Botswana details
Essential information for visitors Currency: Botswana uses the pula
Setswana is similar to Sotho (the national
(BWP) as its national currency. The pula
language of Lesotho that is spoken
is divided into 100 thebe. The pula is
in parts of South Africa) as well as to
freely traded and there are no currency
Kgalagadi (spoken by about 40,000
restrictions. It is one of Africa’s strongest
people in Botswana) and Lozi (used mainly
currencies.
in south-west Zambia).
Language: The official language of
Botswana has some 20 other minor
Botswana is English, although about 90
regional languages and many dialects.
per cent of Batswana speak Setswana, a
The most significant of the cultural
Bantu tongue also spoken by some four
Arts and culture: The Botswana National
institutions is the National Museum and
million people over the border in South
Cultural Council is the guardian, overseer
Art Gallery, which displays local crafts
Africa. There are also Setswana speakers
and promoter of the nation’s rich culture
and plays a key role in encouraging and
in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
heritage.
promoting the work of Batswana artists.
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