The Republic of Botswana is a state located in southern Africa, bordering South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The country is landlocked. More than 2/3 of its territory is desert. It has an area of 600.4 thousand km2 and a population of 2.3 million people.
This is what the modern flag of Botswana looks like:
History of the flag
In the 1980s the colonization of southern Africa by the resurgent German Empire progressed. The chiefs of the Tswana (as the inhabitants were called) appealed to the British crown for help, and in 1885 a protectorate was proclaimed over the territory. For several decades Botswana was a British colony. It did not have its own flag and used the British flag.
In 1966, after the declaration of independence, the country’s first national flag was approved.
Description of the Botswana flag
The sides of the Botswana flag are in proportion – 2 to 3. Its colors alternate in the following sequence: blue – white – black – white – blue. The middle part (black with two whites) divides the cloth into two equal parts.
Flag colors
The national symbol of the Republic of Botswana consists of three colors: blue, black and white. They are alternated by horizontal stripes.
Meaning of colors and flag symbol
The blue color symbolizes the cloudless skies of Africa, the hope of water and rain.
The stripes of white and black symbolize the people of Botswana. The black represents the majority of the people of Botswana and the white represents the national minorities. The combination of these stripes signifies the freedom of society, harmony, harmony and good coexistence between the black and white races.
At the same time, this combination of colors is associated with the national animal – zebra.
Symbols characterizing the colors of the flag are depicted on the coat of arms of Botswana: the motto of the country – “PULA” (“Let there be rain”) and two zebras.
Interesting facts about the flag
According to the law of the country, the official symbol may be used on land for all purposes. In addition to official bodies, personal companies and civilians are also allowed to raise the national symbol. The national symbol of Botswana is also used by the armed forces of the country.
The Republic of Botswana is a presidential country. The standard of the president also includes an image of a blue cloth with a coat of arms in the center.
General information about Botswana
| Official language | English, Tswana |
| Capital | Gaborone |
| Territory | 581 730 km2 |
| Population | 2 112 049 people |
| Currency | pool |
| Phone Code | +267 |
