The world is home to some huge nations, but not all are packed with people. 

Some countries are known more for their landscapes than their populations, with wide-open spaces and breathtaking scenery dominating the horizon.

In southern Africa, one country stands out for its sheer size and a population that’s surprisingly small.

The country in question is Botswana, which covers a staggering 224,607 square miles – making it larger than France and Spain. 

In comparison, the population of France stood at 68 million in 2023 and Spain’s at 48 million.

The reason for the lack of people is mostly because much of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert, which stretches across 70% of the country.

This, however, makes the country a haven for wildlife with world-renowned conservation areas like the Okavango Delta, where visitors can spot elephants, lions, and leopards in their natural habitats. 

Botswana is also the world’s largest producer of diamonds, which plays a big role in its economy. 

What’s more, its relatively high income per capita has given it a strong standard of living, although unemployment remains a big challenge.

As far as the history of Botswana is concerned, the nation was originally inhabited by the Tswana people, before it became a British protectorate in 1885 under the name Bechuanaland. 

It gained independence in 1966, transitioning into a stable democracy that has remained peaceful ever since. 

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and it’s also where the government resides.

The country prides itself on its strong stance on wildlife conservation and its relatively low levels of corruption, ranking among the least corrupt countries in Africa.