The capital of Botswana is Gaborone. Description

There was no such state as Botswana on the world map until 1966. The country, which was at that time under the British protectorate, was called Bechuanaland. Noteworthy can be called the fact that the capital - Mafeking - was generally located outside its territory. The current administrative center of Botswana is called Gaborone. It represents a young but very fast growing city, which will be discussed in more detail later.

Short story

The state of Botswana on the map can be found in the southern part of the African continent. As already mentioned above, this territory was under the protectorate of Great Britain until 1965. It was then that she became the eleventh African colony, which proclaimed its independence. Immediately afterwards, there was a need to select its state-administrative center. At that time, nine cities claimed the status of the capital of the country, each of which met the necessary requirements. The winner was a small settlement Gaborone. The choice in his favor was made primarily on the basis of a successful strategic location (including the availability of large sources of water within reach, as well as the proximity of the railway).

general description

Gaborone - the capital is relatively young. A small village located on the bank of the river Notvan, in the south-eastern part of the country, at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level, was rebuilt into a large city quite quickly. All of its main infrastructure was commissioned on September 30, 1966. It was then that the state celebrated its first anniversary of independence. In a record short time, a powerful power station, government buildings, hospitals, banks, schools, shops, a church and other necessary infrastructure were erected.

The capital of Botswana is planned in such a way that it is stretched along the railway branch from north to south. And from west to east it is intersected by the boulevard, which connects the administrative districts with the airport. The city's area is about 169 square kilometers, and its population is a little more than 227,000 inhabitants. Since most of the buildings have been built relatively recently, much of the city is a combination of concrete, steel and glass.

Climate

Botswana is a country that is influenced by the continental subtropical climate. Its capital was not an exception. The warmest month of the year is January, when the thermometer is at about 24 degrees. The coolest time is July, with an average monthly temperature of 12 degrees above zero. Frosts are never there. With regard to precipitation, they fall very little (about 500 millimeters per year).

Infrastructure and transport

The majority of government agencies are located in the center of the city. Among them, we can mention the National Assembly, the State University and the National Museum. In addition, tourists enjoy a monument to the people of the country who died during the Second World War. The capital of Botswana has a well-established network of bus routes. With this type of transport you can get to any part of Gaborone. If you want it is relatively inexpensive here you can rent a car. The international airport is located just 10 kilometers from the city limits. With regard to the purchase of souvenirs, then this problem does not arise, because numerous shops and shops are located almost at every corner, especially in the center.

Tourist attraction

As of today, it can not be said that the capital of Botswana is a popular destination for travelers. Whatever it was, the tourist infrastructure here is well developed. On the territory of the city there are international hotel chains, cinemas, casinos and restaurants. Due to the small age of Gaborone, it does not have any outstanding sights. Whatever the case, their absence is fully compensated by the unique wild nature surrounding the city. In addition, there are many parks and several nature reserves, including "Saint Clair" - a place where lions live. Finding yourself in this city, it is necessary to visit the old part of Gaborone, which is called "Village". It has preserved some of the buildings that reflect the remnants of the country's colonial history.

Gaborone nowadays

The capital of Botswana is located only 15 kilometers from the border of one of the most developed countries in Africa - South Africa. In this regard, it is not surprising that, like in the neighboring state, the diamond industry is at a high level of development. Construction in the city does not stop. It constantly grows new areas, houses, shopping centers and even nightclubs. Gaborone is gradually being transformed into a major tourist center on the African continent. An additional confirmation of this can be called the fact that the number of tourists here is growing from year to year. At the same time, local people greatly respect national traditions. Most of the indigenous people live in the suburbs, coming to the center only for work. Gaborone is now the main economic center of the state, which continues to develop dynamically.