Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. It is a large wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and saltpans. The most important industry sector in Botswana is the country’s diamond industry. Tourism, and agriculture are also important. It is the world’s biggest diamond producer in the world. It achieved independence from UK on 30 September 1966.

The events held in the country are New Year’s Day, Easter, Ascension Day in April or May and Labor Day on 1 May. Christmas is celebrated for 3 days. Christmas Day on 25 December following Boxing Day on 26th and 27th of December.

One of the attractions of the country is Gaborone. It is a large village mainly known for the National Museum and Art Gallery. The museum has the collection of historic artifacts and stuffed animals, traditional and modern African and European artworks. Other attractions include Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and Serowe. Chobe National Park has varieties of wildlife. The attraction of the park is the herds of up to 500 elephants and animals like lions, cheetahs, hippos and many number of bird species. Okavango Delta is described as the river which never finds the sea. It is the largest inland delta in the world. The Okavango disappears into a 15,000 sq km maze of lagoons, channels and islands in north-western Botswana. Serowe is Botswana’s largest village. The highlight of the village is the Khama III Memorial Museum that tells the story of the chiefs of the Ngwato people. The museum also exhibits the personal effects of King Khama III and artefacts representing the history of Serowe.

Botswana cuisines include millet and shorghum porridge, morama - an immense underground tuber and Kalahari truffle - an edible fungus. Traditional drinks include palm wine, a less than legal, extremely potent swill and Kgadi made from distilled brown sugar or fungus.

Location : Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Area : 600,370 sq km

Highest Point : Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m

Climate : Semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Full Country Name : Republic of Botswana

Capital City : Gaborone

Government : Parliamentary Republic

Head of the State : President Festus Mogae

Major Industries : Diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing; textiles

Major Trading Partners : European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Zimbabwe

Major Imports : Foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products, metal and metal products

Major Exports : Diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat and textiles

Currency : Pula (BWP)

Population : 1,800,000

Language : Setswana, Kalanga, Sekgalagadi and English (official)

Religion : Christian, Badimo and others