Brief History

Botswana has been inhabited by humans for a very long time, some think it could have been as early as 200,000 years ago. The San and Khoi people were early inhabitants of the areas of Botswana and South Africa. They were first hunters and gatherers, and later some became pastoralists. Meanwhile, Bantu-speaking farmers gradually migrated to the area that is now Botswana. These people occupied the area up to the Iron Age. When European traders arrived on the coast of Africa, the economy of Botswana changed. They began to trade ivory, cattle, and slaves. During this time, King Sechele, who ruled from 1829-18292, allied himself with British traders. He was baptized by David Livingstone, and also helped fight the Boers. From 1867-1869, white miners came to the area of Botswana in search of gold. To prevent Germany and other European nations from claiming land, the British proclaimed a protectorate over their allies in Africa. This protectorate included the region that is now Botswana. Later, over a period of time, Botswana peacefully separated from Britain. It became an independent country on September 30, 1966.

National Flag

The flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of a blue background, a large yellow triangle, and nine diagonal stars. These stars represent Europe, and to imply that these starts are infinite, the top and bottom ones are cut off. The triangle represents the simplified shape of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The colors, yellow, white, and blue are often associated with peace and neutrality.

Geography

Botswana is a landlocked country located in central southern Africa. It is bordered by Namibia to the north and west, Zimbabwe to the east, and South Africa to the south. Botswana is mostly flat, with some hills. The majority of Botswana is covered by the semi-arid Kalahari desert. In Northern Botswana, the Okavango Delta provides an oasis with salt lakes and pans.

 

World Land Mass Ranking: 47th
Highest Mountain: Monalanong Hill, 4,902 ft (1494 meters)
Longest River: Limpopo, 1,087 miles

 

Main Languages

English, Setswana

Botswana Population: 2.3 million (as of 2018)
Capital City: Gaborone
Capital City Population: 231,592 (as of 2011)

Climate

The climate of Botswana is arid, semi-arid, or sub-tropical, depending on the area. Botswana is very dry, and has a low annual rainfall. The seasons are usually pretty indistinct, but there is a rainy season and a dry season. The wet season is from November to March, when it is quite hot and humid. The dry season is from April to October.

Key People

• Seretse Khama
• Dipsy Selowane
• Amantle Montsho

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  Cuisine

  The cuisine of Botswana shares characteristics with cuisine from other southern African countries. Many crops are grown in Botswana, some main ones are corn, sorghum, beans, and peanuts. Many fruits are also grown in Botswana, including marula and several different melon varieties. It is believed that watermelon may have originated in Botswana, and it is very popular there. The two most common meats in Botswana are beef and goat. The national dish of Botswana is seswaa, which is stewed and salted meat. It is usually beef, although goat, chicken, and lamb can also be used.

  The picture is a picture of seswaa and bogobe being cooked outdoors.

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  Sports

  The people of Botswana love sports, and play a variety of them. Football, or soccer, is the most popular sport in Botswana, most likely due to British influence. Other popular sports include rugby, cricket, tennis, softball, track and field, golf, and badminton. Botswana has participated in eight summer Olympics, and no winter Olympics. In the 2012 London games, Nijel Amos won a silver medal in the 800m, which was Botswana’s first and only Olympic medal to date.

  The picture is a picture of Nijel Amos.

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  Culture

  Each ethnic group in Botswana has a distinct culture. These different cultures combine together, creating a patchwork of beliefs and customs that defines the culture of Botswana. Arts and crafts are an important part of Botswana culture, including pottery, basket weaving, wooden art, and painting. Music is also an integral part of Botswana culture. Both traditional folk music and more modern styles are common throughout the country.  The people of Botswana are welcoming and humble. The most prominent religion in Botswana is Christianity.

  The picture is a picture of traditional Botswana baskets.

   

  Botswana is a beautiful country with wonderful people.

   

  Download questions about the Botswana here: Botswana (answers are on this page)

  Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on Botswana. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets

  For further reading and more info on the Botswana visit https://kids.kiddle.co/Botswana