September 30: Botswana Day
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Botswana.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.com.
History Note
The areas that form the modern country of Botswana have been home to many ethnic and language groups over the centuries. The Tswana people came to prominence by the 19th century.
Sechele was the Tswana king who ruled from 1829 to 1892. He studied the Bible with missionary David Livingstone and decided to become a Christian in 1848. Sechele spread the gospel among his people.
During the competition among European countries for colonies in Africa, the British extended their political influence over the Tswana people. However, Botswana did not receive as much attention as its neighbor South Africa.
A movement for independence in the 1950s and 1960s culminated in the establishment of the Republic of Botswana on September 30, 1966. This date is celebrated as Botswana Day. Seretse Khama was a leader in this movement, and he became the first president of Botswana.
Botswana is a county of 2.5 million people. The majority are part of the Tswana ethnic group. About 80% belong to a Christian denomination. About 4% follow the traditional religion of Badimo.
This 2024 photo shows Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, at sunset. Photo by Lucian Coman / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Five quick facts about Botswana.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
