Botswana
Subregion: Southern Africa
Botswana is a country located in Southern Africa. The capital city is Gaborone. Botswana has a tourist capital as well, the city of Muan is where all of the safari and tourism operations are run from. The government is a Unitarian dominant party republic with an executive president. The national language is Setswana and the official language is English. This means that the population speaks the language of the Tswana/Batswana people. The predominant religion is Christianity. Public healthcare is provided to the population however, private healthcare is also available.
Safety:
Botswana is generally considered a safe country for tourists and visitors, with a relatively low crime rate compared to other African countries. However, like any country, there are certain safety concerns that visitors should be aware of. One of the primary safety concerns in Botswana is wildlife. The country is home to a number of large predators, including lions, leopards, and hyenas. Visitors should exercise caution when visiting national parks and game reserves, and always follow the instructions of their guides. HIV is a prevalent disease. Avoid drinking tap water & ice from tap water. Another safety concern in Botswana is the risk of contracting malaria. Malaria is prevalent in certain parts of the country, particularly during the rainy season from November to April. Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets. Street crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is also a concern in urban areas like Gaborone and Francistown. Visitors should take precautions to protect their valuables, such as keeping them out of sight and avoiding carrying large amounts of cash. Political unrest and civil unrest are rare in Botswana, but visitors should stay informed of the situation and follow the advice of local authorities if any unrest occurs. Botswana has made significant improvements to its road network in recent years, but safety concerns and poor road conditions can still be an issue in some areas. One of the main safety concerns in Botswana is the risk of carjackings and theft. It's important to take precautions such as keeping car doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight. It's also recommended to avoid driving at night and to stick to well-traveled routes. In terms of road conditions, many of Botswana's roads are unpaved and can be rough and bumpy. During the rainy season (November to March), some roads may become impassable due to flooding. It's important to be cautious when driving on dirt roads, as they can be slippery and difficult to navigate. Additionally, wildlife such as elephants and baboons may be present on or near roads, particularly in rural areas. Drivers should always be alert for animals and slow down or stop if necessary. Driving is on the left side of the road.
Cultural Customs:
Music and dance play an essential role in the daily life of Batswana people. They have a rich heritage of traditional music that includes the use of instruments such as drums, rattles, and string instruments. Dancing is an integral part of their culture, and different dances are performed to celebrate various occasions such as weddings, harvest festivals, and other cultural events. The traditional clothing of Batswana people is colorful, vibrant, and reflects their cultural identity. Women typically wear dresses made of printed cotton fabric known as "kenteka," while men wear shirts and pants made from the same fabric. Batswana people have a deep respect for their elders and believe that they hold the key to the community's history, traditions, and culture. It is customary for younger people to show respect to their elders by greeting them first, using formal language, and showing deference in social situations. Batswana people are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. Guests are treated with respect and are often offered food and drink as a sign of hospitality. Botswana's traditional cuisine is based on locally sourced ingredients such as sorghum, millet, and maize. Dishes such as "seswaa" (pounded meat), "bogobe" (porridge), and "matemekwane" (bean stew) are staples of Botswana's cuisine. Batswana people are passionate about sports, and traditional games such as "diketo" (stones), "morabaraba" (a board game), and "bogobe bja Mosetlha" (a game played with maize grains) are still popular in rural areas. Dumelang is the common verbal greeting in Botswana. In large celebrations Batswana women use ululations as a sound of joy or happiness. The population maintains their own languages.
Geography & Weather:
The majority of Botswana is flat dry plateau with 70% of the country being the Kalahari Desert.
In the Kalahari area in the southwest part of the country, the average temperature ranges from 36 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The “coldest” month is July with a median temperature of 54 degrees F and January being the hottest month with a median temperature of 81 degrees F. There isn’t a rainy season in the southern part of the country, rainfall is scarce and usually winds up being about 12 inches a year. The sun shines all year round in this area. The temperature during the day can be high and at night much colder.
In Gaborone, the Capital city located in the south east of the country, the average temperature ranges from 39 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 56 degrees F and January is the hottest month with a median temperature of 78 degrees F. December - February is the rainy season with January averaging 5.5 inches of rain for the month. The sun shines all year round here also. The temperature change between day and night can be drastic.
In the Tourist city, Muan the average temperature ranges from 48 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 63 degrees F and October is the hottest month with a median temperature of 83 degrees F. November - March is the rainy season with January averaging 4 inches of rain for the month. The sun shines all year round.
Sometimes, tropical cyclones occur in Botswana. Cyclone season is from mid-November to May.
Economy:
The country has experienced significant economic growth and development over the past few decades, due in large part to its abundance of diamonds and other mineral resources. However, like many countries, Botswana has faced challenges with unemployment. According to the World Bank, the unemployment rate in Botswana was 20.2% in 2020. This is a significant increase from the 17.6% unemployment rate in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Botswana's economy and labor market. The government has implemented measures to try to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, including providing financial support to affected businesses and individuals. However, these measures have not been sufficient to prevent job losses and economic hardship for many people in the country. In addition to the pandemic, Botswana has faced structural challenges in its labor market. The country has a relatively small formal sector and a large informal sector, which can make it difficult to generate formal employment opportunities for many people. The government has implemented various policies to try to address this issue, including initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises and efforts to diversify the economy. Overall, while Botswana has made significant progress in its economic development, the country continues to face challenges with unemployment. Addressing these challenges will require sustained effort and investment in creating employment opportunities, particularly in the formal sector.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Botswanan Pula (BWP)
BWP 1.00 = USD .086
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
2,351,627
Median Age:
24
Life Expectancy:
69.86
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? No
US Citizens can stay for 90 days within a 12 month period with no visa.
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - No
Naturalization - Botswana citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Must have lived in Botswana for 10 years minimum but 12 continuous months. The process generally takes a year and costs approx. $87 USD per applicant.
Residency Requirements:
Residency permits are permanent but to be eligible you must have lived in Botswana for 5 continuous years, be of good character, be in good standing in the community, have the means to support yourself and dependents and made a significant contribution to Botswana. The process generally takes six months and costs approx. $260 USD per applicant.
Resources:
Botswana Ministry of Home Affairs
Botswana Travel Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Gaborone
Embassy Drive, Government Enclave
Gaborone, Botswana
Telephone: +(267) 395-3982
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (+267) 373-2222
Fax: +(267) 318-0232
Email: consulargaborone@state.gov