# Maun

> town in Botswana

**Wikidata**: [Q170732](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q170732)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maun,_Botswana)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maun

## Summary
Maun is a town in Botswana, located in the North-West District of the country. Established in 1915, it serves as a key gateway to the Okavango Delta and is one of the country's most important tourism hubs.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Town in Botswana
- **Location:** North-West District, Botswana
- **Inception:** Founded in 1915
- **Population:** 57,067 (as of recent count); previously recorded at 85,293
- **Coordinates:** Latitude: -19.983333, Longitude: 23.416667
- **Aliases:** Ko motshing
- **Image Source:** [Maunbyplane.jpg](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Maunbyplane.jpg) by Rolinator (Public domain)
- **Wikipedia Title:** Maun, Botswana
- **Sitelink Count:** 46

## FAQs

### What is Maun known for?
Maun is known as the primary access point to the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most significant inland delta ecosystems and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also recognized for its role in supporting tourism and regional air transport services in northern Botswana.

### What is the population of Maun?
The population of Maun has been recorded at 57,067 and previously at 85,293, indicating growth or demographic shifts over time.

### Where is Maun located?
Maun is located in the North-West District of Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It lies near the Okavango Delta, a major geographical and ecological feature of the region.

### What is the historical significance of Maun?
Founded in 1915, Maun has grown from a small settlement into a vital town in Botswana’s tourism and transportation sectors. Its proximity to the Okavango Delta has made it a strategic location for eco-tourism and regional aviation.

### What airlines operate in Maun?
Maun is a hub for regional airlines such as Mack Air (established 1994) and Wilderness Air (established 1991), both of which are based in Botswana and support tourism and charter services to remote areas like the Okavango Delta.

### What is the geography and environment around Maun like?
Maun is situated near the Okavango Delta, a vast inland delta formed by the Okavango River. This area is characterized by seasonal flooding, rich biodiversity, and a unique ecosystem that supports wildlife and tourism.

## Why It Matters
Maun plays a critical role in Botswana’s tourism industry, particularly as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Its strategic location supports conservation efforts, eco-tourism, and local economic development. The town also contributes to regional connectivity through its support of aviation services, including charter flights to remote safari locations.

## Notable For
- Serving as the primary access point to the Okavango Delta
- Hosting regional airlines like Mack Air and Wilderness Air that facilitate tourism and logistics
- Being one of the fastest-growing towns in Botswana due to its tourism economy
- Having a unique aerial perspective captured in its iconic image, [Maunbyplane.jpg](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Maunbyplane.jpg)
- Being part of the North-West District, one of Botswana’s nine administrative districts

## Body

### History and Founding
Maun was established in 1915 and has since evolved from a small settlement into a key town in northern Botswana. Its location near the Okavango Delta has historically made it a natural hub for trade, transport, and tourism in the region.

### Geography and Environment
Maun is located in the North-West District at approximately -19.983333° latitude and 23.416667° longitude. The town is closely associated with the Okavango Delta, a unique inland delta known for its seasonal flooding and rich biodiversity. This area supports a wide range of wildlife and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

### Demographics and Growth
The population of Maun has been recorded at 57,067, with earlier figures showing 85,293. This variation may reflect demographic changes or updated census data. The town has experienced growth due to its role in tourism and regional services.

### Tourism and Economy
Maun is a central node in Botswana’s tourism sector. It serves as the main departure point for safaris and eco-tours into the Okavango Delta. The presence of airlines like Mack Air and Wilderness Air enhances its role in providing access to remote and pristine natural areas.

### Aviation and Infrastructure
Mack Air (founded 1994) and Wilderness Air (founded 1991) are two regional airlines headquartered in Botswana that operate from Maun. These carriers support tourism, charter flights, and logistical operations into the delta region.

### Cultural and Regional Context
As part of the North-West District, Maun is embedded in a region known for its sparse population and rich cultural heritage. The district is one of nine in Botswana and includes other settlements that support rural and conservation-based economies.

### Image and Representation
Maun is visually represented in the widely recognized photograph *Maunbyplane.jpg*, taken by Rolinator and shared under public domain. This image captures the town’s relationship with aviation and its scenic surroundings.

### Administrative and National Context
Botswana, Maun’s parent country, is a landlocked sovereign state in Southern Africa. It became independent on September 30, 1966, and is known for its stable democracy and strong institutions. Maun contributes to Botswana’s national economy through tourism and regional development.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.statsbots.org.bw/sites/default/files/publications/Population%20%26%20Housing%20Census%202022-%20Population%20of%20Cities%2C%20Towns%2C%20Villages%20%26%20Associated%20Localities.pdf)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. MusicBrainz
4. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
5. BBC Things
6. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/bw.htm)
7. Virtual International Authority File