Things to know about Botswana as Kagame visits Gaborone

President Paul Kagame is expected in Gaborone from May 6 to 7 for a state visit aimed at deepening ties between Rwanda and Botswana. The visit follows the Second Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), where officials from both countries reviewed progress and prepared new agreements expected to boost collaboration in trade, tourism, transport connectivity, animal vaccines, and the diamond value chain. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Botswana officials talk cooperation ahead of Kagame’s visit to Gaborone Here are 10 things Rwandans should know about Botswana: 1. Language, population and identity in Botswana Botswana has a population of about 2.4 million people, making it one of the more sparsely populated countries in Africa despite its relatively large land area. The majority of citizens belong to the Tswana ethnic group, which forms the cultural and linguistic backbone of the country. People from Botswana are called Batswana (singular: Motswana), while the national language is Setswana. The language is widely spoken across the country and is also one of the official languages in neighbouring South Africa. English is the country’s official working language and is used in government, education, and business. However, it is not the primary language spoken at home for most citizens. 2. It is one of the world’s leading diamond producers Botswana’s economy was transformed after diamonds were discovered in Orapa in 1967. Today, diamond mining remains the backbone of the economy, generating around $1 billion annually and making the country one of the world’s largest diamond producers. 3. Botswana has the world’s largest elephant population The country is home to about 130,000 elephants, the highest number globally. Chobe National Park is particularly famous for its massive elephant herds and rich biodiversity. 4. Nearly 40% of its land is protected Botswana is a continental leader in wildlife conservation, with nearly 40 per cent of its territory designated as national parks, reserves, and wildlife management areas. This has made it one of Africa’s most successful eco-tourism destinations. 5. It is home to one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders The Okavango Delta is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The inland delta attracts elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species, making Botswana a top safari destination. 6. Tourism is a major economic pillar Botswana’s tourism model focuses on high-value, low-volume travel. Rather than mass tourism, the country prioritises exclusive safari experiences and premium conservation-based tourism. According to Botswana eVisa, an electronic travel authorisation granted to eligible foreign nationals before entry, safari tourists usually spend between $200 and $500 per day, while visitors travelling to see friends and relatives typically spend about $50 to $100 per day. 7. The Kalahari Desert covers most of the country More than 70 percent of Botswana lies within the Kalahari. Despite its dry landscape, the region supports diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems. The desert also shapes much of Botswana’s climate and way of life. 8. Botswana is home to one of the world’s oldest cultures The San people, among the oldest known human cultures, continue to live in Botswana. Their traditions, storytelling, and bushcraft practices remain an important part of the country’s heritage. 9. It has one of Africa’s most remarkable historical sites Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains thousands of ancient rock paintings. Some archaeological findings there date back tens of thousands of years. 10. It is one of Africa’s most stable democracies Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966 and has maintained uninterrupted democratic governance since then. The country holds regular elections every five years and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s least corrupt nations.

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Things to know about Botswana as Kagame visits Gaborone