Timeline of Botswana

Chronology

14 events spanning the history of Botswana. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1867

   European gold prospectors arrive, mining begins.

   European gold prospectors arrive, mining begins.

2. 1885

   British proclaim a protectorate called Bechuanaland.

   British proclaim a protectorate called Bechuanaland.

3. 1959

   Copper mines are established.

   Copper mines are established.

4. 1960

   Bechuanaland People’s Party (BPP) is established.

   Bechuanaland People’s Party (BPP) is established.

5. 1962

   Seretse Khama founds Bechuanaland Democratic Party (BDP)

   Seretse Khama founds Bechuanaland Democratic Party (BDP), later to become Botswana Democratic Party.

6. 1966

   Bechuanaland is granted independence and becomes Republic of Botswana.

   Bechuanaland is granted independence and becomes Republic of Botswana with Seretse Khama as president.

7. 1966

   Joins the United Nations.

   Joins the United Nations.

8. 1967

   Diamonds discovered at Orapa.

   Diamonds discovered at Orapa.

9. 1977

   Botswana Defence Force is established.

   Botswana Defence Force is established.

10. 1999

    Six-day state of emergency declared to resolve voter registration problem.

    Six-day state of emergency declared to resolve voter registration problem.