• Population : 2.9 million
• Capital: Gabrone
• Demographics: 79% of the population is indigenous Botswana and are known as Tswana. Major minority ethnic groups include the Kalanga and the San. Only 3% of the population identify as white Africans. Religious identities include Roman Catholic, Hindu, and Muslim.
• Type of government: parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Botswana is both head of state and head of government , and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government.
• Currency: Pula
• Common foods: Seswaa (tradition meat dish), Pap, Morogo, Braai meat

English is the official language. Locals also speak Setswana (78.2%), Kalanga (7.9%), Sekgalagadi (2.8%), English (2.1%), other (8.6%), and unspecified (0.4%).

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

• U.S. citizens are permitted to stay up to a 90 day period without a visa. If you are on a program that extends beyond 90 days then you will need a visa.
• All visitors require a passport valid for over 6 months beyond your expected return date.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of the website.

Phones

• The International access code in Botswana is 00. When calling international to Botswana, dial +267. Mobile Sim cards are available in most supermarkets and service stations. All major towns in Botswana are network covered, as well as portions of the national highway.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• The internet in Botswana is used by about 28.4% of the population. This is slightly lower than the figure of 28.6% for Africa as a whole in 2015.

Electricity

• Both square and round wall plugs are used in Botswana, so you may need an adapter at times.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.
• Electricity is supplied at 220/240v.

Banking Tips

• Make sure to call your bank PRIOR to departure to ensure that your debit/credit card is not cancelled, since they may suspect someone stole your information.
• Utilize your local bank for currency exchange prior to departure to have some cash on-hand. Exchanging at the airport is more expensive with fees and/or tends a less desirable exchange rate.
• Major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, are accepted throughout the country, in most hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and safari companies. However, shops in remote areas and service stations may only accept cash.

Geography

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, where 70% of the country is made up of the Kalahari Desert. The massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with its fossilized river valleys and undulating grasslands, is home to numerous animals including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs.

Climate

Botswana's climate is semi-arid. Though it is hot and dry for much of the year, there is a rainy season, which runs through the summer months. Almost all rainfall occurs in the summer where the days are hot, especially in the weeks that precede the coming of the cooling rains, and shade temperatures rise to the 100°F mark and higher, reaching a blistering 110°F on rare occasions.

Packing

• In summer, lightweight, light-colored cottons are preferable.
• Garments of neutral colors that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing.
• Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort.
• Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain.
• In winter, wear trousers, long-sleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys.
• From May – August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees Celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives.
• Closed, comfortable walking shoes or gym shoes are a must in all seasons.
• Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarized sunglasses.
• Wide brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Local Transport

• Buses are the only public transport option for traveling between major cities (All domestic rail routes were cancelled in 2009).
• Seabalo is the largest of several bus companies, and runs regular long-distance services from Gaborone to all the bigger cities.
• Taxis are also commonly used and fairly priced.

Flights

• Air Botswana is Botswana's national and ONLY airline.
• Most major international airlines from Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia fly to Johannesburg, South Africa, where connecting flights can be booked to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, or to Maun, Francistown or Kasane. You can read more specific information about each airport.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.