National symbols of Botswana

The national symbols of Botswana (Setswana: Matshwao a bosetšhaba a Botswana) are the objects, images, or cultural expressions that are emblematic, representative, or otherwise characteristic of the republic of Botswana or Batswana culture. There are 9 official national symbols.

Insignia

Type Symbol Description Adopted Image Ref.
Coat of arms Coat of arms of Botswana The coat of arms of Botswana was designed following a design competition. Two women designed coat of arms and neither one was approved by the House of Chiefs. George Winstanley was instructed to blend the best features in both, and it was slightly altered by his wife and the College of Heralds before being published. The coat of arms features two zebras, with the one on the right holding an ear of sorghum, and the one on the left holding a tusk of ivory, symbolizing the country's elephant population. The three cogs at the top of the shield represent the country's industry, and the three waves allude to the country's national motto, Pula, also featured at the bottom. At the bottom of the shield is the head of a bull, which symbolises the importance of cattle herding in Botswana. 25 January 1966 [1][2][3]: 235–236 [4]
Flag Flag of Botswana The flag of Botswana was designed solely by George Winstanley, a British colonial administrator who served in the Bechuanaland Protectorate, after there were reportedly no good entries during a flag design competition. It contains an azure blue background which represents water and rainfall; crucial resources in the arid nation. The white and black stripes represent the stripes of a zebra; the national animal, along with racial harmony. 30 September 1966 [2][3]: 235–236 [5]

Culture

Type Symbol Description Adopted Ref.
Anthem Fatshe leno la rona 30 September 1966 [1][2]
Motto Pula 25 January 1966[a] [1][2]

Species

Type Symbol Description Adopted Image Ref.
Animal Zebra
 1966 [2]
Bird Kgori
(Kori bustard)		 13 May 2014 [2][6]
Flower Sengaparile
(Harpagophytum procumbens)		 13 May 2014 [2][6]
Grass Motsikiri
(Eragrostis pallens)		 13 May 2014 [2][6]
Tree Morula
(Sclerocarya caffra)		 13 May 2014 [2][6]

Notes

  1. ↑ Adopted with the coat of arms

References

  1. 1 2 3 Lebanna, Pako (27 Sep 2016). "Birth of nation". Daily News Botswana. Gaborone, Botswana: Government of Botswana. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "National Symbols". Geneva, Switzerland: Embassy of Botswana in Switzerland & UN Mission, Geneva. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  3. 1 2 Winstanley, George (2000). Under Two Flags in Africa: Recollections of a British Administrator in the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Botswana 1954 to 1972. Colchester, England: Blackwater Books. ISBN 978-0953920600. LCCN 2001369498. OCLC 47096456. OL 4009273M.
  4. ↑ Talocci, Mauro (1982). Smith, Whitney (ed.). Guide to the Flags of the World. Illustrated by Guido Canestrari. New York: Quill. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-688-01141-3.
  5. ↑ Smith, Whitney (2018-11-13). "Flag of Botswana". Britannica. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Pelontle, Kedirebofe (13 May 2014). "Department unveils national symbols". Daily News Botswana. Gaborone, Botswana: Government of Botswana.
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