Botswana Tourist Info
Botswana has always enjoyed a political stability that has been the envy of much of the rest of Africa. The blue of the national flag represents the peaceful nature of the country, in contrast to the bright reds and blacks of many other countries, representing wars of liberation.

The country covers an area of 581 730 square km (slightly smaller than Texas). It is covered by the Kalahari sands but also contains the worlds largest oasis in the form of the Okavango delta. Although two thirds of the country lie within the tropics, it is a dry and drought prone region. Only one perennial river, the Okavango, flows into the country and brings with it over 90% of the country's fresh water. A population of only 1.5 million makes Botswana one of the most thinly populated countries.
Botswana is a democracy, with elections every five years. The country gained independence from Britain in 1966 and has since become one of the countries with the highest growth rates in the world and a per capita income growth of9.2% in 1998. The major industry is Diamonds, followed closely by Tourism, Manufacturing and Agriculture. There is also a small but active stock exchange.


Climate:
There are only two seasons in Botswana, summer, which lasts from October to April or winter, lasting from May to September. The rainy season is generally between December and February and temperatures can reach 40ºC during the day even in winter, although it can become very cold at night.


Visa requirements:
Visas are required by all foreign nationals excluding the following:
All commonwealth countries except Ghana, India, Mauritius, Nigeria, Sri Lanka Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Western Samoa, San Marino, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay and USA. Visitors planning on staying longer than 90 days will need to apply for prior permission.


Health:
Malaria is endemic to certain parts of the country. Consult your physician at least two weeks before departing for Botswana. Water is safe to drink in the main urban areas but should be boiled or sterilized elsewhere.


Banking Hours:
Monday to Friday 09h00 to 14h30, Wednesday 08h00 to 12h00 and Saturday 08h00 to 10h45.
Banks represented are Barclays Bank of Botswana, Standard Chartered Bank of Botswana, Stanbic, First National Bank of Botswana, Union Bank of Botswana, Zimbank of Botswana.
Any amount of currency may be imported into Botswana as long as it is declared.


Driving:
Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching from the right. The general speed limit is 100km/h on open roads and 60km/h in urban areas.


Currency:
The unit of currency is the Pula (which in Setswana means "water" or "rain"). One Pula is made up of 100 Thebe. Notes are in P5, P10, P50 and P100 while coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, P1 and P2.