Country
Countries A-Z
Botswana
Republic of Botswana
Political Status: Independent republic within the Commonwealth since September 30, 1966.
Area: 231, 804 sq. mi. (600, 372 sq. km.).
Population: 1, 680, 863 (2001C); 1, 823, 000 (2010E).
Major Urban Centers (2005E): GABORONE (213, 000), Francistown (91, 000), Molepolole (64, 000), Selebi-Pikwe (54, 000).
Official Language: English (SeTswana is widely spoken).
Monetary Unit: Pula (official rate November 1, 2010: 6.58 pula = $1US).
President: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Seretse Ian KHAMA (Botswana Democratic Party); appointed to a five-year term on April 1, 2008, by President Festus MOGAE (Botswana Democratic Party), who retired the same day after having served as president since April 1, 1998; sworn in on April 1 with a new government; mandate renewed following National Assembly elections on October 16, 2009; sworn in for a five-year term ...