List of Botswana's 17 Districts

Botswana is divided into 17 major areas: 10 administrative districts, 2 cities, and 5 towns. These are administered by local authorities (district councils, city councils or town councils)

The 17 Districts of Botswana are:

Central
Chobe
Francistown
Gaborone
Ghanzi
Jwaneng
Kgalagadi
Kgatleng
Kweneng
Lobatse
North East
North West
Orapa
Selibe Phikwe
South East
Southern
Sowa

There are 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.

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, known for its stable democracy, thriving economy, and vast wilderness areas. Below is a concise overview covering key aspects of the country.

1. General Information

Official Name: Republic of Botswana
Capital: Gaborone
Population: ~2.4 million (2023 est.)
Area: 581,730 km² (224,607 sq mi)
Official Languages: English (official), Setswana (national)
Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
Independence: 30 September 1966 (from the UK)
Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
President: Mokgweetsi Masisi (since 2018)

2. Geography & Climate

Landscape: Dominated by the Kalahari Desert (covering ~70% of the country) and the Okavango Delta (world’s largest inland delta).
Key Regions:
Okavango Delta – UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in wildlife.
Chobe National Park – Famous for large elephant herds.
Kalahari Desert – Home to the San (Bushmen) people.
Makgadikgadi Pans – One of the world’s largest salt flats.
Climate: Semi-arid; hot summers (Oct–Mar) and mild winters (Apr–Sep).

3. Economy

GDP: ~$18.6 billion (2023 est.)
Main Industries:
Diamond mining (Botswana is one of the world’s top producers).
Tourism (wildlife safaris, eco-tourism).
Beef exports (historically significant).
Financial services & manufacturing (growing sectors).
Economic Strengths:
Low corruption, stable governance.
Strong currency (Pula is one of Africa’s strongest).
Upper-middle-income country (since 1994).

4. Politics & Governance

Political System: Multi-party democracy (one of Africa’s most stable).
Dominant Party: Botswana Democratic Party (BDP, in power since independence).
Key Policies:
No resource curse (diamond wealth benefits the population).
Free education & healthcare (up to secondary level).
Wildlife conservation (40% of land is protected).

5. Society & Culture

Ethnic Groups:
Tswana (79%) – Largest ethnic group.
Kalanga (11%), San (3%), others (7%).
Religion: Predominantly Christian (~70%), traditional beliefs, minority Muslim & Hindu.
Key Traditions:
Dikgafela (Respect for Elders) – Core cultural value.
Music & Dance – Traditional styles like Setapa and Tsutsube.
Cuisine – Staple foods include seswaa (pounded meat), bogobe (sorghum porridge), and mopane worms.

6. Tourism & Wildlife

Top Attractions:
Okavango Delta – Mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris.
Chobe National Park – Largest elephant population in Africa.
Moremi Game Reserve – Big Five sightings.
Tsodilo Hills – UNESCO site with ancient rock art.
Wildlife: Home to lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and endangered species like African wild dogs.

7. Challenges

HIV/AIDS – High prevalence (~20% of adults), though treatment programs are strong.
Unemployment (~20%, especially among youth).
Dependence on diamonds (efforts to diversify the economy).
Water scarcity (climate change impacts).