GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Botswana.
Capital
Gaborone.
Geography
As a country located in Africa according to transporthint, Botswana borders Zambia to the north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, South Africa to the south and Namibia to the west. The barren plateau of the Kalahari takes up almost the entire area of the country. About a fifth of the country consists of national parks. In the north is the fascinating Okavango Basin with the Moremi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chobe National Park, in the extreme southwest of the Gemsbok National Park and in the middle of the country the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The changes in vegetation during the rainy season are particularly noticeable in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan and the Okavango Delta. After heavy downpours, the Okavango Delta turns into one of the wildest and most beautiful nature reserves in Africa.
Government
Presidential republic (in the Commonwealth), since 1966. Constitution of 1966, last amended in 1997. Bicameral Parliament: National Assembly (47 seats) and consultative House of Chiefs (15 seats). Direct election of the head of state every 5 years. Independent since 1966 (former British protectorate).
Head of state
Ian Khama, since April 2008.
Head of government
Ian Khama, since April 2008.
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz. Two and three-pole plugs; 15-13 amp sockets.
Time zone
Central Africa Time: CET +3
MONEY
Currency
1 pula = 100 Thebe. Currency abbreviation: P, BWP (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pula; Coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 Pula as well as 50, 25, 10 and 5 Thebe. On the 10th Independence Day, gold and silver coins were minted, which are also legal tender.
Credit cards
Eurocard, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are partially accepted. Details from the issuer of the respective credit card. In larger cities, cash can be withdrawn from ATMs using the Visa card and PIN number (maximum daily limit of 300 euros).
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Larger cities are adequately stocked with ATMs, but there may be cash bottlenecks at the machines in the last days of the month.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-3.30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unlimited import of national and foreign currencies, obligation to declare (also for travelers checks). The export of foreign currencies is permitted up to the amount declared. Export of local currency up to 50 p.
Currency Exchange
It is advisable to exchange money as soon as you arrive at the airport or in a bank in the capital, as there are hardly any opportunities to change money outside of the larger cities.
LANGUAGE
Overview
English is the official language. National languages are Setswana and other Bantu languages.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Botswana duty-free:
200 cigarettes and 20 cigars and 250 g tobacco (people aged 18 and over);
2 l wine and 1 l alcoholic beverages (people over 18 years);
250 ml eau de toilette and 50 ml perfume;
other goods worth up to 3000 UA (approx. 174 €).
Prohibited imports
Drugs of all kinds and pornographic products. Weapons and ammunition must be declared upon entry; In addition, an import permit from the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Private Bag 00252, Gaborone) is required. This is limited to 4 weeks. Weapons may only be imported for hunting purposes. Further information is available from the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (Internet: www.burs.org.bw/index.php).
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Light tropical clothing. Business hours: April – October: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov – March: Mon-Fri 7.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Authorities: Mon-Fri 7.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. all year round.
Economy
Botswana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Private Bag 004, BW-Gaborone
Tel: 35 92 92.Botswana
Conference and Exhibition Center
Private Bag, Post Box 20344, BW-Gaborone
Tel: 35 26 77.
Business contacts
Botswana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Private Bag 004, BW-Gaborone
Tel: 35 92 92.Botswana
Conference and Exhibition Center
Private Bag, Post Box 20344, BW-Gaborone
Tel: 35 26 77.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing. The national telephone company is called Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC). Some public phone boxes are available in cities and larger settlements, but not in remote areas.
Cellphone
GSM 900. Cellular companies include Mascom (Internet: www.mascom.bw) and Orange (Botswana) Pty Limited. The reception / transmission area is limited to the populated areas.
Internet
The main providers are the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC), IBIS and Mega (Internet: www.mega.bw). There are internet cafes in all cities. Internet access is also available in all larger hotels and lodges.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes 1-3 weeks. There are post offices in all cities, but mail is not delivered, but must be picked up (opening times: Mon-Fri 08.15-12.45 and 14.00-16.00, Sat 08.00-11.00).
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
CULTURE
Religion
Mostly natural religions (85%), Christians (15%), as well as Muslim and Hindu minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Tradition plays a major role, visitors should respect the customs, which are sometimes unusual for Europeans. In the country you are not used to tourists. Casual clothing is common. Photography: Airports, official buildings and military installations should not be photographed. If you want to photograph people, you should ask for permission beforehand. Tip: In cities around 10%.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +267 Area (sqkm) 581730 Population 2182719 Population density (per sqkm) 4 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 997
