BOTSWANA

 

The Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked nation in Southern Africa. Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. The economy, closely tied to South Africa's, is dominated by mining (especially diamonds), cattle, and tourism. The country is named after its largest ethnic group, the Tswana.


Capital:
- Gaborone
Area:
- Total: 581,730 km² (41st) 224,606 sq mi
- Water (%): 2.5
Independence:
- from the UK: September 30, 1966
Official languages:
- English (official)
Tswana (national)
Population:
- 2005 estimate: 1,765,000 (147th)
- Density: 3.0/km² (220th) 7.8/sq mi