Botswana Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate
Botswana is a country in Southern Africa, Africa, covering a total area of 581,730 km². It is a landlocked country with no coastline. Botswana shares land borders with 4 countries.
📐 Geographic Statistics
Where is Botswana Located?
Botswana is situated in Southern Africa, within the broader continent of Africa. As a landlocked country, Botswana has no direct access to the sea; all borders are shared with other nations. Historically, this shaped trade routes and development, with the country relying on agreements with neighbours for access to international shipping. The capital, Gaborone, is the country's main hub for commerce and administration. Within the Southern Africa region, Botswana sits alongside countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola.
Size and Area of Botswana
Botswana covers a total area of 581,730 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 2.6M across this territory, the population density works out at 4/km²: one of the more sparsely populated countries, with vast stretches of largely uninhabited land.
Climate of Botswana
The climate of Botswana is semi-arid, dry season may–october. The most favourable time to visit is May–October, when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.
🗺️ Countries Bordering Botswana
Botswana shares land borders with 4 countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia. This large number of shared borders reflects Botswana's central geographical position within Southern Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botswana's Geography
Where is Botswana located?
Botswana is located in Southern Africa, Africa. The capital city is Gaborone.
How large is Botswana?
Botswana has a total area of 581,730 km² with a population density of 4/km².
What countries border Botswana?
Botswana shares land borders with 4 countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia.
Does Botswana have a coastline?
No: Botswana is a landlocked country entirely surrounded by other countries, with no access to the sea.
What is the climate of Botswana?
The climate of Botswana is Semi-arid, dry season May–October. The best time to visit is May–October.
What timezone is Botswana in?
Botswana observes UTC+2 timezone.
What continent is Botswana in?
Botswana is in Africa, specifically in the Southern Africa region.
When did Botswana become independent?
Botswana gained independence in 1966.