Information: Essential facts

Geography
Botswana is roughly the size of France or Texas. Its surface area is 582,000 sq km. It is entirely landlocked bordered by its neighbours South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana is 80% covered by the Kalahari. Most of the population is settled in the east and southeast of the country.

Population
The total population estimated for 2002 is 1.7 million growing at a rate of 3.5% 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 southwest is the capital city. It population is almost 250,000. It has good communications by road and air to South Africa. Other main towns are Francistown (Pop 105,000), Lobatse (60,000), Selebi-Phikwe (50,000) and Mahalapye, Maun and Kasane.

Communications
Air and road communications between Botswana and neighbouring states are good. Most international flights are via Johannesburg in South Africa, Harare in Zimbabwe or Lusaka, Zambia. All weather, tarred roads connect with South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Telecommunication connections within and outside Botswana are excellent.

Air Botswana
Air Botswana provides international flights from Gaborone to Johannesburg, Harare and Lusaka and internal flights to Francistown, Maun and Kasane. Air charter services are also highly developed.

Climate
Subtropical. Summer is October to March. Temperatures soar to more than 40 degrees at midday in December and January. The rains come between November and April, especially in December and January. Winters are dry with July and August being the driest months.

When to Travel
Business travel is possible throughout the year but the drier, cooler months from April to October are preferable.

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 and consulates.

Health
Malaria is a serious problem especially in the north of the country, though not so much in Gaborone. The mosquito is increasingly resistant to drugs. Get medical advice on what malaria tablets to take and start taking anti-malaria tablets a least a week before entering Botswana and keep taking the tablets for a further week on return home. Travellers should also be aware that the incidence of AIDS is high throughout southern Africa including Botswana. Immunisation against tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever should be completed before departure to Botswana.

People
Most of the people are Batswana, speaking the Setswana language. They dominate the urban areas where English is the language used in business and government affairs. Over 80% of the population lives in the eastern regions. Most of this population is urban.

Languages
The official language is English. Setswana is the national language.

Business Hours
Private sector: Monday to Friday 8am-5pm. Government offices: Monday to Friday 7.30am­4.30pm

Time
GMT plus 2 hours.

Currency
The Pula divided into 100 Thebes. Notes are P100, P50, P10 and P5. Coins are P5 or less.

Banks
Five main commercial banks operate in Botswana as well as a number of foreign exchange bureaux. Banking hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am ­ 2.30pm. Saturday 8.30am to 10.45am.

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

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