Page 49 - Meetings Botswana 2020

ESSENTIAL FACTS
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 2019 is 2,303,697, growing at a rate of 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. Its population is approximately 232 000. It has good communications by road and air to South Africa. Other main towns are Francistown (98,961), Lobatse (29,007), Selebi-Phikwe (49,411), Jwaneng (18,008), Orapa (9,531) and Sowa (3,598 ).
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 expanded schedule of international flights now includes flights between: Gaborone and Johannesburg, Gaborone and Harare, Gaborone and Lusaka, Maun and Johannesburg, Kasane and Johannesburg, Francistown and Johannesburg, Maun and Cape Town. Domestic flights run between Gaborone and Francistown, Gaborone and Maun, Gaborone and Kasane, and Maun and Kasane.
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 to 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
Ten main commercial banks – as well as a number of foreign exchange bureaux – operate in Botswana. Banking hours: Monday to 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, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
MEETINGS BOTSWANA 2020 49