Botswana Population

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Botswana is 2,317,233, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

People in Botswana

Most of the more than two million residents of Botswana belong to the Sotho-Tswana ethnic group. 75 out of 100 residents belong to them. Most of them belong to the Batswana subgroup. Here you can also hear the country name.

Smaller ethnic groups are the Shona, San, Khoikhoi and Ndebele. 3.6 residents live in one square kilometer.

The Bushmen or San

The indigenous people of the country, the San, live in the remote areas of Botswana. As hunters and gatherers, they still lead a traditional life. They are among the oldest residents of Botswana. Some researchers believe they are the oldest people on earth.

For a long time they lived in southern Africa, including Botswana. They were ousted in the 18th and 19th centuries by the Bantu tribes who invaded their tribal area. Then there were the Europeans who pursued the San and ultimately drove them into the desert. But the San were and are very adaptable and could survive even in these very hostile regions.

You live in and with nature. They only take what nature gives them and not in too large quantities so that something can always grow back. They live the way we should all live: sustainably. But not all San still live as traditionally as their ancestors hundreds or even thousands of years ago. They are often displaced and have to hire themselves out as workers, although they prefer life in the bush. When diamonds were found in Botswana in the 1960s, many locals had to leave their country. They are still fighting for and for their country today.

Languages in Botswana

The official languages ​​in Botswana are English and Setswana. English is spoken in government and administration and the major newspapers are also in English. Setswana is a Bantu language. In elementary school, the children first learn in Setswana, then in the secondary schools they are taught in English.

Religions in Botswana

There is no official state religion in the country. About half of the people still live their traditional African faith, the other half are Christians, mostly Protestants. Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists are few in number, especially in the country’s capital.

Botswana Overview

Botswana, situated in Southern Africa, is famous for its stunning wildlife, vast savannas, and commitment to conservation. The country is home to some of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, including the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Kalahari Desert, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and eco-tourism. Gaborone, the capital city, is a modern metropolis with a growing economy fueled by diamond mining and tourism. Botswana’s stable democracy, progressive policies, and thriving tourism industry have earned it the reputation of being one of Africa’s success stories, attracting visitors from around the world.

• Capital City: Gaborone
• Population: Approximately 2.4 million
• Area: 581,730 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Republic of Botswana
• Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
• Language: English, Setswana
• ISO Country Codes: BW, BWA

Bordering Countries of Botswana

Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa to theSouth, Namibia to the west, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the east. South Africa is Botswana’s largest neighbor and also its main trading partner. South Africa has a long history of providing Botswana with electricity, water and other essential services. The border between Botswana and South Africa is around 1,000 kilometers long and runs through the Kalahari Desert. Namibia is another major neighbor of Botswana. It shares an 800-kilometer border with Botswana that runs along the Caprivi Strip in the northeast corner of Namibia. This area is known for its wildlife and vast reserves of minerals including diamonds, copper and gold. Zambia lies on Botswana’s northern border and provides access to Central Africa for landlocked countries in Southern Africa such as Botswana. The border between Zambia and Botswana is around 600 kilometers long and runs through the Okavango Delta which is one of the most pristine wetland ecosystems in Southern Africa. Zimbabwe borders on eastern side of Botswana where it shares a 900 kilometer border with its much larger neighbor. This shared boundary gives Zimbabwe access to some of southern Africa’s most important water sources including Lake Kariba which straddles both sides of their shared border.