Postal History of Botswana

Botswana, in southern Africa, is known for its deserts, wildlife, and peaceful history.

Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It shares borders with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa. Before it became independent in 1966, it was called the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland. After independence, the country changed its name to Botswana. Its stamps tell the story of its journey from a British protectorate to a proud and peaceful nation. They show wildlife, national leaders, and scenes of everyday life.

Stamps through the years

1885 – British Bechuanaland: Stamps from the Cape of Good Hope were overprinted with "British Bechuanaland" and used in the new British colony in the south.
1888 – Bechuanaland Protectorate: The first stamps were overprinted British Bechuanaland stamps with the word "Protectorate."
1932 – Local scenes: Stamps began to show African wildlife, cattle, and local landscapes while still under British rule.
1966 to present – Botswana: The country became independent and issued its first stamps as Botswana. These stamps celebrated the new nation and featured the national flag and coat of arms.

Did you know?

Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta, one of the largest inland river deltas in the world.
The Kalahari Desert covers much of the country.
The national animal, the zebra, is often shown on stamps.
Botswana is one of the world's top producers of diamonds.
The country uses the Pula as its currency. "Pula" means "rain" in the Setswana language, showing how precious rain is in this dry land.
In 1947, the Royal Family visited parts of southern Africa, including the Bechuanaland Protectorate (now Botswana). King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and their daughters Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret travelled through the region as part of a three month post-WWII royal tour. To remember this special event, Bechuanaland issued four stamps. One of them was a green 2d stamp showing the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (see Figure 1).