Generalities.

The citizens refer to themselves as "Batswana" (singular: Motswana), but many English-language sources use "Botswanan" instead. Formerly the Britishprotectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966. It has held free and fair democratic elections since independence.
A mid-sized country of just over two million people, Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Botswana was one of the poorest countries in Africa when it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, with a GDP per capita of about US$70. Botswana has since transformed itself, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the world to a GDP (purchasing power parity) per capita of about $14,000,and a high gross national income, possibly the fourth-largest in Africa, giving the country a modest standard of living. The country also has a strong tradition as a representative democracy.

President: 

Land area: 226,012 sq mi (585,371 sq km); total area: 231,803 sq mi (600,370 sq km)

Population (2012 est.): 2,098,018 (growth rate: 1.48%); birth rate: 22.02/1000; infant mortality rate: 10.49/1000; life expectancy: 55.74; density per sq km: 3

Capital :  Gaborone, 196,000

Monetary unit: Pula