USEFUL BUSINESS INFORMATION ON BOTSWANA

1. Country Brief: 

A. Introduction - Twice the size of Arizona, Botswana is in south-central Africa, bounded by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Most of the country is near-desert, with the Kalahari occupying the western part of the country. The eastern part is hilly, with salt lakes in the north.

B. Climate - The hottest time of year in Botswana is also the wettest. The rainy season occurs in summer between October and April. Dry and cool weather, with cold and often frosty nights, occurs between May and September, when the average daytime temperature is a pleasant 25ºC (77ºF). The months between April and October are ideal for tourists in terms of weather and game viewing. This is the time when the wildlife is most prolific and easily spotted around the natural waterholes and dams. 

C. Geographical Area - Land area: 226,012 sq mi (585,371 sq km); total area: 231,803 sq mi (600,370 sq km)

D. Language - English 2% (official), Setswana 78%, Kalanga 8%, Sekgalagadi 3%,

E. Currency With Exchange Rate - 1.00 BWP = 0.164596 USD

Botswana Pulas    United States Dollars

F. Population - 2007 est.): 1,639,131

G. Major Cities - Gaborone

2. Transportation:

A. Railway - total: 888 km (2004).

B. Road - total: 10,217 km; paved: 5,619 km; unpaved: 4,598 km (1999).

C. Airports - 85 (2004 est.).

D. Waterways -

E. Sea ports - none

3. Economy:

A. Major Manufacturing - 

B. Major Export - $3.68 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.): diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles.

C. Major Import - $3.37 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.): foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products, metal and metal products

E. Major Industry - diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing; textiles.

F. Trade balance -

4. Trade Associations, Chamber of Commerce, Trade shows and Exhibitions in Botswana:

Major Trade Associations

Chambers of Commerce

Botswana Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Manpower

Office Address:

Gaborone

Botswana

Postal Address:

PO Box 432

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel:  +267 35-3459

Fax:  +267 37-3142

Telex:  2868 bd

BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Private Bag 00290, Gaborone

Botswana

Tel :  395-9292

Major Trade Shows

5. Useful links:

Botswana Importers, Dealers of Japanese Used Cars, Construction Machinery & Auto Parts