Où se trouve le Botswana ?
Où se situe le Botswana sur la carte ? Le Botswana est un État indépendant situé en Afrique australe. Consultez les images suivantes pour localiser le Botswana sur les cartes.
Localisation du Botswana sur la carte du monde
Sur cette carte, vous pouvez bien voir quels pays bordent le Botswana et où se trouve exactement la capitale.
Informations sur la localisation du Botswana
Latitude et longitude
Le Botswana est un pays enclavé situé en Afrique australe. Il est bordé par la Namibie au nord-ouest et au nord, le Zimbabwe au nord, la Zambie au nord-est, l’Afrique du Sud au sud et au sud-est, et possède une courte frontière avec le fleuve Zambèze au nord. Ses coordonnées géographiques sont :
- Latitude : 22,3285° S
- Longitude : 24,6849° E
Ces coordonnées placent le Botswana au cœur de l’Afrique australe, principalement dans le désert du Kalahari, ce qui en fait l’un des pays les plus arides du monde, bien qu’il abrite une partie de la faune naturelle la plus riche et des écosystèmes variés d’Afrique.
Capitale et grandes villes
- Capitale : Gaborone. Gaborone est la capitale et la plus grande ville du Botswana. Elle est située au sud-est du pays, près de la frontière avec l’Afrique du Sud. Avec plus de 200 000 habitants, Gaborone est le centre politique, culturel et économique du pays. La ville est réputée pour ses infrastructures modernes, ses marchés animés et sa proximité avec Molepolole et la réserve animalière de Gaborone . Parmi les principaux sites d’intérêt de Gaborone figurent le Musée national du Botswana , l’Université du Botswana et le barrage de Gaborone .
- Grandes villes :
- Francistown – Située au nord-est du pays, Francistown est la deuxième plus grande ville du Botswana. C’est un important pôle commercial et un centre régional pour le commerce, l’industrie et l’agriculture. La ville était autrefois un centre d’extraction d’or et abrite des bâtiments historiques, tels que la gare ferroviaire de Francistown et l’église catholique Saint-Patrick .
- Molepolole – Molepolole est situé dans le district de Kweneng, au sud-ouest de Gaborone. C’est la capitale administrative du district et l’un des plus grands villages du Botswana. Molepolole est réputé pour son architecture traditionnelle, sa culture et sa proximité avec la colline de Kgale , un lieu de randonnée prisé offrant des vues panoramiques sur la région.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Passeport : Les citoyens américains doivent avoir un passeport valide avec au moins six mois de validité au-delà de leur date de départ prévue du Botswana.
- Preuve de fonds suffisants : Les voyageurs peuvent être invités à présenter une preuve de fonds suffisants pour couvrir leur séjour dans le pays.
- Billet de retour ou de continuation : les citoyens américains doivent fournir la preuve d’un billet de retour ou de continuation à leur entrée au Botswana.
Pour les séjours dépassant 90 jours, les citoyens américains doivent demander un visa approprié auprès de l’ ambassade ou du consulat du Botswana .
Distance des principales villes américaines
Les distances aériennes approximatives entre Gaborone, au Botswana, et les principales villes américaines sont les suivantes :
- Distance de New York : La distance entre Gaborone et New York est d’environ 13 000 kilomètres . Le vol dure généralement environ 18 heures , avec une ou plusieurs escales dans des villes comme Johannesburg, Dubaï ou Istanbul.
- Distance de Los Angeles : La distance entre Gaborone et Los Angeles est d’environ 14 650 kilomètres . Le vol dure généralement environ 20 heures , avec des escales dans les principaux aéroports internationaux comme Johannesburg ou Addis-Abeba.
Informations sur le Botswana
Taille | 581 730 km² |
Résidents | 2,4 millions |
Langues | Setswana et anglais |
Capital | Gaborone |
Le plus long fleuve | Limpopo (longueur totale 1 750 km) |
La plus haute montagne | Colline de Monalanong (1 494 m) |
Devise | Pula |