Botswana is a country in southern Africa with a population of about 2.485 million people as of March 2023. It is a landlocked country bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Botswana is known for its vibrant culture, breathtaking natural landscapes and unique wildlife. Here are some interesting facts about Botswana:
Capital of Botswana: Gaborone (with a population of 289,221 in March 2023).
Official languages: Setswana and English
Current President of Botswana: Mokgweetsi Masisi since 2018.
Sir Seretse Khama (born 1921, died 1980) was the first president of Botswana from 1966 to 1980. One of his most famous quotes: “It should now be our intention to try to preserve as much of our past as possible. We should write our own history books to prove that we had a past as worth writing and learning about as any other. We must do this for the simple reason that a nation without a past is a lost nation, and a nation without a past is a nation without a soul.”
National animal: the zebra is the national animal of Botswana. Zebras are common there, except in the drier central regions of Botswana. They are most commonly seen in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and Savute.
The coat of arms of Botswana was adopted on January 25, 1966. The middle shield is carried by two zebras. The shape of the shield corresponds to the traditional shields in southern Africa. At the top of the sign are three gears, representing the industry. On the reverse of the coins is the coat of arms of Botswana. The two zebras also symbolize the importance of wildlife to the national economy through tourism. In addition, the zebras have black and white stripes that represent the equality of people of all skin colors in Botswana. At the bottom of the coat of arms is the head of a bull, symbolizing the importance of cattle ranching to Botswana.
Both the currency and the national motto of Botswana are“Pula“, which means “rain”. For the locals, Pula means more than just rain = the wet stuff that falls from the sky: Pula stands for happiness, life and prosperity.
Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world
Despite its large land area of over 581,730 square kilometers, Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. The population density is only 4 people per square kilometer, which means that there is a lot of free space in the country.
Botswana has one of the highest economic growth rates in the world
Since independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, Botswana’s economy has grown rapidly.
Botswana is home to the largest inland delta in the world
The Okavango Delta in northwestern Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world. It is a unique ecosystem that is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions and hippos.
Botswana leads the way in wildlife conservation
Botswana is known for its commitment to wildlife conservation. The country has banned hunting and is home to one of the largest elephant populations in the world. It is also one of the few countries in Africa with a growing population of wild dogs.
Botswana has a vibrant culture
Botswana has a rich cultural heritage with a mix of traditional and modern influences. The country is known for its colorful traditional dress, music and dance.
Botswana is one of the largest diamond producers in the world
Botswana is one of the largest diamond producers in the world, and the diamond industry makes up a large part of the country’s economy. Botswana’s diamond mines are known for producing high quality diamonds, and the country has a reputation for responsible diamond mining.
The traditional cuisine of Botswana
Botswana’s traditional cuisine is simple but tasty and consists of a variety of ingredients such as corn, sorghum, beans, meat and vegetables. Here are some typical dishes in Botswana:
Seswaa: This is the national dish of Botswana and is a stew made from beef, goat or lamb. Boil the meat until it separates from the bones, then mash it with a large wooden spoon or pestle until it is tender and chewy. Seswaa is often served with maize porridge or pap and is a staple food in Botswana.
Pap or mealie meal: Pap is a staple food in Botswana and is made from corn flour or mealie meal. It resembles a thick porridge and is usually eaten with a stew or gravy. Pap is a versatile food that can be eaten at any time of day and is often served with seswaa or beans.
Morogo: This is a green leafy vegetable that resembles spinach and is widely grown in Botswana. It is usually sautéed with onions, tomatoes and chilies and served as a side dish with meat or porridge.
Beans: Beans are a popular source of protein in Botswana and are often cooked with tomatoes, onions and garlic. They are usually served with porridge or bread and are a good alternative for vegetarians.
Bogobe: Bogobe is a thick porridge made from sorghum or corn flour, usually eaten with a stew or soup. It resembles porridge, but is thicker and has a more pronounced taste.
Beef or goat curry: Curry is a popular dish in Botswana and is often made with beef or goat meat. The curry is prepared with a variety of spices and served with rice or porridge.
Vetkoek: Vetkoek is a traditional fried bread that resembles a doughnut. It is made from flour, yeast, sugar and water and often filled with minced meat or jam. Vetkoek is usually eaten as a snack or as a side dish to a meal.
Magwinya: Magwinya is a fried bread that resembles a doughnut and is often filled with minced meat or cheese. It is a popular street food in Botswana and is usually eaten as a snack.
Mopani worms: Mopani worms are a traditional food in Botswana and a good source of protein. They are usually dried and then cooked with onions, tomatoes and chili peppers. Mopani worms are usually eaten as a snack or as a side dish to a meal.
Gold coins from Botswana – our favorites
Botswana is a country rich in mineral resources, especially diamonds. It also hosts a growing community of gold coin collectors interested in the country’s collectible coins.
Although some commemorative coins were issued for Botswana as early as 1966, the first coins did not enter circulation until 1976 at 1 pula / 100 thebe. Botswana introduced the pula along with the South African rand in 1976. The pula is divisible into 100 thebe and was issued by the Bank of Botswana. Since then, the bank has issued several other collectible coins, each featuring a different design highlighting the country’s culture, history, or natural resources.
The gold coin “Independence Anniversary” at 150 Pula from 1976 is another very popular coin among collectors. Edition: 2520 – Theme: “Anniversary of Independence” of Botswana from 1976
Botswana – 1966 – 10 Thebe – Independence – Mintage: 5100 – Theme: Independence of Botswana on 30.09.1966 with the portrait of Sir Seretse Khama, 1st President of the Republic of Botswana (1966-80) this gold coin was minted at the mint of Bern, Switzerland.
Botswana is a country with a unique blend of culture, wildlife and natural beauty. Its commitment to wildlife conservation and thriving economy make it an interesting and inspiring country to visit and learn about. The collectible gold coins from Botswana are highly sought after around the world and it is worth learning more about them.
