Botswana

By: Dara Sturges, Gabby Krieble, Candice Park, and Andy Landschulz

Geography• Location: Southern

Africa, North of South Africa (slightly smaller than Texas)

• Capital City: Gaborone

• Climate: semi-arid; warm winters, hot summers

• Population: 1,842,323

• Terrain: mostly flat, Kalahari Desert in southwest

Government• Parliamentary

Republic

• No clear cut branches

• President of Botswana is both head of state and head of government

• President: Seretse Khama Ian Khama

• Vice President: Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe

• Botswana is the least corrupt country in Africa.

Medical Issues In BotswanaMalaria

• Malaria-infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites

• Found in all areas except for the Southern Kalahari Desert

Measles

• Measles- a disease caused by a virus which is marked by red spots followed by a rash

• One year olds being injected with anitgen or serum containing antibodies

AIDS•Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome•Caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi

Currency• Pula (BWP)

• 1 US Dollar = 8.23221 Pula

• Pula literally means "rain" in Setswana

• Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 thebe

• Bills: 1, 2, 5 pula

• Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, and 100 pula

• Total cost of trip: 77336.83827 Pula

Religion• Religious freedom is protected

under the constitution.

• Religions:72% Christian, 6% Badimo, 2% Other,20% None

• Although the CIA Factbook states that 6 percent of Botswanas are of the religion Badimo, many of Botswana follow at least some of the traditions deemed Badimo

• Plays a crucial role in unifying people of Botswana based on peace and harmony

Important StructuresThe Moremi Game Reserve

• One of Africa's best reserves (left almost untouched)

• Ecosystems: mopane woodland, acacia forests, floodplains, and lagoons

• Only place in Botswana where you can find elephant, both species of rhinocerous, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, wildog, hyaena, antelope, kudu, and red lechwe all together

Jwaneng Mine• Richest diamond mine in

the world

• About 110 miles West of Gaborone

• Produces 9.3 million tons of ore and 37 million tons of waste rock

• In 2003: produced 14.3 million carats of diamond

The Moremi Game Reserve

Jwaneng Mine

Education• High elementary

completion rate

• Learn Setswana, then English (both official languages of Botswana)

• Equal rights to education

• Literacy Rate:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 81.2%

Homes• Traditional houses:

made from straw, mud, and other resources found through nature

• Modern homes: cone shaped tops, some built with brick walls

Natural Resources

• Include: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver

• Renewable Water Resources-14.7 cu km

ClothingWomen

• Wear patchwork dresses

• Rural women wear a wrap over their dresses to protect them from dirt

• Urban women wear dresses or skirts

Men

• Urban Men typically wear business suits

• Western dress is common

• Country men usually do not wear shirts

• Both genders typically have short hair

Clothing Pictures

Customs Greetings:• To show respect: one shakes with the right hand while supporting

one's elbow with the left hand

• Slight head bow may be added to lower one's eye level below an elder.

Gestures:• Use a variety of gestures to say "no," "no thanks," or that something

is all gone

• It is impolite to walk through 2 people in a conversation.

• Respect to elders: done by looking at the ground instead of looking them in the eye

Botswana Traditions/Music

Music:

• Folk Music

• Tswana music is mostly vocal and performed without drums

• Hip hop

• Botswana hip hop crews include The Wizards, a crew that fuses hip hop with R&B

Food• Beef is popular (also

lamb, mutton, and chicken)

• Main crops: sorghum and maize

• Breakfast and Lunch: Tea with mageu or fat cakes

• Men slaughter cattle for special occasions

Entertainment/Art• Folk artists make basketry

and pottery

• Women use drums to provide a beat for traditional dancing.

• Jewelry-silver, beads, and animal hair are often used

• Most popular sport: football (soccer)

• Other popular sports: cricket, tennis, rugby union, softball, and volleyball

Famous Literature Figures

Unity Dow: Famous Judge Norman Rush: Peace Corps Director

Alexander McCall Smith: Botswana mystery novel writer

Itinerary• Day 1 and 2- Safari at Selinda Campsite

• Day 3- Local Cricket Match; Birdwatching

• Day 4- Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safari

• Day 5- Khama Rhino Sanctuary

• Day 6- Shopping at Mowana Shopping Center in Phakalane

• Day 7- Swanepoel and Scandrol African Trophy Hunting

• Day 8- Visit Schools and Churches

• Day 9- Mokoro Trails With Liscensed Poler and Concession

• Day 10- Maitisong Festival

Highlights From Our Trip

Souvenirs…

Works Cited• Central Intelligence Agency: The World

• Factbook. 10 February 2009. Central Intelligence Agency. 19 February 2009 <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bc.html>.