Capital of Botswana: Gaborone
The capital of Botswana is Gaborone. Botswana sits in Africa, has a population of 2,630,296, and uses the BWP. Official languages include English, Tswana.
Quick facts
- Capital: Gaborone
- Continent: Africa
- Population: ~2,630,296
- Area: 581,730 km²
- Population density: 4.5 people per km²
- Official languages: English, Tswana
- Currency: BWP
- ISO code: BW
How big is Botswana?
By population, Botswana ranks 142nd in the world, holding roughly 0.03% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 47th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Botswana has 4.5 people per square kilometre, which is far below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Africa, Botswana is the 42th most populous country of 54.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Botswana in population are Namibia (2,567,012) and Qatar (2,695,122).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Kenya (580,367 km²) and Madagascar (587,041 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
English is spoken officially in 58 countries in this dataset, including Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados and Belize, and 52 others.
Botswana uses the BWP, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Botswana in Africa
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Africa is the block Botswana belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Botswana and a page on the flag of Botswana.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Botswana?
The capital of Botswana is Gaborone.
What is the population of Botswana?
About 2,630,296, making it the 142nd most populous country in the world.
How big is Botswana?
581,730 square kilometres, ranking 47th by land area, at a density of 4.5 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Botswana use?
The BWP, which no other country uses.