# Bechuanaland Protectorate > British protectorate in southern Africa, became Botswana in 1966 **Wikidata**: [Q747314](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q747314) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechuanaland_Protectorate) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bechuanaland-protectorate ## Summary The Bechuanaland Protectorate was a British colonial protectorate in southern Africa established in 1885 that later became the independent nation of Botswana in 1966. It was a key political entity during the decolonization period and played a central role in the region's transition from colonial rule to self-governance. The territory is historically significant for its peaceful path to independence and stable post-colonial governance. ## Key Facts - The Bechuanaland Protectorate was established on 1 January 1885. - It was dissolved on 1 January 1966, upon gaining independence as Botswana. - It is directly succeeded by the sovereign state of Botswana, which declared independence on 30 September 1966. - It is located in southern Africa, with approximate coordinates at latitude -24.65348 and longitude 25.904399. - The protectorate was preceded by the name "Bechuanaland" (alias: Bechuana-land). - It has a sitelink count of 39, indicating its presence across 39 language versions of Wikipedia. - Seretse Khama, the first President of Botswana, held citizenship and had occupations including Lawyer, Politician, and Head of State. He lived from 1921 to 1980. - The entity Bechuanaland Protectorate is also associated with the asteroid 1349 Bechuana, which shares the same name but is unrelated in function. ## FAQs ### What was the Bechuanaland Protectorate? It was a British protectorate in southern Africa that existed from 1885 until it gained independence as Botswana in 1966. ### When did the Bechuanaland Protectorate become Botswana? It was officially dissolved on 1 January 1966, and Botswana was formally declared an independent state on 30 September 1966. ### Who is Seretse Khama and why is he notable? Seretse Khama was the first President of Botswana, born in 1921 and deceased in 1980. He was a key figure in the transition from the Bechuanaland Protectorate to the independent Republic of Botswana and is recognized for his role in establishing the new nation's early governance. ### Is the Bechuanaland Protectorate still in existence? No, the Bechuanaland Protectorate no longer exists. It was succeeded by the independent state of Botswana in 1966. ### What is the connection between Bechuanaland Protectorate and the asteroid 1349 Bechuana? The number 1349 Bechuana refers to an actual asteroid and is unrelated to the Bechuanaland Protectorate. The shared name is coincidental. ### What is the significance of the name "Bechuana-land"? "Bechuana-land" is an alternative name or alias used to refer to the territory during its time as a British protectorate. ## Why It Matters The Bechuanaland Protectorate represents a critical phase in the decolonization of southern Africa. As a British-administered territory, it was a transitional political entity that enabled the region to evolve into a modern state. Its peaceful transition to independence in 1966 set a precedent for stable self-governance in the region. The protectorate's history is intrinsically tied to the broader narrative of African independence and the emergence of Botswana as a nation. Its dissolution marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new era in southern African political history. ## Notable For - Being one of the last African territories to gain independence from British rule. - Its peaceful transition to self-governance without major internal conflict. - Its role in the emergence of Botswana as a stable democratic state in 1966. - The political legacy of Seretse Khama, who led the new nation post-independence. ## Body ### History The Bechuanaland Protectorate was established by the British Government on 1 January 1885, under pressure from local leaders and European colonial interests. It was intended to protect the rights and land of the Tswana people from encroachment by the Boers and other colonial forces. The protectorate was officially ended on 1 January 1966, and its dissolution led to the independence of Botswana on 30 September 1966. The transition from the Bechuanaland Protectorate to the sovereign state of Botswana was peaceful and marked a successful case of decolonization in southern Africa. ### Governance and Leadership The Bechuanaland Protectorate was under British administration but allowed for local governance structures to remain intact. In 1966, it was succeeded by the Republic of Botswana, with Seretse Khama as its first President. Seretse Khama, who served as the first President of Botswana from 1966 until his death in 1980, played a defining role in the transition and early governance of the new state. His occupations included roles such as Lawyer, Politician, and Head of State. ### Geography and Territory The Bechuanaland Protectorate was located in the southern African region, centered around the coordinates of latitude -24.65348 and longitude 25.904399. This territory corresponds to modern-day Botswana, which includes the area once governed under the protectorate. ### Name and Identity The name "Bechuanaland" is an anglicized reference to the Tswana people, who are the dominant ethnic group in the region. The term "Bechuana-land" is an alternative name for the same territory. The name reflects the historical nomenclature used during the British protectorate period. ### Notable Connections The Bechuanaland Protectorate is directly tied to the modern state of Botswana, which was established in 1966. The entity is also historically connected to the asteroid 1349 Bechuana, though this is a coincidental connection with no functional relationship. The name "Bechuanaland" is also shared with the asteroid, but the two are unrelated. ### Legacy and Succession The Bechuanaland Protectorate was officially dissolved in 1966, and its end led to the formal establishment of Botswana as a sovereign state. This transition was peaceful and marked the end of the protectorate era. The new state of Botswana inherited the territory's institutions and leadership, with Seretse Khama becoming the first President. His leadership and the peaceful transition to independence are central to the legacy of the Bechuanaland Protectorate. ### Related Entities - **Botswana**: The successor state to the Bechuanaland Protectorate, declared independent on 30 September 1966. - **1349 Bechuana**: An asteroid named after the region, unrelated to the political entity. - **Seretse Khama**: The first President of Botswana, who played a key role in the transition from the Bechuanaland Protectorate to the modern state. ### Conclusion of the Protectorate Era The Bechuanaland Protectorate's end in 1966 marked the beginning of the modern state of Botswana. This transition was peaceful and is considered a model of successful decolonization. The legacy of the Bechuanaland Protectorate is preserved in the history of Botswana, which continues to be a stable democracy in the region. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013