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
+TypeSymbolDescriptionAdoptedImageCoat of armsCoat of arms of BotswanaThe 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 1966FlagFlag of BotswanaThe 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
Culture
TypeSymbolDescriptionAdoptedAnthemFatshe leno la rona30 September 1966MottoPula25 January 1966
Species TypeSymbolDescriptionAdoptedImageAnimalZebra1966BirdKgori(Kori bustard)13 May 2014FlowerSengaparile(Harpagophytum procumbens)13 May 2014GrassMotsikiri(Eragrostis pallens)13 May 2014TreeMorula(Sclerocarya caffra)13 May 2014
Notes
References