Botswana

The landlocked country of the Republic of Botswana is located in Southern Africa bordered by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. It is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world with a total population of only 2.3 million people. Botswana was also among the poorest nations in the world in the late 1960s and has become an upper-middle-income country with an economy that is among the fastest-growing in the world.

Botswana's economy relies heavily on mining, cattle farming, and tourism. In 2021, the country had a GDP per capita (adjusted for purchasing power) of approximately $18,113, which is one of the highest in Africa. Botswana is the largest diamond producer in the world and has a relatively high gross national income per capita, ranking as the fourth-highest in Africa by some estimates. This translates to a comparatively high standard of living, and the country has the third-highest Human Development Index among Sub-Saharan African nations.

The currency of Botswana is the “pula” which is subdivided into 100 thebe. Pula literally means "rain" in Setswana. Comprising much of the Kalahari Desert, rain is very scarce in Botswana and therefore valuable and a blessing. Thebe, on the other hand, means shield and represents defense. The pula was introduced on August 23, 1976, known as "Pula Day, replacing the South African rand at par.

The latest version of the Botswanan pula banknotes was first introduced on August 21, 2009, comprising P10, P20, P50, P100, and P200 denominations. With the exception of the P200 note, which was launched that same year, all other notes retain the previous designs, colors, and layout. 

Recently, on February 22, 2021, the Bank of Botswana released a third version of the P10 banknote into circulation. This banknote includes the portrait of the President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, as well as the signatures of the former Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Thapelo Matsheka, and Governor, Moses Dinekere Pelaelo. A rampant zebra watermark is prominently displayed on all banknotes as a key security feature.