- Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, dolls, ostrich eggshell necklaces, pottery, stamps, tapestries, weavings and wood carvings.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Mopane (worm). Porridge (breakfast cereal). Seswaa (pounded meat). Vetkoek (stuffed pastry).
- Local Drink to Try: Bojalwa ja Setswana (beer). Castle (beer). Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic). Lion (beer). Madila (sour milk).
- In 1824, evidence of first written records relating to modern day.
- In 1966, became independent.
- In 1967, diamonds were discovered.
- Since 1998, has maintained a low corruption ranking.
- In 2019, researchers reported to be the birthplace of all modern humans from 200,000 years ago.
- Until 2019, homosexuality was illegal.
- By 2029, projects diamond mining to end due material availability.
- World's largest producer of diamonds.
- Large exporter of beef to Europe.
- Approximately 70% of land is the Kalahari Desert.
- Historical trade exchanges with Asia (for beads) gold, ivory, and rhinoceros horn.
- The Economy is cattle, mining and tourism.
- The Northern area is home to an endangered wild dog population.
- Desertification and soil erosion has been accelerating due to grazing.
- Indigenous San people were forcibly relocated to reservations because of the sought after diamond fields owned by being denied access to water on their land and facing arrest if hunting.
- Capital punishment of hanging (death) is practiced.
- Some domestic production of electricity using coal.
- Largest diamond mining company (Debswana) is 50% owned by the government.
- Large lidded for storage purposes.
- Large open sourced for carrying objects on the head or winnowing grain.
- Smaller plate for winnowing pounded grain.
- Annual Events: Maitisong Festival (March), Maun Festival (April), Tjilenje Cultural Festival (May), Toyota 1000 Desert Race (June) and Kuru Dance Festival (August).
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Sir Seretse Khama Day, Presidents' Day, Botswana Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- For their natural assets protection mass tourism is discouraged.
- Elevated infections of AIDS and HIV.
- Official language is English. Other languages spoken include Afrikaans, Kalanga, Kgalagadi, Ndebele, Sarwa, Tswapong and Yeyi.
- Do be mindful, water is a precious commodity.
- Do not wear camouflage clothing!
- Severe penalties removing any animal parts without a government permit or licensed shop receipt!
- Malnutrition is common among children (under 5).
- Many countries do not allow entry of ivory.
- Malaria is present.
- Due to bilharzia (parasite) do not swim or wade in rivers and lakes.
- Cellular service is limited.
- Wildlife is generally most active at dusk and after sunrise.
- Beware of poisonous snakes.
- Bus overcrowding is common.
- Soft duffle bags are best served for packing. Baggage restrictions are strictly enforced.
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and at least three blank pages.
- Tourist VISA not required.
- Vaccination for Yellow Fever.
- No Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit.
- Best Time to Visit: August - October and March - November
- Coldest Month: July
- Hottest Month: October
- Peak Season: July - October
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Okavango Delta and Tsodilo
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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