pula

Pula is a term used for multiple distinct things in different regions. The most widely recognized is the currency of Botswana. The pula has been Botswana’s official currency since 1976, administered by the Bank of Botswana. It is subdivided into 100 thebe. The ISO 4217 code for the pula is BWP. The word pula comes from the Setswana language, meaning rain, a resource of vital importance in Botswana’s climate, and the term carries cultural resonance beyond its monetary role.

In addition to its monetary use, Pula refers to a city in western Croatia. Pula is a seaport on the Istrian peninsula in Istria County. The city is known for its well-preserved Roman architecture, including the Pula Arena, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres still in existence. Pula has a long maritime history and hosts cultural events such as the Pula Film Festival, one of the region’s oldest film festivals. The urban area has a population in the tens of thousands and serves as a tourist destination that combines ancient monuments with Adriatic scenery.

The term pula can also appear in other contexts, including as a place name or in linguistic uses in different languages. When encountered, the meaning usually depends on regional usage, whether referring to Botswana’s currency or the Croatian city, among other possibilities.