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Botswana is a non-coastal country located in Southern Africa and neighboring on Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. In earlier times the British territory of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. The economy, one of the most vigorous on the continent, is dominated by diamond mining and tourism. Botswana is famous for its wildlife; areas like the Chobe National Park, Moremi National Park in the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve have a very high concentration of game. The bulk of the Kalahari Desert falls within Botswana's borders and Botswana is home to most of the world's San (bushman) population. The economy, closely tied to South Africa's, is conquered by mining (especially diamonds), tourism, and cattle. The language of business in Botswana is English and most people speak it, although in the more rural areas many people do not speak English, particularly the older generations. The primary native tongue is Setswana, and is the mother tongue of the overwhelming majority of the population. It is not difficult to learn basic greetings and such, and using these in conversation will make people very happy. Most of the lodging establishments in Botswana are located near the larger towns and cities, but there are also many private game lodges tucked away in the wilds areas. The most admired sport in Botswana is football, while other popular sports include cricket, tennis, rugby union, softball, volleyball and athletics. Botswana is an associate member of International Cricket Council. Another popular game is the mind sport of Bridge. Bridge was first played in Botswana thirty years ago, but it was the 1980’s when the game really took off with many British emigrant school teachers teaching bridge in Botswana’s Secondary Schools. Tourism plays a great role in the Botswana economy. A number of national parks and game reserves, with their abundant wildlife and wetlands, are main tourist attractions. The wildlife, including lions, brown hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs and antelope, were described in vast detail in the best-selling book "Cry of the Kalahari" by Mark and Delia Owens. The chief safari destinations for tourism are Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, and Chobe National Park. |