Botswana is a country in Southern Africa, Africa. In 2025 it has about 2.6 million people (UN estimate), the 142nd most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1966Population: 142nd
Botswanaボツワナ
Region
Southern Africa, Africa
Population
about 2.6 million (142nd)
Area
581,730 km² (46th)
UN member since
October 17, 1966
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Botswana in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 2.6 million, the 142nd most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/48 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 581,730 km², the 46th largest of the 193. That is about 1.5 times Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 4.4.
Joining the United Nations
Botswana joined the United Nations on October 17, 1966.
That was 10 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Countries that joined on the same day: Lesotho.
Think about it
Q1Compare Botswana’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Botswana on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Botswana, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 5 UN member states in Southern Africa. The one with the most people is South Africa.