South America Capitals Quiz
Can you match South American countries with their capitals?
🇧🇼 Botswana
Capital: Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana
Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana, located in the southeastern part of the country near the border with South Africa. The area had an established settlement before the modern capital was developed. In 1960, the Legislative Council decided that Gaborone would become the new capital, and construction of the planned administrative city followed in the 1960s. The seat of government moved there from Mafikeng, South Africa, in 1965, one year before Botswana gained independence.
đź“ś Timeline of Gaborone
1960: The Legislative Council decides that Gaborone will become the new capital of the Bechuanaland Protectorate.
1964: Gaborone is declared a township as development of the modern capital proceeds.
1965: The seat of government moves from Mafikeng, South Africa, to Gaborone.
1966: Botswana gains independence on September 30, with Gaborone serving as the capital of the new republic.
1969: The spelling of the city’s name changes from Gaberones to Gaborone.
Today: Gaborone is Botswana’s main political and administrative center and one of its largest commercial and educational centers.
đź“Š City Facts
Modern Capital Developed
1960s
Seat of Government Since
1965
Languages
English, Setswana
Currency
Botswana Pula (BWP)
Geography
Southeastern Botswana, near the South African border
Time Zone
Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2
Calling Code
+267
Driving Side
Left-hand traffic
🏛️ Notable Places
Three Dikgosi Monument
The monument depicts Khama III, Sebele I and Bathoen I, three chiefs who travelled to Britain in 1895 to oppose the proposed transfer of their territories to the British South Africa Company.
Botswana National Museum
The national museum in central Gaborone preserves collections related to Botswana’s history, art and natural heritage.
Gaborone International Commerce Park
A business district in the capital containing offices and commercial facilities.
Gaborone’s development as Botswana’s capital began before independence. Its selection brought the country’s central administration inside its own territory, and the city has remained the seat of national government since the transition from the Bechuanaland Protectorate to the Republic of Botswana.
