Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | BW, BWA, 072 |
| Official Name | Republic of Botswana |
| Continent | Africa |
| Capital | Gaborone |
| Government Type | Parliamentary republic |
| Currency | Botswana Pula (BWP) |
| Calling Code | +267 |
| Member Of | United Nations, African Union, Southern African Development Community, Commonwealth of Nations |
| Population | Approx. 2.3 million (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | 581,730 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Tsodilo Hills (1,489 meters or 4,885 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Confluence of Limpopo and Shashe Rivers (513 meters or 1,683 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Approx. $8,000 (as of 2023) |
| Life Expectancy | Approx. 69 years (as of 2023) |
| Internet TLD | .bw |
Botswana National Anthem
Fatshe leno la rona
Blessed be this noble land
Gift to us from God’s strong hand
Heritage our fathers left to us
May it always be at peace
Awake, awake, O men, awake!
And women close beside them stand
Together we’ll work and serve
This land, this happy land!
Word of beauty and of fame
The name Botswana to us came
Through our unity and harmony
We’ll remain at peace as one
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Botswana Flag
The flag of Botswana, adopted on September 30, 1966, when the country gained independence from the United Kingdom, is a symbol of the nation’s identity and values. The flag is distinctive in its simplicity and meaningful design.
The Botswana flag features a light blue field with a horizontal black stripe with a thin white frame in the center. The blue represents water, specifically rain, reflecting the importance of water in this arid country and the motto of Botswana, “Pula”, which means “let there be rain”. The black and white bands signify racial harmony and also represent the zebra, the national animal of Botswana, symbolizing the importance of wildlife and natural resources to the country.
The choice of colors and design elements reflects Botswana’s commitment to peace, racial harmony, and its natural heritage. The flag was designed at a time when Botswana was transitioning from a British protectorate to an independent nation, and it was essential to have a symbol that captured the spirit of the new country.
Since its adoption, the flag of Botswana has become a source of pride for its citizens, symbolizing the country’s rich natural beauty, its peace-oriented ethos, and the unity among its diverse peoples. The flag is prominently displayed throughout Botswana and on occasions of national significance. It represents not just the nation’s past, but also its present and future aspirations, embodying the values of democracy, racial harmony, and respect for the environment. The Botswana flag is a testament to the country’s journey towards progress and its commitment to maintaining a harmonious and sustainable society.