Botswana Fast Facts
Official Name: Republic of Botswana
- Area: 582,000 sq. km. (224,710 sq. mi.), about the size of Texas.
- Capital City (2001 census): Gaborone (pronounced ha-bo-ro-neh), pop. 186,007.
- Other Urban Centers: Francistown (pop. 105,000); Lobatse (pop. 60,000), Selebi-Phikwe (pop. 50,000), Ghanzi, Mahalapye, Maun, and Kasane.
- Terrain: Desert and savanna.
- Climate: Mostly subtropical; semi-arid.
- Nationality: Noun and adjective--Motswana (sing.), Batswana (pl.).
- Population (est.): 1.84 million.
- Annual population growth rate (2008): 1.434%.
- Ethnic groups: Tswana 79%; Kalanga 11%; Kgalagadi, Herero, Bayeyi, Hambukush, Basarwa ("San"), Khoi, whites 10%.
- Religions: Christianity 70%, none 20%, indigenous beliefs 6%, other 4%.
- Primary Languages: English (official), Setswana (widely spoken)
- Education: Adult literacy--81%.
- Independence: September 30, 1966.
- Type: Republic, parliamentary democracy.
- Head of State: President Ian Khama Seretse Khama..
- Nominal GDP (2007): $11.9 billion.
- Real GDP growth rate (2007 est.): 4.8%.
- Per capita nominal GDP (2007): $6,742.
- Key Industry Sectors: Precious minerals mining, Tourism,. Agriculture, Construction, Beef processing, Chemical products production, Food and beverage production.
- 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz.
- Pula. One pula = 100 thebe.
- Private sector: Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm
- Government offices: Monday to Friday 7:30am – 4:30pm
- 1 January: New Year's Day
- 2 January: Public Holiday
- March/April (variable): Good Friday and Easter Monday
- 1 May: Labor Day
- May (variable): Ascension Day
- 1 July: Sir Seretse Khama Day
- July (variable): President Day and following day
- 30 September: Botswana Independence Day
- 1 October: Public Holiday
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 26 December: Boxing Day
Location: Central southern Africa.
Time: GMT + 2 hours
International Dialing Code: +267
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