A Little Known History of the Flag of Botswana

The flag of Botswana

Each country is identified by its national flag. Thus Botswana is identified by her blue, black and white flag which was officially adopted on 30^th September, 1966. It has been the flag of the Republic of Botswana since Botswana gained Independence on 30^th September 1966. 

The flag of Botswana consists of a blue colour which represents both the sky and water as it is a precious resource in Botswana. Batswana relies on agriculture hence water is considered a precious resource. This also symbolises the sufferings from frequent droughts due to the dry and arid climate of the Kalahari Desert. The blue also alludes to the motto featured on the coat of arms of Botswana “Pula”, which means let there be rain, as well as life, which is sustained by water.

The black band with the white frame symbolises equality and unity between people of all races. Furthermore, they symbolise the harmony and cooperation between the people of different races who live in Botswana, as well as the racial diversity of the country. The black and white also represent the stripes of the Zebra, the national animal of Botswana.

Most interestingly, the flag of Botswana is one of the few flags that utilise neither the colours of the Pan Africanist movement nor the colours of the country's leading political party.