Government
The Republic of Botswana is a multi-party democracy with elections held every five years. The President is the Head of State, and the current President is His Excellency Lt. Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama. It became independent in 1966. The 15-member Ntlo Ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs) advises government on customary law and traditional matters.

Geography
Botswana is roughly the size of France or Texas. Its surface area is 581,730 sq km. It is entirely landlocked, bordered by its neighbours South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana is 84% covered by the Kalahari (Kgalagadi) Desert. Most of the population is settled in the east and southeast of the country.

Population
The total population estimated for 2006 is 1.85 million growing at a rate of 2.4% per annum. The population is heavily weighted towards younger age groups. About 43% of the population is younger than 15 years of age. Over 50% of the population is settled in urban areas.

Urban Centres
Gaborone, in the extreme southeast, is the capital city. Its population is almost 250,000. It has good communications by road and air to South Africa. Other main towns are Francistown (105,000), Lobatse (60,000), Selebi-Phikwe (50,000), Ghanzi, Mahalapye, Maun and Kasane.

Climate
Summer: December to March. High temperatures average 30C to 35C with lows around 18C and rain particularly between December and March.
Winter: June to August - daytime temperatures around 23C with night-time lows averaging 5C.

Visas
Visitors from the European Union, most Commonwealth countries and the USA do not require visas. Visitors from other countries should check with Botswana embassies or consulates. Visas are initially granted for 30 days and can be extended for a total of three months. (Visitors from Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka do require visas.)

People
Batswana are the most numerous people in the country, forming about 78.2% of the population and speaking the Setswana language. (Batswana also refers to citizens of Botswana.) They have settled in nearly all parts of the country. The oldest ethnic group is the San. Over 80% of the population lives in the eastern region.

Languages
The official language is English, which is used in goverment and business affairs. Setswana is the national language, and is widely spoken. Other ethnic groups speak their own languages.

Time
GMT plus 2 hours.

Currency
The Pula is divided into 100 thebe. Notes are P200, P100, P50 and P20 and thebe 50t, 25t, 10t and 5t.

Public Holidays
1 January: New Year's Day
2 January: Public Holiday
March/ April (variable): Good Friday and Easter Monday
1 May: Labour Day
June (variable): Ascension day
1 July: Sir Seretse Khama Day
Third Monday in July: President's Day (and following day)
30 September: Independece Day (and following day)
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Boxing Day

International telephone calling
International code +267

Diplomatic Representation
Angola, Brazil, Great Britain, Cuba, China, France, Germany, India, Kenya, Lybia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Russia, Republic of South Africa, Sweden, United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe.