country in S Africa, north of South Africa: formerly the British territory of Bechuanaland, it became independent (1966) & a member of the Commonwealth: 224,607 sq mi (581,730 sq km); pop. 1,327,000; cap. Gaborone
A country of south-central Africa. Originally inhabited by the San and later (18th century) by the Tswana, the region became a British protectorate after 1885 and gained full independence in 1966. Gaborone is the capital and the largest city. Population: 1,820,000.