
It was colonised by the British Empire and became independent in 1966. Since then it has been one of the most successful countries in sub-Saharan Africa. As of 2024 it is rated as the least corrupt country in Africa, and the second highest HDI in sub-Saharan Africa (behind South Africa).
Its official languages are Tswana and English. The national anthem is Fatshe leno la rona, which means “This Land of Ours”.
Its currency is the Botswanan pula. The Kalahari Desert covers 80% of Botswana’s land.
History
[edit | edit source]- In 1867, European gold prospectors arrive and mining begins.
- In 1885, the British proclaim a protectorate named Bechuanaland.
- In 1950, Seretse Khama, Chief of the Ngwato, is deposed and exiled by the British.
- In 1960, Britain approves a new constitution for Bechuanaland.
- The Executive Council, Legislative Council, and African Council are established.
- In 1961, Seretse Khama is appointed to the Executive Council and later founds the Bechuanaland Democratic Party (BDP), later renamed the Botswana Democratic Party.
- He becomes prime minister in 1965.
- In 1966, Bechuanaland gains independence as the Republic of Botswana with Seretse Khama as its first president.
- In 1967, diamonds are discovered at Orapa.
- In 1999–2008, Festus Mogae serves as president and is praised for diversifying Botswana’s economy to reduce dependence on diamonds.
- In 2004, the HIV infection rate falls to 37.5%, and Botswana no longer has the world’s highest rate of infection.
- In 2008, Ian Khama, son of Seretse Khama, becomes president and serves two terms.
- In 2010, Survival International calls for a boycott of Botswanan diamonds, alleging government pressure on Basarwa bushmen to leave ancestral lands.
- In 2014, a gay rights group wins legal recognition.[1]
Climate
[edit | edit source]Botswana has a semi-arid climate. The hot season lasts for 5.8 months, which is from September 22 to March 16. The average temperature is about 88°F and a low of about 68°F. Botswana commonly gets over 85°F, especially in January, which is the warmest month of the year in Botswana. The cool season lasts for 2.2 months, which is from May 27 to August 3. The average high temperature in the cool season is about 74°F, which is still warm. In July, it is the coldest month, with an average low from about 41°F and high of about 72°F.[2]