History of Botswana

Bechuanaland Protectorate, 1885–1966 Draft, not yet reviewed

The Bechuanaland Protectorate was established on 31 March 1885 in Southern Africa by the United Kingdom. It became independent as the Republic of Botswana on 30 September 1966. The protectorate was administered from Mafeking, which placed the capital of the territory outside of the territory. In 1895, Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I travelled to Britain and successfully persuaded the British government not to transfer the protectorate to Cecil Rhodes's British South Africa Company.

Seat of power: Mahikeng

Republic of Botswana, 1966 to today Draft, not yet reviewed

As part of the decolonisation of Africa, Bechuanaland became an independent Commonwealth republic under its current name on 30 September 1966. The discovery of diamonds in 1967 transformed the economy. Partnerships with De Beers and the creation of Debswana allowed the government to gain substantial diamond revenue, helping Botswana become one of Africa's fastest-growing economies. In the 2024 Botswana general election, the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change defeated the Botswana Democratic Party, ending 58 years of BDP rule and making Duma Boko president.

Seat of power: Gaborone

Rulers

• Seretse Khama, President of Botswana, 1966–1980
• Quett Masire, President of Botswana, 1980–1998
• Festus Mogae, President of Botswana, 1998–2008
• Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of Botswana, 2008–2018
• Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana, 2018–2024
• Duma Boko, President of Botswana, 2024 to today