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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: 2,024,904 (2011C); 2,155,784 (2014E—U.S. Census).
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 October 1, 2014: 9.47 pula = $1US).
President: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (Botswana Democratic Party); elevated (as constitutionally ordained) from the vice presidency to the presidency on April 1, 2008, to succeed President Festus MOGAE (Botswana Democratic Party), who had retired the same day; sworn in for a five-year term on October 20, 2009, after his mandate was renewed by the National Assembly following the legislative elections on October 16; sworn in for another five-year term on October ...