Where is Botswana Located?

Where is Botswana located on the map? Botswana is an independent nation located in Southern Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Botswana on maps.

Botswana Location in World Map

On this map you can see well which countries border Botswana and where exactly the capital is located.

Location Information of Botswana

Latitude and Longitude

Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is bordered by Namibia to the northwest and north, Zimbabwe to the north, Zambia to the northeast, South Africa to the south and southeast, and has a short border with the Zambezi River to the north. The geographical coordinates of Botswana are:

• Latitude: 22.3285° S
• Longitude: 24.6849° E

These coordinates place Botswana in the heart of southern Africa, mostly within the Kalahari Desert, making it one of the most arid countries in the world, though it is home to some of Africa’s richest natural wildlife and varied ecosystems.

Capital City and Major Cities

• Capital City: GaboroneGaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana, located in the southeastern corner of the country, near the border with South Africa. With a population of over 200,000, Gaborone is the political, cultural, and economic center of Botswana. The city is known for its modern infrastructure, bustling markets, and proximity to the Molepolole and Gaborone Game Reserve. Key landmarks in Gaborone include the Botswana National Museum, University of Botswana, and the Gaborone Dam.
• Major Cities:
  1. Francistown – Located in the northeastern part of the country, Francistown is the second-largest city in Botswana. It is an important commercial hub and a regional center for trade, industry, and agriculture. The city was historically a center for gold mining and is home to historical buildings, such as the Francistown Railway Station and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
  2. Molepolole – Molepolole is located in the Kweneng District, southwest of Gaborone. It is the administrative capital of the district and one of the largest villages in Botswana. Molepolole is known for its traditional architecture, culture, and its proximity to the Kgale Hill, a popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the region.
  3. Maun – Situated in the Okavango Delta region, Maun is often referred to as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Maun is a center for tourism, particularly eco-tourism and safaris, as well as a hub for wildlife conservation and aviation in the country.
  4. Selibe-Phikwe – Located in the eastern part of Botswana, Selibe-Phikwe is an industrial town known for its copper and nickel mining operations. It plays a key role in the country’s mining sector and is situated near the Tswapong Hills, an area of great natural beauty.
  5. Kasane – Located in the north of Botswana, Kasane lies on the border with Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The city is a gateway to the Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant population. Kasane is also known for its proximity to the Victoria Falls and for being an important tourism and conservation center.

Time Zone

Botswana operates on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC +2 year-round. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains constant throughout the year. This time zone is shared with several other Southern African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Climate

Botswana has a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot, dry conditions most of the year. The climate is influenced by its location in the Kalahari Desert and its topography, with areas near the Okavango Delta being relatively cooler and more humid. The country experiences a seasonal variation, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

• Summer (Wet Season): The wet season in Botswana runs from November to March, with the highest rainfall occurring in December and January. The average temperatures during the summer range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) during the day. The wet season brings thunderstorms and short, heavy rains, which provide much-needed water to the country’s ecosystems and wildlife, particularly in the Okavango Delta and other river systems.
• Winter (Dry Season): The dry season lasts from May to September, with the coolest temperatures occurring from June to August. During the winter months, temperatures drop considerably, especially in the evenings and mornings, with average daily temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 22°C (72°F). Nights can get cold, with temperatures dipping to 0°C (32°F) in some areas. The lack of rainfall during this period leads to dry conditions, but the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities and safaris.
• Desert and Semi-Desert Regions: Most of Botswana, particularly the southern and central parts of the country, is semi-desert, with extremely dry conditions. The Kalahari Desert dominates much of the landscape, with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) during the hottest days. Despite the arid conditions, the desert experiences seasonal variations, with the occasional rainstorm replenishing the sparse vegetation and wildlife.
• Okavango Delta: The Okavango Delta region, located in the northwest, has a slightly different climate due to its proximity to water. The region is more humid than the rest of the country, particularly during the wet season. The presence of water supports lush vegetation and a wide range of wildlife, making it one of the world’s most important wildlife habitats.

Economic Status

Botswana has one of the most stable and rapidly growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa. The country has made significant progress since gaining independence in 1966, transitioning from a primarily agricultural economy to a more diversified economy that includes mining, tourism, and manufacturing. Botswana’s economy is characterized by its significant reliance on diamond mining, although the country has made efforts to diversify its sources of revenue.

• Mining: Mining, particularly diamond mining, is the cornerstone of Botswana’s economy. Botswana is one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds by value, and the diamond industry accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s GDP and exports. The Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between the government of Botswana and De Beers, operates several diamond mines, including the Jwaneng Mine, one of the richest diamond mines in the world. In addition to diamonds, Botswana also produces copper, nickel, and coal, which contribute to the economy.
• Agriculture: Although the agricultural sector contributes less to GDP than mining, it remains an important part of Botswana’s economy, particularly in rural areas. The country produces a variety of crops, including millet, sorghum, maize, and vegetables. Livestock farming, especially cattle ranching, is a significant aspect of Botswana’s agricultural industry. Botswana has a large beef industry, and cattle ranching is vital for both domestic consumption and exports, particularly to the European Union.
• Tourism: Tourism is a growing sector in Botswana’s economy, with the country’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife attracting visitors from around the world. Botswana is known for its world-class national parks, including Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. These areas are home to diverse ecosystems, including large populations of elephants, lions, and other African wildlife, making Botswana a popular destination for safari tourism. The government has adopted a “high-value, low-impact” tourism model, encouraging sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities while protecting the environment.
• Manufacturing: Botswana has been working to diversify its economy beyond mining, and the manufacturing sector is gradually expanding. The country produces a variety of goods, including food products, textiles, and chemicals. The government has invested in industrial parks to promote local manufacturing and reduce the country’s reliance on imports. The manufacturing sector also includes some automobile assembly, including a plant operated by Toyota.
• Services and Finance: Botswana has a well-developed financial sector, with a robust banking system and a growing insurance market. Gaborone, the capital city, is a financial hub in Southern Africa, and the country is known for its political stability, ease of doing business, and investor-friendly environment. The government has worked to develop a regulatory framework that encourages foreign investment and entrepreneurship. The services sector also includes telecommunications, retail, and education, which are contributing to the economy’s diversification.
• Challenges: Despite its economic success, Botswana faces several challenges, including a high unemployment rate, particularly among young people, and income inequality. The country’s dependence on diamond exports makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the global commodity market. Additionally, Botswana is facing environmental challenges, such as water scarcity, which could affect agriculture and tourism.

Tourist Attractions

Botswana is known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture. The country’s national parks and wildlife reserves attract visitors from around the world, making it one of the premier safari destinations in Africa. Some of the top tourist attractions in Botswana include:

• Okavango Delta: The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The delta is famous for its diverse ecosystems, which include wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Visitors can explore the delta by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), spotting wildlife such as elephants, lions, and hippos. The Okavango Delta is one of the best places for a safari in Africa, offering unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching, game drives, and eco-tourism.
• Chobe National Park: Chobe National Park is located in the northern part of Botswana, near the borders with Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The park is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. Visitors can take boat cruises on the Chobe River to see wildlife along the water’s edge, or go on game drives to observe predators and prey. The park is also famous for its birdlife, particularly along the riverbanks.
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: The Makgadikgadi Pans is a vast salt pan located in the northeastern part of Botswana. The park offers a surreal landscape of flat, white salt deposits, and it is home to a variety of wildlife, including meerkats, flamingos, and wildebeest. During the rainy season, the pans transform into a temporary wetland, attracting thousands of migratory birds and other animals.
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest wildlife reserves in the world, covering an area of about 52,800 square kilometers. The reserve is home to a variety of species, including lions, cheetahs, and the elusive wild dog. The Kalahari Desert landscape offers dramatic vistas, and the reserve is known for its unique opportunities to spot wildlife in the desert environment.
• Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: This expansive area in northern Botswana is one of the largest salt flats in the world. The salt pans are a major attraction for tourists, offering a surreal and vast landscape, ideal for photography and stargazing. The pans are a remnant of an ancient lake and are home to migrating wildebeest, zebras, and flamingos during certain seasons.
• Gaborone Game Reserve: Located just outside the capital city, the Gaborone Game Reserve is a great spot for visitors who want to experience Botswana’s wildlife without leaving the city. The reserve is home to a variety of species, including wildebeest, impala, and giraffes, and offers walking safaris, birdwatching, and game drives.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens traveling to Botswana for tourism do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, the following requirements must be met:

1. Passport: U.S. citizens must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond their planned departure date from Botswana.
2. Proof of Sufficient Funds: Travelers may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country.
3. Return or Onward Ticket: U.S. citizens must provide evidence of a return or onward travel ticket upon entering Botswana.

For stays exceeding 90 days, U.S. citizens must apply for an appropriate visa through the Botswana Embassy or Consulate.

Distance to Major U.S. Cities

The approximate air distances from Gaborone, Botswana, to major U.S. cities are as follows:

• Distance to New York City: The distance from Gaborone to New York City is approximately 8,100 miles (13,000 kilometers). Flights typically take around 18 hours, with one or more layovers in cities like Johannesburg, Dubai, or Istanbul.
• Distance to Los Angeles: The distance from Gaborone to Los Angeles is approximately 9,100 miles (14,650 kilometers). Flights generally take around 20 hours, with layovers in major international hubs such as Johannesburg or Addis Ababa.

Botswana Facts

Size	581,730 km²
Residents	2.4 million
Languages	Setswana and English
Capital	Gaborone
Longest river	Limpopo (total length 1,750 km)
Highest mountain	Monalanong Hill (1,494 m)
Currency	Pula