Page 49 - Meetings Botswana 2024 FINAL

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Meetings Botswana 2024
E S S E N T I A L F A C T S
The Republic of Botswana is a multi-
party democracy. Botswana became
independent on 30 September 1966.
The country has an Executive President.
The National Assembly elects the
President for a term of five years. The
current President is His Excellency
Mokgweetsi Masisi.
GEOGRAPHY
Botswana is roughly the size of France
or Texas, with a surface area of 581,730
sq km. It is entirely landlocked, bordered
by its neighbours South Africa, Namibia,
Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana is
84% covered by the Kalahari (Kgalagadi)
Desert. Most of the population is settled in
the east and southeast of the country.
POPULATION
The total population estimated for 2022 is
2,346,179, declining at a rate of 1.4% from
1.9% per annum. The population is heavily
weighted towards younger age groups.
About 33% of the population is younger
than 15 years of age. Over 63% of the
population is settled in urban areas (cities,
towns and urban villages).
URBAN CENTRES
Gaborone, in the extreme southeast,
is the capital city. It’s population is
approximately 289,700. It has good
communications by road and air to South
Africa. Other main towns are Francistown
(118,125), Lobatse (26,056), Selebi-
Phikwe (45,542), Jwaneng (21,381), Orapa
(9,528) and Sowa (4,518).
CLIMATE: SUMMER
December to March. High temperatures
average 30c to 35c with lows around 18c
and rain particularly between December
and March.
WINTER
June to August. Daytime temperatures
around 23c with night-time lows averaging
5c.
AIR BOTSWANA
The National airline’s schedule of
international flights now includes flights
between: Gaborone and Johannesburg,
Gaborone and Harare, Gaborone and
Lusaka, Gaborone and Cape Town,
Maun and Johannesburg, Kasane and
Johannesburg. Domestic flights run
between: Gaborone and Francistown,
Gaborone and Maun, Gaborone and
Kasane, Kasane and Maun. Other Airlines
offer direct flights from Gaborone to Addis
Ababa.
VISAS
Visitors from the European Union, most
Commonwealth countries and the USA
do not require visas. Visitors from other
countries should check with Botswana
embassies or consulates. Visas are initially
granted for 30 days and may be extended
for a total of three months.
(For more information, visit the Botswana
Government website: www.gov.bw/en/
Visitors/Topics/Before-You-Go/Before-
You-Go1/)
DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCE
The following goods declared on arrival
are duty free: Two litres of wine, one litre of
spirits, 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, 250gm of
cigarette and pipe tobacco, 50ml perfume,
250ml eau de toilette. All goods acquired
outside Botswana must be declared upon
entry to the country.
DEPARTURE TAX
International P100, Local P50
PEOPLE
Batswana are the most numerous people
in the country, forming about 78.2% of the
population and speaking the Setswana
language. (Batswana also refers to
citizens of Botswana.) They have settled in
nearly all parts of the country. The oldest
ethnic group is the San. Over 80% of the
population lives in the eastern region.
LANGUAGES
The official language is English, which is
used in government and business affairs.
Setswana is the national language, and is
widely spoken. Other ethnic groups speak
their own languages.
BUSINESS HOURS
Private sector:
Monday to Friday 8am-5pm
Government offices:
Monday - Friday 7.30am –4.30pm
TIME
GMT plus 2 hours.
CURRENCY
The Pula is divided into 100 thebe. Notes
are P200, P100, P50, P20 and P10. Coins
are P5, P2, P1 and thebe 50t, 25t, 10t and
5t.
BANKS
Eight main commercial banks – as well as
a number of foreign exchange bureaux –
operate in Botswana.
Banking hours:
Monday - Friday 8.30am–3.30pm
Saturday 8.30am to 11.00am
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1 January: New Year’s Day
2 January: Public holiday
March/April (variable): Good Friday and
Easter Monday
1 May: Labour Day
May (variable): Ascension Day
1 July: Sir Seretse Khama Day
21 July: President’s Day
(and following day)
30 September: Independence Day (and
following day)
1 December: Public holiday
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Boxing Day
EMBASSIES AND HIGH
COMMISSIONS
The following countries have diplomatic
representation in Botswana: Angola,
Brazil, Cuba, China, Ethiopia, France,
Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Libya,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Russia,
Republic of South Africa, Turkey, Sweden,
United Kingdom, United States of
America, Zambia, Zimbabwe.