Botswana civics quiz: questions and answers
All 15 general civics quiz questions about Botswana with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Government and law 5 questions
The National Assembly, Ntlo ya Dikgosi, the kgotla tradition and the rules for naturalisation.
Practise only: Government and law →
What is the capital city of Botswana?
Gaborone
Gaborone became the capital at independence in 1966 and is home to the National Assembly.
How is the President of Botswana chosen?
Elected by the National Assembly after a general election
Under Botswana's Constitution, the President is elected by members of the National Assembly following a general election.
What is the name of Botswana’s advisory house of traditional leaders?
Ntlo ya Dikgosi
Ntlo ya Dikgosi, formerly the House of Chiefs, advises Parliament on matters such as custom and tribal affairs.
What is the traditional community meeting place and assembly in Botswana called?
Kgotla
The kgotla is the traditional public meeting place where a chief and community discuss matters and settle disputes.
How many years of residence in total are needed to apply for naturalisation?
At least ten years
Applicants need at least ten years of residence in total, including a continuous 12 months immediately before the application.
History 5 questions
The Bechuanaland Protectorate, independence in 1966, Sir Seretse Khama and the discovery of diamonds.
On what date did Botswana become independent?
30 September 1966
Botswana became independent from Britain on 30 September 1966, now celebrated as Botswana Day.
What was Botswana called before independence?
Bechuanaland Protectorate
Botswana was the British Bechuanaland Protectorate until independence in 1966.
Who was the first President of Botswana?
Sir Seretse Khama
Sir Seretse Khama led Botswana from independence in 1966 until his death in 1980.
At which site were diamonds discovered in 1967, shortly after independence?
Orapa
Diamonds were found at Orapa in 1967. Diamond mining went on to transform Botswana's economy.
Which town outside its borders served as the administrative centre of the Bechuanaland Protectorate?
Mafeking (Mahikeng)
The protectorate was run from Mafeking, in present-day South Africa, until Gaborone was built as the new capital before independence.
Geography, culture and symbols 5 questions
Gaborone, the Kalahari and Okavango Delta, the pula and the meaning of the national flag.
Practise only: Geography, culture and symbols →
What is the currency of Botswana?
Pula
Botswana's currency is the pula, which is divided into 100 thebe.
What does the word ‘pula’ mean in Setswana?
Rain
Pula means rain, which is precious in a dry country. It is also the national motto and the name of the currency.
Which inland delta in Botswana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta, a vast inland delta in north-west Botswana, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
What do the black and white stripes on Botswana’s flag represent?
Harmony between black and white people
The black band with white edges stands for racial harmony, inspired by the zebra. The light blue represents water and rain.
Which desert covers much of Botswana?
Kalahari
The Kalahari Desert covers a large part of Botswana, especially the centre and south-west.
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