1960 stamp of the Bechuanaland Protectorate.

The new Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole

Open mine on a dust-disturbed day, Jwaneng Diamond Mine, Botswa…

Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) with a Western Cattle Egr…

Botswana

Country Information of Botswana

Botswana is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, renowned for its stable democracy and progressive economic development. Situated primarily within the Kalahari Desert, the nation features a predominantly flat landscape with sparse vegetat...

Capital

Gaborone

Languages

English, Tswana

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Gaborone,Francistown,Mogoditshane,Lobatse,Molepolole,Tlokweng,Mahalapye,Maun,Serowe,Kanye

Major Cities

What Expats Say About BotswanaBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Botswana. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Botswana

Life Expectancy

66.8

Population

2,351,625

Religions

Christianity

79.1%

Non-religious

15.2%

Ethnic Composition

{{Unbulleted list|79% Tswana |11% Kalanga |3% San |7% others}

N/A

Climate & Weather in Botswana

Loading climate data...

Safety & Security in Botswana

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

MODERATE

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Africa Average

Low45/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Botswana

Africa Average

Safety Index

Low

Safety from Crime

Concerning

Safe Alone (Day)

Good

Safe Alone (Night)

Low

Safety from Violent Crime

Concerning

Safety from Property Crime

Concerning

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Adequate

Healthcare Quality

Adequate

Emergency Response

Limited

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 997 (universal emergency)

• Ambulance Response: 10-20 minutes urban, 30-45 minutes rural

• Hospital Coverage: Public healthcare system with regional hospitals

• Trauma Centers: Major centers in Gaborone, Francistown

• Language Support: English widely spoken in emergency services

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 997

• Medical: 997

• Police: 999

• Fire: 998

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~15 minutes

• Rural areas: ~35 minutes

Hospital System:

Public healthcare system with limited resources, concentrated in major urban areas

Major Trauma Centers:

Gaborone, Francistown

Language Support:

Emergency services primarily operate in English, with some local language support

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Botswana

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Botswana

Photo Gallery of Botswana

Living Costs in Botswana

Very affordable country with living costs approximately 60-70% lower than Western European standards. Moderate rent and basic expenses make it attractive for budget-conscious expatriates.

Crime & Safety in Botswana

Moderate safety profile with relatively low violent crime rates, though petty theft and property crimes are common in urban areas. Tourists and expats should exercise standard precautions.

Safety Index: 48.90 | Crime Level: 51.10

Health System in Botswana

Mixed healthcare system with public facilities in major cities and limited private options. Medical infrastructure concentrated in urban centers, with basic but functional healthcare services.

Quality Rating: 5.5/10

Advantages in Botswana

Stable political environment with democratic governance
Strong economic growth driven by mining sector
Rich wildlife and exceptional nature conservation efforts
Relatively low population density with open landscapes

Disadvantages in Botswana

Limited job market outside mining and government sectors
High dependency on diamond exports for economic stability
Significant income inequality and rural poverty
Challenging infrastructure in remote regions

Government & Politics in Botswana

Loading data...

Economic Overview in Botswana

Index

GDP

$20.35B

HDI

0.7

Quality of Life

67/100

+24 vs NYC

Purchasing Power

35/100

-7 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Botswana. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Botswana

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

50-250 BWP

Avg: 150 BWP

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

250-800 BWP

Avg: 525 BWP

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

75-100 BWP

Avg: 87.5 BWP

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

15-45 BWP

Avg: 30 BWP

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

2500-4500 BWP

Avg: 3500 BWP

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1500-3000 BWP

Avg: 2250 BWP

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

4500-10000 BWP

Avg: 7250 BWP

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

3500-7500 BWP

Avg: 5500 BWP

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

7-9 BWP

Avg: 8 BWP

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

40-100 BWP

Avg: 70 BWP

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

200-600 BWP

Avg: 400 BWP

Gasoline (1 liter)

14.5-16.77 BWP

Avg: 15.63 BWP

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

300-1360 BWP

Avg: 830 BWP

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

500-1500 BWP

Avg: 1000 BWP

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

200-600 BWP

Avg: 400 BWP

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

15-25 BWP

Avg: 20 BWP

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

8-19 BWP

Avg: 13.5 BWP

Eggs (regular) (12)

20-40 BWP

Avg: 30 BWP

Local Cheese (1kg)

45-160 BWP

Avg: 102.5 BWP

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

350-565 BWP

Avg: 457.5 BWP

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

350 BWP

Avg: 175 BWP

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

60-120 BWP

Avg: 90 BWP

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

1500-3000 BWP

Avg: 2250 BWP

Last updated: 2025-11-09

Education System in Botswana

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Botswana

Botswana's transportation landscape is dominated by an extensive road network spanning over 30,000 km, supporting 93% of passenger travel in this landlocked Southern African nation of 2.35 million people. Key strengths include good road maintenance in populated eastern areas and 140 airports for domestic connectivity, while challenges persist in limited public transport, basic rail services, and rural gravel roads. Major features encompass highways linking to neighbors like South Africa and Zimbabwe, Botswana Railways' 888 km network, and Sir Seretse Khama International Airport as the primary gateway. Residents and visitors rely heavily on private vehicles (left-hand driving), combis, taxis, and air travel for mobility across vast distances.[1][2]

Public Transport

Below Average

Road Infrastructure

Moderate

Public Transport

3.2/10

Basic public transport limited to combi minibuses and taxis in cities like Gaborone; no metro or urban rail systems. Regional BR Express trains connect Gaborone-Francistown nightly with limited frequency. Poor integration and coverage outside major towns; rural areas depend on informal services.[2][1]

Road Infrastructure

5.8/10

Extensive 30,275 km network with ~33% bitumen highways along eastern populated corridor linking to neighbors; 35% gravel roads serve rural areas. Government maintains roads adequately but quality declining in some areas; urban conditions fair, traffic management basic. Upgrades ongoing to Zimbabwe/Namibia.[1][2][6]

Internet Speed

3.8/10

Moderate internet speeds with urban broadband improving via fiber expansion; significant rural-urban gap persists. High mobile penetration benefits from South African proximity, but fixed internet lags. Usage at ~15% in older data, steadily increasing.[1]

Avg: 35.2+ Mbps • Limited to major cities like Gaborone; expanding but rural areas rely on mobile/ADSL

Airport Connectivity

5.2/10

140 total airports (7 major/medium, 12 paved runways) provide strong domestic coverage for safari tourism; Sir Seretse Khama (GBE) handles international flights to Africa/Europe. Limited global hubs, moderate regional links via Air Botswana.[1][2][3]

Hubs: Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE, Gaborone), Kasane (BBK), Maun (MUB)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A (no metro system)
Bus Trip: N/A (combi ~5-10 BWP per short ride)
Taxi: N/A (~10 BWP start + 5-8 BWP/km)
High-speed Train: N/A (no high-speed; BR Express ~100-200 BWP Gaborone-Francistown)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited to Gaborone and major towns; rollout started 2023, expanding urban areas 2024-2026

4G Coverage: Extensive coverage in populated east/south; good urban 4G from Orange, Mascom, BTC; rural gaps in Kalahari

Reliable mobile networks with high penetration (one of Africa's highest); 4G dominant, strong voice/data in cities, fair rural via 3G/4G fallback. Benefits from S.A. infrastructure proximity.[1]

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid 3 months with IDP (required for non-English); left-hand driving. Long-term residents (>3 months) must convert to Botswana license via test/exchange. Carry IDP with original license.[2]

Loading transportation data...

Work & Business in Botswana

Botswana offers a stable and politically secure business environment in southern Africa, underpinned by its diamond mining sector which drives over 80% of exports and contributes significantly to GDP. With a population of 2.35 million and GDP of $20.35 billion USD, the economy is diversifying into tourism, financial services, and manufacturing. Key strengths include high credit ratings, investor-friendly policies via the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), and government efforts to promote value-added diamond processing and eco-tourism. Opportunities abound for entrepreneurs in emerging sectors and skilled workers in mining, hospitality, and tech, supported by reforms for high-income status by 2036.[1][5][6]

Employment Rate

55.0%

Moderate employment rate amid challenges like high youth unemployment, income inequality, and diamond dependency. Labor market shows growth in tourism and services, but skill deficits and economic inequity persist. Government targets job creation via diversification and SME support.[1][5]

Startup Ecosystem

42.0%

Emerging startup ecosystem with government support through BITC for diversification-focused ventures. Limited VC funding and innovation hubs, but favorable for manufacturing and tourism startups. World Bank notes strengths in business entry via CIPA digital platform, though public services lag.[1][2]

Average Salary Range

BWP 50,000 - BWP 250,000 annually

Average annual salaries range from 50,000-250,000 BWP, varying by sector; mining and finance offer higher pay (150,000+ BWP), while tourism and retail are lower. Purchasing power is moderate given cost of living; regional variations minimal in small population. Tax rates 22% corporate, reducible to 15% for manufacturing.[1][2]

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens require a visa for stays over 90 days; work permits needed via Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) or employer sponsorship. No special EU agreements.

Non-EU Citizens:

Work visas and permits required for all non-EU citizens; apply through BITC or Ministry of Labour. Categories for skilled workers, investors; processing 4-8 weeks with job offer, qualifications.

Strict visa policy prioritizes locals; work permits tied to job offers addressing skill shortages. Key docs: passport, contract, police clearance. Investor visas via BITC for qualifying businesses. Timelines 4-12 weeks; no digital nomad program noted.[1][8]

Business Registration

Timeline:

10-16 weeks

Registration via Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) online platform, straightforward for locals/foreigners. Contact BITC for support, especially diversification projects. Common structures: LLC, PLC; fees low, but full setup including licenses takes 10-16 weeks. World Bank praises business entry efficiency.[1][2]

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work legislation; governed by general labor laws. Cross-border remote work requires work permits.

Limited remote work culture due to small market and skill focus on on-site sectors like mining/tourism. Growing e-commerce and digital services may increase hybrid options; co-working spaces in Gaborone. Employer attitudes cautious amid localization push.[2][6]

Key Industries

Diamond Mining

Tourism

Financial Services

Manufacturing

Agriculture

Retail & Wholesale

Job Opportunities by Sector

Mining & Diamonds:

High demand for engineers, geologists, and technicians in diamond sorting, cutting, polishing. Government pushes local value-add; stable jobs with good salaries amid 2026 recovery forecasts.

Tourism & Hospitality:

Eco-tourism boom in Okavango Delta creates lodge, safari guide, transport roles. Thousands of direct/indirect jobs; multilingual skills valued, seasonal growth potential.

Financial Services:

Expanding sector needs bankers, fintech specialists. Supports diversification; opportunities in Gaborone hubs with competitive pay.

Manufacturing:

Value-added production incentives (15% tax); roles in processing, assembly. Government prioritizes for economic backbone.

IT & Digital Services:

Emerging demand for digital skills amid BURS e-invoicing, e-commerce rise. Government digitalization push creates tech support, data roles.

Loading work & business data...

Retirement & Senior Living in Botswana

Upgrade to Premium to unlock this feature

Create an account to access:

✓District-level insights & personalization
✓Retirement planning module
✓Access to 3 continents
✓Enhanced filters & comparisons
✓Up to 10 comprehensive reports
✓API access (5000 req/month)

Get Started

Legal & Administrative in Botswana

Loading legal and administrative data...

Environment & Sustainability in Botswana

Botswana faces environmental challenges from climate change, including more intense rainfall events made 60% more likely by 1.3°C global warming, leading to deadly floods as in February 2024. With stable air quality trends and an Environmental Performance Index score of 49.2, the country maintains moderate sustainability amid droughts, above-normal temperatures, and reliance on natural resources in its arid landscape.

Air Quality Index

Good

7.0/10

Stable trend

Botswana's air quality remains stable per database trends, with limited industrial pollution due to low manufacturing. CO2 emissions average 2.893 metric tons per capita, showing fluctuations but no severe AQI issues reported. Urban areas like Gaborone may face dust from arid conditions.

Water Quality

Moderate

6.5/10

Water quality in Botswana is adequate but challenged by arid conditions and pollution from mining. Access to clean water is limited in rural areas, with government monitoring through Statistics Botswana. Treatment standards exist, but scarcity increases contamination risks during floods.

Drinking water safety varies; urban supplies are treated, but rural reliance on groundwater poses risks from natural minerals and potential pollutants.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure in Botswana is developing, with limited national rates and types available per database (N/A%). Efforts focus on urban waste management, but challenges persist due to low population density and resource constraints.

Green Spaces

Botswana protects vast green spaces, including the Okavango Delta and Kalahari, covering significant land for conservation. National parks emphasize wildlife preservation amid desertification threats.

Forest Coverage: 19.8%

National Parks: 2

Key areas include Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, safeguarding biodiversity in a semi-arid environment.

Environmental Policies

Botswana implements environmental laws through the Department of Meteorological Services and statistics agencies, focusing on climate monitoring and resource management. EPI score of 49.2 reflects moderate protection efforts.

Key Policies:

•Environment Statistics Framework
•Climate Outlook Monitoring

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Botswana experiences moderate risks from floods, droughts, and heat waves, exacerbated by climate change.

floodsdroughtsheat waves

Climate Change Impacts: Heavy rainfall events like Feb 16-20, 2024, killing 31 and affecting 5,500, are 60% more intense due to 1.3°C warming; increasing trend in wet events over decades. Above-normal temperatures forecasted, with normal highs 30-33.5°C. Precipitation shows normal to above-normal patterns, but intensity rises, overwhelming urban drainage amid rapid urbanization.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Monitoring

Department of Meteorological Services issues seasonal outlooks using COAGCM models to manage climate risks in agriculture and water sectors.

Environmental Statistics

Statistics Botswana tracks environment data via portals for forestry, energy, and pollution to inform policy.

Flood Resilience

Nature-based solutions like greening urban areas proposed to absorb floodwater in Gaborone.

Wildlife & Nature

African ElephantVulnerable

African Wild DogEndangered

LionVulnerable

Loading environment and sustainability data...

Geography in Botswana

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Otse Hill

Lowest Point

Limpopo River

National Flag

Quick Facts for Botswana

Population

2,351,625

Currency

BWP

Timezone

UTC+02:00

Calling Code

+267

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

53.3 (2015)

Drives on the

left side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Botswana

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

Upgrade to Premium to unlock this feature

Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services