The Republic of Botswana is a multi-party democracy. it became independent on 30 September 1966. It has an executive President as Head of State. The National Assembly elects the President for a term of fi ve years. The current President is His Excellency Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama ian Khama.
Geography
Botswana is roughly the size of France or Texas. Its surface area is 581,730 sq km. It is entirely landlocked, bordered by its neighbours South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana is 84% covered by the Kalahari (Kgalagadi) Desert. Most of the population is settled in the east and southeast of the country.
Population
The total population estimated for 2006 is 1.85 million growing at a rate of 2.4% per annum. The population is heavily weighted towards younger age groups. About 43% of the population is younger than 15 years of age. Over 50% of the population is settled in urban areas.
Urban Centres
Gaborone, in the extreme southeast, is the capital city. Its population is almost 250,000. It has good communications by road and air to South Africa. Other main towns are Francistown (105,000), Lobatse (60,000), Selebi-Phikwe (50,000), Ghanzi, Mahalapye, Maun and Kasane.
Climate
Summer: December to March. High temperatures average 30C to 35C with lows around 18C and rain particularly between December and March. Winter: June to August. Daytime temperatures around 23C with nighttime lows averaging 5C.
Air Botswana
Air Botswana provides international flights between Gaborone and Johannesburg, Gaborone and Harare, Kasane and Johannesburg, Francistown and Johannesburg, Maun and Johannesburg. Domestic fl ights run between Gaborone and Francistown, Maun and Kasane. Th ere is also a direct fl ight between Maun and Kasane.
Visas
Visitors from the European Union, most Commonwealth countries and the USA do not require visas. Visitors from other countries should check with Botswana embassies or consulates. Visas are initially granted for 30 days and can be extended for a total of three months. (Visitors from Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka do require visas.)
Duty-Free Allowance
The following goods declared on arrival are duty free: Two litres of wine, one litre of spirits, 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250gm of cigarette and pipe tobacco, 50ml perfume, 250ml toilet water. All goods acquired outside Botswana must be declared when you enter the country.
Departure Tax
International P100, Local P50
People
Batswana are the most numerous people in the country, forming about 78.2% of the population and speaking the Setswana language. (Batswana also refers to citizens of Botswana.) They have settled in nearly all parts of the country. The oldest ethnic group is the San. Over 80% of the population lives in the eastern region.
Languages
Th e offi cial language is English, which is used in government and business aff airs. Setswana is the national language, and is widely spoken. Other ethnic groups speak their own languages.
Business Hours
Private sector: Monday to Friday 8am-5pm
Government offices: Monday to Friday 7.30am – 4.30pm
Time
GMT plus 2 hours.
Currency
Th e Pula is divided into 100 thebe. Notes are P200,P100,P50. Coins are P5, P2, P1 and thebe 50t, 25t, 10t and 5t.
Banks
Seven main commercial banks operate in Botswana as well as a number of foreign exchange bureaux.
Banking hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am–3.30pm.
Saturday 8.30am to 11.00am.
Barclays Bank at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is open Mon-Sat from 6am-8pm and Sun 7am-8pm.
Public Holidays
1 January: New Year's Day 2 January: Public holiday March/April (variable): Good Friday and Easter Monday 1 May: Labour Day Early May (variable): Ascension Day 1 July: Sir Seretse Khama Day 15 July: President's Day 30 September: Independence Day (and following day) 1 October: Public holiday 25 December: Christmas Day 26 December: Boxing Day
International Telephone Dialling
International code +267
Diplomatic Representation
Angola, Brazil, Great Britain, Cuba, China, France, Germany, India, Kenya, Libya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria,
Russia, Republic of South Africa, Sweden, United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
