Botswana Google Maps

Google Maps and Detailed Facts of Botswana (BW). This page lets you explore Botswana and its border countries (Country Location: Southern Africa, north of South Africa) through detailed Satellite imagery – fast and easy as never before Google Maps.

Find comprehensive information about this country’s diversity below: Google Maps, geography, economy, science, people, culture, environment, government, and history – All in One Wiki page.

There is also a Street View and free Driving Directions at your service. Your Google Satellite Map Sightseeing in Botswana, Africa, starts here at Driving Directions and Maps.com.

About Botswana in detail

This image shows the draft map of Botswana, Africa. For more details of the map of Botswana, please see this page below.

This image shows the location of Botswana, Africa. For more geographical details of Botswana, please see this page below.

Table of contents

Background

Botswana, a country with a rich history, saw multiple political entities in the early 1800s being destabilized or destroyed due to conflicts and population movements in southern Africa. The Tswana ethnic group emerged as the most prominent in the area. The year 1885 marked a significant change when Great Britain claimed the territory as the Bechuanaland protectorate, leading to Botswana’s independence in 1966. This independence heralded a new era of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment, creating a stable democracy and an upper-middle-income economy. Botswana has been under the rule of the Botswana Democratic Party since independence. President Mokgweetsi Eric MASISI, who came into power in 2018, is the nation’s fifth president. The economy relies heavily on mineral extraction, especially diamond mining, but tourism is growing due to Botswana’s conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Despite having one of the world’s highest rates of HIV/AIDS infection, Botswana boasts one of Africa’s most advanced and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Overview

Botswana, located in Southern Africa and north of South Africa, is landlocked by its semiarid climate with warm winters and hot summers. The terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling, with the Kalahari Desert covering much of its southwest region. Botswana’s highest point is Manyelanong Hill at 1,495 meters, while its lowest point is at the junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers at 513 meters. The country is rich in natural resources like diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, and silver. Botswana’s land use primarily involves agriculture (45.8%), with arable land making up only 0.6%. The nation’s population is concentrated mainly in the eastern regions, particularly around the capital, Gaborone, and Francistown.

Official Name: Republic of Botswana
Date of Formation: 30 September 1966 (from the UK)
Capital: Gaborone
Population: 2,417,596 (2023 estimate)
Total Area: 224,610 Sq. Miles / 581,730 Sq. Km
Population Density: N/A
Languages: Setswana 77.3%, Sekalanga 7.4%, Shekgalagadi 3.4%, English (official) 2.8%, Zezuru/Shona 2%, Sesarwa 1.7%, Sembukushu 1.6%, Ndebele 1%, other 2.8% (2011 estimate)
Religions: Christian 79.1%, Badimo 4.1%, other 1.4% (includes Baha’i, Hindu, Muslim, Rastafarian), none 15.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 estimate)
Ethnic Origin: Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and people of European ancestry 7%
Government: Parliamentary republic
Currency: Pula (BWP)
Literacy Rate Rate: Total population: 88.5%, Male: 88%, Female: 88.9% (2015)
Calorie Consumption: N/A

Google Maps provides detailed and interactive views of Botswana’s unique geographical landscape. Google Maps is invaluable for exploring the country’s diverse environments, from the sprawling Kalahari Desert to dynamic urban centers like Gaborone and Francistown. It offers insights into Botswana’s road networks, natural reserves, and the distinctive contrast between urban and rural areas.

Landlocked in the heart of southern Africa, Botswana boasts the world’s largest inland river delta. Diamonds provide potential wealth, but HIV/AIDS cripples the country. Lies on a vast plateau, high above sea level. Hills in the east. The Kalahari Desert is in the center and southwest. Swamps and salt pans are elsewhere and in the Okavango Basin.

The map below shows Botswana’s cities, towns, highways, main roads, streets, and Street Views. To find a location, use the form below, type any city or place, view a simple map, and click the “show map” button.

The Google Maps above shows Botswana with its location: Africa (geographic coordinates: 22 00 S, 24 00 E) and the international borders of Botswana; total: 4,347.15 km. Border countries (total: 4): Namibia 1,544 km, South Africa 1,969 km, Zambia 0.15 km, Zimbabwe 834 km; furthermore, it’s inland counties boundaries.

The map of Botswana, Africa, is for informational use only. No representation is made or warranted given any map or content by the Driving Directions and Maps site. The user assumes all risks of using this Botswana Google Maps and facts/wiki.

Climate

Botswana experiences a semiarid climate. Winters are generally warm, and summers are hot. The country faces periodic droughts and experiences seasonal August winds that carry sand and dust across the nation, affecting visibility. The geography is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, which covers about 70% of the country. However, the Okavango Delta, one of the largest inland deltas in the world, brings significant biodiversity to the region.

Temperature Variations: Botswana’s climate sees wide temperature fluctuations. In winter (May to August), daytime temperatures are generally warm, ranging from 20°C to 25°C, but can drop sharply at night, sometimes nearing freezing, especially in the Kalahari Desert. Summer (November to March) is much hotter, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C in the hottest areas.
Rainfall Patterns: The country receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, primarily between December and March. However, rainfall is unevenly distributed, with the north and northwest regions receiving significantly more rain than the arid south. The annual average rainfall varies from over 650 mm in the north to less than 250 mm in the extreme southwest.
Droughts and Environmental Challenges: Botswana faces frequent droughts, a major challenge for agriculture and water resources. The country’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes it particularly vulnerable to climate variability. These droughts can have significant impacts on food security and water availability.
Kalahari Desert: Covering about 70% of Botswana, the Kalahari Desert is not a true desert but a vast semiarid sandy savannah. Its temperatures can be extreme, and the sparse rainfall supports grasses and shrubs and an array of wildlife adapted to the arid conditions.
Okavango Delta: In stark contrast to the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta is a unique wetland within a desert, receiving waters from the Angolan highlands. This inland delta forms an oasis of rich biodiversity, supporting a wide array of wildlife, including many rare and endangered species. It’s one of the few major interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with its waters eventually evaporating.
August Winds: The seasonal winds in August are a notable climatic feature. These winds can carry sand and dust across the country, sometimes reducing visibility and affecting air quality. They are more pronounced in arid regions and can contribute to soil erosion.
Impact on Wildlife and Vegetation: The climatic conditions in Botswana, ranging from dry areas of the Kalahari to the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, result in diverse habitats. This supports a wide range of vegetation types and wildlife species, making Botswana a key country for conservation in southern Africa.
Climate Change Impacts: Botswana is experiencing the effects of climate change, with increasing temperatures, variable rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events like droughts. These changes threaten water resources, agriculture, and wildlife conservation efforts.

Botswana’s climate, characterized by its semiarid conditions, hot summers, warm winters, and unique features like the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, is crucial in shaping the country’s environment, biodiversity, and socio-economic activities.

Geography

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, slightly smaller than Texas and almost four times the size of Illinois. Its total area is 581,730 sq km, comprising 566,730 sq km of land and 15,000 sq km of water. The country has no coastline, being entirely landlocked. Its terrain is mostly flat, with the Kalahari Desert in the southwest.

Bordering Countries: Botswana is surrounded by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast, and it also meets Zambia at a single point to the north. The country’s total land boundary length is approximately 4,347.15 kilometers.
Size Comparison and Area Details: Botswana is slightly smaller than Texas, USA, covering an area of 581,730 square kilometers. This vast area makes it the world’s 48th-largest country by area. Of this, 566,730 square kilometers is land, while water bodies, including rivers and deltas, constitute about 15,000 square kilometers.
Terrain and Topographical Features: Botswana’s terrain is predominantly flat, tending towards gently rolling tableland. The Kalahari Desert covers up to 70% of its land surface, particularly in the southwest and central regions. The highest point in Botswana is Otse Hill, at just 1,491 meters above sea level, which reflects the generally flat nature of the country’s terrain.
Major Rivers and Water Bodies: The Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas, is situated in the northwest and is a critical ecosystem. The Chobe River in the north forms part of Botswana’s border with Namibia and is renowned for its wildlife. Other significant rivers include the Limpopo and the Tuli on the southern border with South Africa.
Land Use and Soil: Approximately 0.65% of the land is arable, with permanent crops occupying 0.01%. The rest of the country is predominantly covered by savanna, desert, and grassland. The soil in the delta region is fertile but less so in the arid Kalahari area.
Climate Influence on Geography: The semiarid climate affects the geographical distribution of vegetation and wildlife. The arid regions are characterized by xerophytic plants adapted to dry conditions, while the Okavango Delta and northern areas support more lush vegetation and a high diversity of animal species.
Natural Resources and Mining: Botswana has abundant natural resources, notably diamonds, which account for a significant portion of its GDP. Other resources include copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, and silver.
Environmental Concerns: Issues facing Botswana include desertification, limited freshwater resources, and the impact of drought on water supplies. The encroachment of the desert into previously arable land poses a significant challenge.
Population and Urban Centers: Most of Botswana’s population is concentrated in the eastern part of the country. Gaborone, the capital and largest city, is located near the southeastern border with South Africa. Other major towns include Francistown, Molepolole, and Maun.

Botswana’s geographical features, from its vast Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta, along with its positioning in Southern Africa, play a crucial role in its ecology, economy, and cultural life. The landlocked nature of the country also shapes its trade and relations with neighboring countries.

Resources and Land Use

Botswana’s land is predominantly used for agriculture (45.8%), with a significant portion as permanent pasture (45.2%). Arable land constitutes only 0.6% of the total land area. The country has natural resources such as diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, and silver. The forest area covers 19.8% of the land.

Population Data

As of 2023, Botswana’s population is estimated at 2,417,596, ranking 145th globally. The population distribution is primarily concentrated in the east, with a significant focus in and around Gaborone and Francistown. Population density remains low in other areas, especially in the Kalahari to the west. The urban population constitutes 72.9% of the total population, with a rate of urbanization at 2.47% annually.

Economic Data

Botswana’s economy is anchored in mineral extraction, with diamond mining being the predominant sector. However, tourism is rising due to its extensive nature preserves and conservation practices. The country has experienced a rapid decline in fertility rates and significant progress in health indicators like life expectancy and infant mortality rates despite the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1990s. The population growth rate is 1.37% as of 2023, with a birth rate of 20 births/1,000 population and a death rate of 9 deaths/1,000 population. The median age in Botswana is 26.8 years.

Drinking Water Source

Botswana has made significant strides in providing access to improved drinking water sources. As of 2020, 98.1% of the urban population and 96.9% of the rural population have access to improved water sources, resulting in a total of 99.4% of the population having access to improved drinking water.

Population, Median Age, Migration, and Citizenship

The median age in Botswana is 26.8 years, with the male population having a median age of 25.6 years and females at 27.9 years. The net migration rate is 2.8 migrants/1,000 population as of 2023. Citizenship by birth is not recognized in Botswana; it is granted only by descent, with at least one parent being a citizen. The country does not recognize dual citizenship, and the residency requirement for naturalization is ten years.

Average Number of Childbirths

Botswana’s total fertility rate has significantly declined over the years, falling from more than 5 children per woman in the mid-1980s to approximately 2.4 in 2013, and it remains at that level as of 2022. This decline is attributed to factors like higher educational attainment among women, increased contraceptive use, and a strong national family planning program.

Is this country a Safe Destination?

Botswana is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The country is known for its stable political environment and low crime rate. However, visitors are advised to take normal safety precautions, particularly in urban areas.

Healthcare and Infectious Diseases

Botswana faces a high degree of risk from infectious diseases. The main concerns are bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and malaria. As of 31 August 2023, the CDC issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa, with Botswana being considered a high risk for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses. The country has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world but has implemented comprehensive and effective treatment programs.

Natural Hazards

Botswana’s primary natural hazards include periodic droughts and seasonal August winds that carry sand and dust across the country, affecting visibility and air quality.

The Flag and Other Symbols

Botswana’s flag is light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center. The blue symbolizes water in the form of rain, while the black and white bands represent racial harmony. The national symbols include the zebra; the national colors are light blue, white, and black.

Constitution

Botswana’s constitution was adopted in March 1965 and became effective on September 30, 1966. It has undergone several amendments, the latest being in 2021. The constitution establishes Botswana as a parliamentary republic and sets out the structure of the government and fundamental rights and freedoms.

Legal System

Botswana has a mixed legal system influenced by the Roman-Dutch model, customary law, and common law. The legal framework combines civil law principles with traditional practices.

About the Unemployment Rate, Labor Force, and Poverty Line

Botswana’s unemployment rate stood at 24.72% in 2021, with a notably high youth unemployment rate of 41.2%. The labor force consisted of approximately 1.05 million people in 2021. Despite its economic growth, Botswana still faces challenges with poverty, with 19.3% of the population living below the poverty line as of 2009.

About the Budget and Central Government Debt

Botswana’s government revenues were estimated at $3.828 billion, and expenditures were at $6.006 billion in 2020. The public debt was 19.66% of GDP in 2020, showcasing a relatively low debt burden compared to many other countries.

Inflation Rate and Prime Lending Rate

The inflation rate in Botswana was 7.24% in 2021. The country’s monetary policy, managed by the Bank of Botswana, aims to maintain price stability and support economic growth.

Export/Import Partners and Data

Botswana’s economy demonstrates a robust pattern in its export and import activities, reflecting its status as a significant player in global trade, particularly in the diamond industry.

In 2021, Botswana’s exports reached approximately $7.931 billion, a substantial increase from $4.81 billion in 2020. This increase highlights the country’s resilient economic recovery and ability to bounce back from global economic challenges. The primary commodities exported include diamonds, insulated wiring, copper, beef, and gold. These exports underscore the country’s rich natural resources and established mining and agriculture industries.

The nation’s export partners are diverse, with major stakeholders including India, which accounts for 21% of exports, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates each with 19%, South Africa at 9%, Israel at 7%, Hong Kong at 6%, and Singapore at 5%. This diverse range of export destinations reflects Botswana’s global trade reach and strategic trade relationships across continents.

On the import front, Botswana’s import figures for 2021 stood at $9.277 billion. The principal imports for the country are diamonds, refined petroleum, cars, delivery trucks, and electricity. These imports are crucial for supporting Botswana’s industrial and infrastructural development. The major import partners are predominantly regional, with South Africa leading at 58%, followed by Namibia at 9%, and Canada at 7%. The heavy reliance on South African imports indicates the close economic ties and logistical convenience between the two nations.

Renewable Energies Used

Like many other countries, Botswana increasingly focuses on renewable energy sources to diversify its energy mix and reduce carbon emissions. Given the country’s high solar irradiance, solar energy is a key area of focus. The government has been implementing projects to harness solar power for large-scale energy production and small-scale applications in rural areas. There are also initiatives to explore other renewable sources, such as wind and bioenergy, though these are still nascent compared to solar energy development.

Telecommunication Data, Calling Code

Botswana’s telecommunications sector has grown significantly, with notably high mobile penetration rates. The country’s calling code is +267. Mobile networks provide extensive coverage, and a growing focus is on expanding broadband and internet services. The government and private sector are working together to enhance digital infrastructure, aiming to improve connectivity, especially in remote areas. This enhancement is crucial for driving Botswana’s economic growth and ensuring greater access to digital services for its citizens.

Transport Infrastructure

Transport infrastructure in Botswana is a mix of well-developed and emerging facilities. The country has a reasonably extensive road network, with major highways connecting key cities and towns. However, some rural areas remain less accessible. Botswana’s railway network, primarily used for freight, plays a vital role in its mining industry, particularly for transporting minerals for export. Air transport is also developing, with major airports in cities like Gaborone and Maun facilitating both domestic and international connectivity.

More Interesting Facts

Botswana is known for its rich biodiversity and unique landscapes, including the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has one of the highest concentrations of African elephants in the world. Its extensive national parks and reserves network exemplifies the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Additionally, Botswana has a remarkable history of stable democratic governance since its independence in 1966, making it a unique example of political stability in the region. Its economy is heavily reliant on diamond mining, making it one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds.

Did you know?

Diamond Giant: Botswana is the world’s largest producer of diamonds by value, transforming its economy from one of the poorest in the world to a middle-income nation. The discovery of diamonds in the late 1960s played a crucial role in this economic transformation.
Unique Delta in the Desert: The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the world’s largest inland deltas. Unlike most deltas, it does not flow into an ocean or sea. Instead, it disperses into the Kalahari Desert, creating an extraordinary and lush ecosystem in the midst of arid land.
Conservation Success Story: Botswana is a global leader in wildlife conservation and is home to some of the world’s most significant elephant populations. The country has established large areas as wildlife reserves and is known for its strong anti-poaching measures.
San People’s Heritage: The San people, also known as the Bushmen, are one of the oldest cultures in the world and have lived in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana for thousands of years. Their unique knowledge of the land and survival techniques in a harsh environment is a remarkable aspect of human history.
A Peaceful Nation: Since its independence in 1966, Botswana has maintained a stable representative democracy, making it one of the most stable countries in Africa. It’s known for its strong tradition of stable governance and peaceful transitions of power.
Salt Pans from Space: The Makgadikgadi Pan, a vast network of salt pans in Botswana, is so large that it’s visible from space. These pans are remnants of an ancient lake and become a breeding ground for flamingos during the wet season.
Unique Geological Feature: The Tsodilo Hills, located in the Kalahari Desert, are of great cultural and spiritual significance to the San people. These hills contain over 4,500 rock paintings in just a 10 square kilometer area, making it one of the world’s highest concentrations of rock art.
Diverse Ecosystems: Despite its arid reputation, Botswana features diverse ecosystems, from the Kalahari Desert’s dry savannahs to the Okavango Delta’s wetlands. This variety supports many wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and rhinos.
Tswana Culture: The Tswana people form the majority in Botswana, and their culture, language (Setswana), and traditions are cornerstones of the national identity. The traditional Tswana dance, music, and cuisine are integral to Botswana’s cultural heritage.

These fascinating facts about Botswana highlight its remarkable journey, rich cultural heritage, and unique natural wonders, making it an intriguing and important country both regionally and globally.

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