Administrative Districts of Botswana: A Comprehensive Guide to All 17 Divisions
Explore the 10 administrative districts and 7 urban districts of Botswana. Understand their capitals, populations, densities, and roles in the nation’s governance and development.
Importance of Administrative Divisions in Botswana
The Republic of Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, relies heavily on its administrative districts to deliver public services, manage resources, and ensure equitable development. The division of the country into distinct districts enables better governance, efficient distribution of resources, and stronger connections between the central government and local communities.
Structure of Local Governance
Botswana is administratively divided into 10 main districts, 2 cities, and 5 towns, making a total of 17 local authority areas. These are administered through local councils, including district councils, city councils, and town councils, which operate under the guidance of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
Categories: Districts, Cities, and Towns
Administrative Districts (10): These include large rural areas governed primarily through district councils.
Cities (2): Gaborone and Francistown serve as the primary urban hubs.
Towns (5): Lobatse, Selebi-Phikwe, Orapa, Jwaneng, and Sowa are smaller urban centers with distinct administrative responsibilities.
Southern District
Capital: Kanye
With a population of 221,928 spread over 28,470 km², the Southern District is one of the historically significant areas of Botswana. The town of Kanye, its capital, is the traditional seat of the Bangwaketse tribe and plays a vital role in local governance and education.
Demographics and Development
Despite its vast area, Southern District has a low population density (7.8/km²). The district’s economy is primarily agricultural, with cattle rearing and subsistence farming being common.
South-East District
Capital: Ramotswa
Located near the capital city, this compact district spans just 1,780 km², making it the smallest by area. However, with a population of 111,440, its density (62.61/km²) is among the highest in the country.
Population Density and Urban Growth
South-East District benefits from its proximity to Gaborone, contributing to urban spillover, residential development, and infrastructure growth.
Kweneng District
Capital: Molepolole
Kweneng District is one of Botswana’s most populous regions, with 387,983 residents over an area of 31,100 km². Its capital, Molepolole, is a major traditional and educational center.
Strategic Role in National Infrastructure
Kweneng connects central Botswana to western regions and plays a vital role in transport, trade, and education.
Kgatleng District
Capital: Mochudi
This district houses 121,882 people within 7,960 km². Its capital, Mochudi, is known for its rich Bakgatla tribal heritage.
Cultural Significance and Population
The district combines cultural tourism, agriculture, and proximity to the South African border to shape its identity.
Central District
Capital: Serowe
As the largest district by both area (147,730 km²) and population (652,085), Central District is the heart of Botswana. Serowe, its capital, is the birthplace of many national leaders and a stronghold of traditional leadership.
Botswana’s Largest District by Area and Population
This district includes important towns like Palapye, Mahalapye, and Letlhakane. Its economic base spans agriculture, mining, and education, making it pivotal to Botswana’s development.
North-East District
Capital: Masunga
Home to 69,352 residents over 5,120 km², the North-East District is compact yet culturally rich, with strong ties to Zimbabwean border regions.
Key Features and Density
It boasts a relatively high population density of 13.5/km², with fertile lands supporting subsistence and commercial agriculture.
Chobe District
Capital: Kasane
With just 28,743 residents spread across 20,800 km², Chobe is sparsely populated but rich in natural beauty.
Low Density and Tourism Potential
Kasane serves as a gateway to Chobe National Park, making tourism the district’s main economic driver.
North-West District (Ngamiland)
Capital: Maun
The North-West District, also known as Ngamiland, covers 109,130 km² and has a population of 198,436.
Gateway to the Okavango Delta
Maun, the district capital, is Botswana’s tourism capital and an entry point to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The district’s economy relies on eco-tourism, fishing, and crafts.
Ghanzi District
Capital: Ghanzi
With a population of 56,555 over 117,910 km², Ghanzi is one of the most sparsely populated areas in Botswana, with a density of just 0.48/km².
Economic Activities and Sparse Population
Ghanzi is known for commercial cattle farming and the preservation of San (Bushmen) culture.
Kgalagadi District
Capital: Tsabong
The Kgalagadi District covers 105,200 km², home to 58,857 people. With a density of 0.56/km², it shares many characteristics with Ghanzi.
Remote Living and Desert Climate
Its arid climate and remote location make it ideal for conservation tourism and traditional livestock farming.
Urban Districts in Botswana
Cities: Gaborone and Francistown
Gaborone (Population: 246,325): The national capital and commercial hub.
Francistown (Population: 103,417): A mining town and second-largest city.
Towns: Lobatse, Selebi-Phikwe, Orapa, Jwaneng, and Sowa
Lobatse: Administrative and legal center (29,772).
Selebi-Phikwe: Former mining town (42,488).
Orapa: Diamond mining capital (8,648).
Jwaneng: Hosts the world’s richest diamond mine (18,784).
Sowa: Known for soda ash mining (2,914).
Local Authorities and Councils
How Districts Are Governed
Botswana’s 17 districts are governed by local councils, which operate under laws enacted by Parliament. Councils handle services such as:
Education
Health
Infrastructure
Waste management
Role of District, City, and Town Councils
Each local authority ensures community representation, infrastructure maintenance, and collaboration with central government departments.
Demographic Insights
Population and Density Trends by District
Most Populous: Central District (652,085)
Least Populous: Sowa (2,914)
Densest: South-East District (62.61/km²)
Least Dense: Ghanzi District (0.48/km²)
This diversity reflects Botswana’s mixed geography—from urban centers to vast rural landscapes.
Geographic and Economic Diversity
Regional Contrasts and Resource Distribution
Botswana’s districts vary greatly in:
Economic focus (tourism, mining, agriculture)
Geography (desert, delta, savannah)
Development levels
This diversity demands tailored development strategies across regions.
FAQs About Administrative Districts of Botswana
1. How many administrative districts does Botswana have? There are 10 administrative districts, 2 cities, and 5 towns—totaling 17 local authority areas.
2. What is the most populated district in Botswana? Central District, with over 652,000 people.
3. Which district has the largest land area? Central District, covering 147,730 km².
4. What is the smallest district by area? South-East District, at just 1,780 km².
5. Which city is the capital of Botswana? Gaborone.
6. Which districts are most dependent on tourism? Chobe and North-West Districts due to their proximity to national parks and the Okavango Delta.
