Country Information on Botswana

Terrain The territory almost entirely consists of the broad, flat plateau of the Kalahari Desert in the south-west, with some hills in the eastern part of the country. The highest point is Tsodilo Hill with 1,489 m. In the north-west, the Okavango River empties into the Kalahari sands, creating the largest inland river delta in the world, a vast oasis of flora and fauna (approximately 10,000 km²). Since precipitation is very low, and temperatures extremely high, the Okavango never reaches the sea, but dries up. Only in times of heavy rainfall, the river stretches around 200 km further to the east, reaching the Makgadikgadi saltpans. Climate Botswana's climate can get rather cool, particularly during the dry winter months (May to September) when evening temperatures drop sharply and night occasionally brings frost. Summers can get rather hot with some short, but heavy rains (October to March). The majority of the rain falls in the north and east of the country. Average precipitation is comparatively low, as high temperatures (up to 40°C) and regular winds blow across the plateaus, most of the rainfall is lost to evaporation. Fauna/Flora While there are relatively few large game animals living in the area of the Okavango Delta in comparison to other areas of Botswana, its clear waters and small, myriad islands, lagoons and channels are home to an astounding variety of birds, plants and smaller species of animals. 17% of the country's land surface is protected as national parks or reserves and nearly all large mammal species can be found in Botswana's wildlife reserves and wilderness regions such as the Moremi Wildlife Reserve and the Chobe National Park. The Moremi Wildlife Reserve combines the attraction of the delta with more solid terrain. Predators like lion, hyena, cheetah and leopard are found in abundance. Huge herds of migrating zebra, together with impala are a common sight, majestic giraffe, prides of lion and thousands of buffalo can be seen mingling together. Nearby Chobe National Park is well known for its immense elephant population and it is not uncommon to encounter herds in excess of a hundred visiting the waterholes. The Chobe River cuts a natural border between Namibia and Botswana, and leaves a floodplain heavily populated with breeding herds of elephants. Spectacular water birds and small mammals such as baboon and striped mongoose are a common sight in Botswana. The variety and colour of the bird life is astounding - over 500 species have been recorded. Southeast of Chobe are Botswana's enormous Makgadikgadi saltpans, home to several antelope species, and beautiful flamingos. History/Politics Present-day Botswana was originally inhabited by Bushmen driven out by immigrating Bantu peoples (especially Tswana) in the early 19th century. In the face of Boer aggression from Transvaal repeatedly sweeping over the territory, Tswana chiefs urged the British to declare the region a protectorate in 1885. The colonial years marked a peaceful period in the country's history. The British Protectorate of Bechuanaland achieved autonomy in 1961 and became the Republic of Botswana upon independence in 1966. In the period before independence in 1966 there were no schools for further education, the administrative centre was situated in Mafeking on South African territory. Former prime minister, Sir Seretse Khama, became the country's first president. Although Botswana economically depended on the neighbouring countries, the white alliance of Rhodesia (today's Zimbabwe), Namibia and South Africa, Seretse Khama politically sided with the black African countries. Quett Ketumile Joni Masire succeeded Khama when he did in 1980. Although he was re-elected in 1994, the opposition gained voters among young people in urban areas. Losses of the governing party were accompanied by increasing discontent with the social situation of large parts of the population. In 1990 the unemployment rate had already reached 25%. Masire retired from politics in 1998 and was succeeded by his vice president, Festus Mogae. In April 1998 Festus Mogae was appointed new chief of state and president. Economy In 1966 Botswana gained independence and was regarded as one of the poorest countries in the world. Only one year afterwards enormous diamond reserves were discovered which transformed the country. The export of diamonds was to form the basis for solid economic growth and enormous growth rates were recorded regularly. However, Botswana's modest wealth could not solve the problem of unemployment and food still had to be imported from neighbouring South Africa. As a result of the economic boom and in an effort to reduce Botswana's dependence on South Africa, the government of Botswana introduced a national currency of their own, the pula. All over the years, the mining industry had been the main driving force behind economic growth, with diamonds accounting for more than 75% of all exports of the country, but structural problems and a decreasing demand for diamonds resulted in an economic decline and unemployment rose. The second important feature in Botswana's economy is agriculture, which today provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the population, but supplies only about 50% of the food needs as the agricultural sector is plagued by poor soil and erratic rainfall, which often results in poor crops. Culture Botswana has a rich cultural tradition. One of the most important festivities is the Go Ntsha Botsesi, which is celebrated following the birth of a child. After giving birth to a child, the young mothers usually stay with their mothers and other women from the Village. It is only after some time that all the people get together and the baby is presented to the male family members and is given its name. This ceremony is followed by a big meal and traditional dances. Like in most other countries there is an Independence Day, Botswana Defence Force Day, President's Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter.