Much of the western and south-western areas formed part of the Kalahari Desert, a vast ea of shifting red ands, with some spar e covering of grass and bush.
The eastern border zone against South Africa is the most populated area, because the land is fertile and has enough rain to raise livestock and grow crops.
To the north the landscape changes dramatically into the huge OKAVANGO DELTA of the Kavango River, fed by waters that rise in neighbouring Angola, and by heavier rainfall. This marshy area is a haven for wildlife, the home of elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras and crocodiles. The delta forms an intricate pattern of channels, with palm covered islands. In good rainy seasons it drains into the vast Makgadikagadi Pans, and when these fill with water there are spectacular parades of flamingos and pelicans.
The people of Botswana are mainly farmers. By tradition their social status and wealth is judged by the size of their cattle herds. The population has always been small - it is now just over 1 000 000 - and although some white settlers established huge commercial ranches, colonial history largely followed a path of benign neglect.
After independence in 1966, Botswana's fortunes were changed dramatically by the exploitation of mineral resources. Diamonds became the major foreign currency earner and copper nickel was also exported. The traditional meat exports were maintained and coal mining added to a temporary economic boom, aided by foreign investment.
The fickle rainfall makes it necessary for families to earn money from activities other than farming - for example, brewing, trading or building.