Motswana

Motswana is a term used to refer to a person who is a citizen of Botswana, or more specifically, a member of the Tswana ethnic group who are the dominant population in Botswana. The plural form of Motswana is Batswana. The Tswana people are a Bantu-speaking ethnic group native to Southern Africa. Their language is Setswana, which is also one of the official languages of Botswana.

Historically, the Batswana are known for their traditional societal structure, which was often organized around chieftaincies and a strong sense of community. They have a rich cultural heritage that includes intricate beadwork, pottery, and distinct musical traditions. Agriculture and cattle ranching have traditionally been central to their way of life.

In modern Botswana, the term Motswana encompasses all citizens, regardless of their specific ethnic background, reflecting a national identity that has been forged since the country's independence in 1966. While the Tswana people form the majority, Botswana is a multi-ethnic nation. The concept of Motswana, therefore, also represents a unified national identity for all who call Botswana home. The country's economic development, particularly in diamond mining, has significantly impacted the lives and social structures of Batswana.