Botswana
Botswana has some of the most extensive and unspoilt wilderness areas in Africa, and the Okavango Delta is one of the world's most spectacular wetlands. Landlocked, a little larger than France, and with an average elevation of about 1 000m, much of Botswana is semi-deseert - the wide plains of the Kalahari extend over two-thirds of the country, opening out to form a massive delta of almost 15 000 km².
The Okavango Delta is a complex series of channels, lagoons, floodplains and islands, entirely surrounded and flowing over the Kalahari sands. The area is alive with wildlife and to explore it by dugout canoe is one of the best ways to experience its beauty and tranquility.
Many of Botswana's national parks and game reserves, including Moremi Wildlife Reserve and Chobe National Park are world renowned. Here some of the largest herds in southern Africa roam free and wild. Here too, visitors delight to some of the continent's most spectacular and varied birdlife.
A wide variety of fish are to be found here. The main fishing season in Botswana is between September and April and the best areas are the Okavango Delta and on the Chobe River.
Botswana is famed for its basketry, wood carvings and Bushmen craft. Visitors are afforded many opportunities to purchase unusual and attractive mementoes of a visit to this exciting country.
Population: 1 839 000 (2010)
Size: 582 000 km2
Neighbouring countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Language: English is the official language with Setswana the most common local tongue
Capital City: Gaborone
Airports: The Sir Seretse Khama International airport is in Gaborone, but there are the Maun and Kasane airports up north which are more popular among tourists.
For more information on the Government of Botswana click here www.gov.bw
Socio economic statistics: A peaceful and prosperous country, Botswana is hailed as one of Africa's most stable democracies - an achievement reflected in the contented, friendly atmosphere which greets tourists in this, the homeland of the Batswana.
A top tourist attraction is the Kalahari Desert, covering 70% of the country, while the Okavango River Delta in the north boasts abundant and richly diverse wildlife.
Economy: Diamond mining contributes 45% of the gross national income, while tourism is fast-growing.
Tourism investment opportuntitie: Lodges and activities in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Iconic attraction: Okavango Delta
Places to see: Okavango Delta, Makgadigadi Pans and Nxai Pans National Park, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Climate: Semi-arid, hot and dry with summer rainfall. Summer temperatures can reach 44o C, while in winter the average day temperature is 25o C, although it turns cold at night.
Currency: Pula
Time zone: GMT +2
National Day: 30 September, 1966