AFRICA

BW flag Botswana

Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Population 2.4 million
Exchange Rate 1 USD = 12.14 BWP
Advisory Level 2
GDP/Capita $7,696
Health Alerts 0
Last Updated Apr 27, 2026
BW flag Botswana
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About BotswanaOverview, geography, and key facts
Flag of Botswana

Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Botswana is topographically flat, with approximately 70% of its territory being a part of the Kalahari Desert. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. With a population of slightly over 2.4 million people and a comparable land area to France, Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. While it is not enshrined by statutory law, Botswana is de facto the nation state of the Batswana people, who constitute nearly 80% of the population while legally undistinguished Kalanga people, who account for another 11%, are the single largest ethnic minority.

Capital Gaborone
Population 2.4 million
Area 582,000 km²
Languages English, Tswana
Currency Botswana pula (BWP)
GDP/Capita $7,696
Source: U.S. Department of State, Wikipedia, REST Countries API
Travel AdvisoryU.S. Department of State
Gov Data
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to heightened risks to safety and security.

Currency & Economy

Currency
Botswana pula (BWP)
Exchange Rate
1 USD = 12.14 BWP
GDP
$19.4B
GDP per Capita
$7,696

Visa Fee Estimate

$185 USD 2,245 BWP
Based on current Treasury exchange rate

Development

Life Expectancy
69.2 years
Geography & Practical Details
Region
Africa
Capital
Gaborone
Area
582,000 km²
Population
2,359,609
Timezone
UTC+02:00
Languages
English, Tswana
Calling Code
+267
Drives On
Left
ISO Code
BW