Botswana
is a land-locked country situated in southern Africa, bordering
Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and Zambia.
Known as Bechuanaland when under British protection from 1885
to 1961, Botswana is similar in size to France but with a much
smaller population. Over 10% of the 2,100,000 population live
in the capital city of Gaborone, made famous in the novel "The
First Ladies Detective Agency".
Botswana became independent in 1966 and is the oldest democratic
state in Africa.
Botswana is a wealthy country by African standards. It contains
extensive mineral resources such as the Jwaneng Diamond Mine,
the richest in the world, which was found when termites pushed
specks of diamond to the surface.
Nearly 40% of the land is national parks and wildlife reserve,
providing large areas for animals to roam.
Botswana is a haven for endangered species of mammal and bird
such as cheetah, brown hyena, Kori bustard, and Pel’s fishing
owl.
The Okavango Delta is known as the jewel in the Kalahari, a semi-arid
sandy expanse which covers 85% of the country. Fed by annual floodwater
from Okavango river, the vast delta supports a wide array of African
wildlife from hippos to elephants.Huge herds of zebra and wildebeest
make an annual migration to find food and water.
The national dish is Seswaa, a stew of boiled meat, maize meal
and greens.
First President Sir Seretse Khama is credited with increasing
prosperity and is known as the George Washington of Africa with
his efforts to bring racial harmony.
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