Which currency has a name meaning “rain” in Setswana?

Botswana pula has a name meaning “rain” in Setswana.

Botswana introduced the pula on 23 August 1976, replacing the South African rand as the country’s currency. In Setswana, pula means “rain,” a particularly meaningful name in Botswana’s dry climate, where rainfall is vital to agriculture, livestock and daily life. The word can also be used as an expression of good fortune or blessing.

The pula is divided into 100 thebe. The word thebe means “shield,” linking the subdivisions to another Setswana term with cultural significance. The currency’s international code is BWP, and the Bank of Botswana is responsible for issuing notes and coins.

Botswana’s currency names are sometimes confused with those of neighbouring countries. Lesotho uses the loti, Namibia uses the dollar, and Zambia uses the kwacha. These names reflect different languages and histories across southern Africa.