Botswana became independent from Britain on 30 September 1966.
The country was formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland. Independence came peacefully, with Seretse Khama becoming Botswana’s first president. The new state adopted a democratic system and retained Gaborone as its capital, near the country’s southeastern border with South Africa.
At independence, Botswana was one of the world’s poorer countries and had limited infrastructure. The discovery and development of diamond deposits, especially at Orapa and Jwaneng, later transformed public finances and supported major investments in roads, schools, and health services.
Botswana is a landlocked country dominated by the Kalahari Basin. The Okavango Delta, a major inland wetland, lies in its northwest. Independence Day is celebrated annually on 30 September, known as Botswana Day, and marks the end of British colonial administration.