Culture and history

Botswana was formed at the crossroads of the traditions of the Tswana, San (Bushmen) and Kalanga peoples.

The key institution of community life remains kgotla - a popular assembly where decisions are made by consensus; the role of traditional leaders (dikgosi) is enshrined in the Ntlo ya Dikgosi ward.

After independence in 1966, the country went from a poor protectorate to a stable democracy and middle income, largely due to the discovery of diamond deposits (Orapa, since the late 1960s) and the careful management of resources.

The cultural landscape combines San heritage with cave paintings of the Tsodilo hills (UNESCO site) and the modern urban scene of Gaborone: theater, hip-hop/house, street art.

In everyday life, setswana (language), cuisine with seswaa and bogobe are valued, and from dances - setapa and fatisi.

Tourism and safaris around the Okavango Delta and Chobe support crafts and festivals (Maitisong, Dithubaruba, Khawa Dune Challenge), making Botswana culture recognizable far beyond its borders.