After being a British colony for 80 years, Bechuanaland became the Republic of Botswana on 30th September 1966. This day is now celebrated as Boipuso or Botswana Independence Day.
Botswana means – land of the Tswana. The Tswana are the local people of this region. Now, the word is used to describe all Botswana residents.
About Botswana
The predominant language is Setswana. It is spoken by about 90% of the population.
The Botswana Economy
- Agriculture makes up just 2% of the country’s GDP, – from 85% in 1966. The primary sector employs 23% of the population. Within agriculture, animal husbandry makes up the bulk – Almost 1.6% of the total GDP comes from this. The crops are mostly cereals, with sorghum accounting for 72% of national cereal production followed by maize (17%), and millets (6%).
- The industrial sector makes up almost 30% of the country’s GDP and employs 18% of the population. This sector is mostly diamond processing, food processing, textiles, and mining.
- The services sector makes up the bulk of the Botswana economy – about 60%. It employes 59% of the population.
Botswana Culture
Botswana is a multi-cultural country. There is intermixing among the various religions and the various tribal groups.
Botswana Highlights
Botswana has the Okawango delta.
Kalahari Desert also covers part of Botswana.
Political System
Botswana is a republican democracy.
The National Assembly (like the Parliament in India) is selected through a direct election. This National Assembly then selects the President. The President governs the country. The President selects their own cabinet.