Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Travel Climate
Most of its area is an inhospitable semi-desert known as the Kalahari. Even the most arable sections of eastern Botswana are subject to periodic drought and unpredictable rains. Botswana straddles the Tropic of Capricorn and has an average elevation of 3,300 feet. Daily high temperatures during the hottest month, January, average in the upper 90's to over 100°F. Winter daytime temperatures generally reach 70 degrees, but with little cloud cover and no humidity to hold warmth in the air, they plummet to 30 or 40°F at night.
Travel Currency
10.21
Language Spoken
English is the official language while Setswana is considered the national language. Tjikalanga is commonly spoken in northeastern Botswana.
Languages
English (official), Setswana
Ethnic Groups
Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other (including Kgalagadi and white) 7%
National Holiday
Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)
Geographic Coordinates
22 00 S, 24 00 E
Location
Southern Africa, north of South Africa
Airports
10