Country Highlight: BOTSWANA

Posted By : Travel Africa Movement/ 242 0

Botswana is the 23rd largest country in Africa and home to most of the world’s San/bushmen people. Learn more fun facts about this beautiful country.

Fun Facts:

1. It’s a landlocked country located in southern Africa.

2. It’s the 23rd largest country in Africa and the world’s 48th largest country.

3. Gaborone is the capital and largest city.

4. Major languages: English, Setswana

5. Ethnicity/race: Tswana (80% ), Kalanga (10%), White (3%), San (3%)

6. Major religions: Christian (73%), no religion (20%), traditional African religions (6%)

7. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966; during colonization, it was a British protectorate called Bechuanaland.

8. It has the 4th largest gross national income in Africa and a relatively high standard of living. Its economy is dominated by diamond mining and tourism.

9. Botswana is home to most of the world’s San (bushmen) population, believed to be the oldest people on earth.

10. Tsodilo Hills, one of the world’s oldest historical sites, has been inhabited for 100,000 years and boasts one of the highest concentrations of ancient and contemporary rock art in the world. It is considered a sacred place where ancestral spirits dwell and the San still live there.

11. Tourism in Botswana largely centers around nature and wildlife. Areas like Chobe National Park, Moremi National Park, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta are popular safari attractions.

12. The Gaborone International Music and Culture Week, held annually in August, is a weeklong festival that celebrates the city of Gaborone through music, theatre, comedy, poetry, fashion and other cultural activities.

Photo credit:
Video credit: ProVision Media for Botswana Tourism