Fact 1: The Land of Giants
Botswana is colloquially known as the "Land of Giants" due to the staggering number of elephants residing there. It is currently home to the largest population of elephants in the world, with their numbers estimated to be over 130,000. This is approximately one third of the entire African elephant population!
Fact 2: National Symbol – The Zebra
Botswana's national animal symbol is the zebra. This black and white striped beauty's depiction on the national emblem represents the nation's aspiration for unity regardless of ethnicity or race. Its colors also echo those of the national flag, symbolizing harmony.
Fact 3: The World's Largest Inland Delta
The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, is the largest inland delta in the world. Unlike many deltas that flow into a body of water such as a sea or ocean, the Okavango Delta's water disappears into the Kalahari desert, creating a fascinating and uniquely diverse ecosystem that teems with wildlife.
Fact 4: Literacy Rate
Botswana boasts one of the highest literacy rates in Africa, with over 85% of its population being literate. This is attributed to the government's heavy investment in education, which accounts for over 20% of their total public expenditure.
Fact 5: Mysterious Rock Formations
The Tsodilo Hills are one of Botswana's most captivating geological features. These quartzite hills are home to over 4500 rock paintings, some of which date back more than 20,000 years. They are considered a sacred site by the local San people, often referred to as the "Louvre of the Desert."
Fact 6: A Salt Lover's Paradise
The Makgadikgadi Pan, a large salt pan situated in the middle of the dry savanna of northeastern Botswana, is one of the largest salt flats in the world. The pan is all that remains of Lake Makgadikgadi, a massive lake that dried up thousands of years ago.
Fact 7: Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearly 40% of Botswana's land is made up of national parks, reserves, and wildlife management areas. The most notable among these is the Chobe National Park, known for its large population of elephants, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the world’s largest game reserves.
Fact 8: Diamond Powerhouse
Botswana mines more diamonds than any other country in the world, which makes the diamond industry a crucial part of its economy. It has been reported that Botswana actually produces over 20% of the world's diamonds.
Fact 9: Mostly Desert
Around 70% of Botswana's land is covered by the Kalahari Desert – a semi-arid, sandy savanna that covers much of Botswana, and extends into South Africa and Namibia too.
Fact 10: World's Quietest Place?
The small village of Khutse in Botswana is often considered one of the quietest places on earth. Its remote location and sparse population make it perfect for those seeking a little peace, quiet and solitude.
Fact 11: No Fences
In Botswana, you will find few fences. The lack of barriers allows wildlife to roam freely across the vast landscapes, which makes for exceptional wildlife viewing and an unforgettable experience.
Fact 12: Unique Zebra Migration
Botswana is home to Africa's second-largest zebra migration. Thousands of zebras make their way to the Makgadikgadi Pans in search of water during the rainy season in what is a marvellous spectacle.
Fact 13: Three Chiefs
Botswana's Coat of Arms features three waves that represent the three chiefs who traveled to England to secure protection from the British against the Boers from South Africa and the Imperial Germany from Southwest Africa.
Fact 14: Cricket Enthusiasts
Cricket, an unlikely sport you'd associate with an African nation, is growing rapidly in popularity in Botswana, with the national team even ranked internationally by the International Cricket Council.
Fact 15: Landlocked But Not Left Out
Despite being a landlocked country, Botswana harbors a rich population of hippos and crocodiles in and around the Okavango Delta and Chobe River. In fact, Chobe National Park is known to have one of the highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles in all of Africa.
Fact 16: Age of Dinosaurs
Several dinosaur footprints have been uncovered in Botswana, indicating that these giant beasts once roamed this African nation. In 2008, the first dinosaur named by Botswana scientists - the "high horned" Massospondylus, a herbivore that lived about 180 million years ago, was discovered near the village of Mosu.
Fact 17: A Two-City Capital?
Botswana is said to have a "two-city" capital. While Gaborone is the official capital and commercial city, Lobatse is considered the judicial capital because it houses the nation's High Court.
Fact 18: Longest Serving Democratic Republic in Africa
Botswana is Africa's oldest continuing democracy. Since gaining independence from British rule in 1966, Botswana has held free and fair democratic elections.
Fact 19: Power of Solar Energy
Botswana makes widespread use of solar energy. With an average of over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, many rural areas in the country derive their energy from portable solar panels.
Fact 20: Botswana's Ghost Town
Kolmanskop, located in the Namib desert in southern Namibia, close to the port town of Lüderitz is often referred to as Botswana’s ghost town. Originally a bustling diamond town, it was abandoned in 1954. Today, its buildings are being slowly swallowed by the sand, offering an eerily beautiful scene for tourists.