Your guide to being an expatriate in Botswana

Demographics of Botswana:

Religion Overview

Botswana is a predominantly Christian nation, with evangelical and other Protestant churches being the largest religious group. Roman Catholics and traditional African religions also have a considerable presence.

Major Religions

Climate

Botswana has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season typically starts in October and ends in April.

Economy Overview

Botswana has one of the most successful economies in Africa, enjoying high levels of economic freedom, low levels of corruption, and an innovative private sector. Botswana's economy is primarily driven by diamond mining, which accounts for approximately 60% of exports and provides a significant portion of government revenue.

Key Industries

• Diamond mining
• Tourism
• Diversified manufacturing
• Banking and finance

Major Companies

• De Beers Group
• BCL (Botswana) Ltd
• Barclays Bank of Botswana
• Burger King Botswana
• Choppies Enterprises Ltd

Culture and Language Overview

Botswana's rich and vibrant culture reflects a unique blend of traditional African values and the modern influences brought by outsiders. Some cultural highlights include traditional dances, handicrafts, and festivals such as the Ga-Rankgabadzha Annual Festival and the Notwane River Festival. Botswana's official languages are Setswana, English, and Shekgalagari.

Cultural Highlights

• Traditional dance - The Kgotla dance is a traditional men's dance that involves vigorous movements and rhythmic clapping.
• Handicrafts - Traditional art and craft items such as baskets, carvings, and clay pots are commonly sold in local markets and craft centers.
• Festivals - The annual Ga-Rankgabadzha Festival is a celebration of Setswana and Batswana culture through traditional music, dance, and cultural exhibits.
• Notwane River Festival - Also known as Motoposono, this annual festival celebrates the traditions of the Bakgatla-BaKgafela tribe through music, dance, and traditional crafts.

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Botswana is primarily a flat and dry country, with massive salt pans covers major areas of the northeast corner of the country. The country is also famous for its sprawling wildlife reserves such as the Chobe National Park and the Moremi Game Reserve.

Notable Landmarks

• Chobe National Park - Spanning over 11,000 square kilometers, this national park boasts some of the world's most impressive Big Five populations and is home to around 120,00 elephants.
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - Located along the border with South Africa and Namibia, this vast transfrontier park is home to an array of wildlife and offers visitors some of the most stunning sunsets in Africa.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• President's Day (January 2)
• Human Rights Day (March 21)
• Botswana Day (September 30)
• Family Day (December 26)

Political Stability

Botswana is known for its peaceful and stable political environment, with regular elections, a relatively free press, and a functioning judiciary. Despite facing some challenges in recent years, including corruption and economic headwinds, Botswana's political environment remains an attractive attraction for foreign investors.