Botswana and Batswana News

Country Profile
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana is a landlocked Country in Southern Africa.
The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" (singular: Motswana).
A mid-sized country of just over two million people, Botswana is one of the Most Sparsely Populated Countries in the World.
Formerly the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within theCommonwealth(Britain) on Sep 30,1966.
Botswa has held Free and Fair Democratic Elections since independence.
Capital                           Gaborone
Currency                        Pula
Population                     2.03 Million(2010 Estimate)
Official Language           English and Tswana

History
In June 1964, Britain accepted proposals for a democratic self-government in Botswana. The seat of government was moved in 1965 from Mafikeng in South Africa, to the newly establishThe 1965 constitution led to the first general elections and to independence on 30 September 1966.Seretse Khama,a leader in the independence movement and the legitimate claimant to the Ngwato chiefship, was elected as the first President and held office for two terms.

The Presidency passed to the sitting Vice President,Quette Masire, who was elected in his own right in 1984 and re-elected in 1989 and 1994.

When Masire retired from office in 1998,the Presidency passed to the sitting Vice President,Festus Mogae
who was elected in his own right in 1999 and re-elected in 2004

The Presidency passed in 2008 toIan Khama (son of the first president), who resigned his position as leader of the Botswana Defense Force to take up this civilian role

Government
Botswana is a Parliamentary Representative Democratic Republic where the President is both Head of State and Head of the Govt.and of a Multi Party System.Executive Power is vested in the Govt.Botswana's cabinet is headed by the President, who is also Head of Govt.
President of Botswana 

Ian Khama is the 4th and current President of Botswana in office from April 01,2008.

National Assembly of Botswana

Legislative Power is vested in both the Govt and the Parliament of Botswana - The National Assembly which has 57 elected and 4 appointed members elected for a 5year term.

Sports
Botswana won its first Olympic medal in 2012 London Olympic Games when Nijel Amos won silver in the 800 metres.
In 2011 Amantle Montsho became World Champion in the 400 metres and won Botswana's first athletics medal on the world level.