The Republic of Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.  The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" (singular: Motswana). Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966.  It has held free and fair democratic elections since independence.

Geographically the country is flat and up to 70% of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert.  It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast.  It meets Zambia at a single point.