Francistown
Francistown is the second-largest city in Botswana, with a population of about 103,417 and 147,122 inhabitants for its agglomeration at the 2022 census. It is located in eastern Botswana, about 400 kilometres (250 mi) north-northeast from the capital, Gaborone. Francistown is located at the confluence of the Tati and Ntshe rivers, and near the Shashe River (tributary to the Limpopo) and 90 kilometres (56 mi) from the international border with Zimbabwe.
Francistown | |
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Top to bottom: Institute of Health Sciences in Francistown CBD, Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport, Obed Itani Chilume Stadium | |
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Flag | |
Francistown Map of Botswana showing Francistown | |
| Coordinates: 21°10′25″S 27°30′45″E | |
| Country | Botswana |
| District | North-East District |
| Founded | 1897 |
| Incorporated as a city | 1997 |
| Named for | Daniel Francis |
| Government | |
| • Type | City commission government |
| • Body | City of Francistown Council |
| • Mayor | Godisang Radisigo (BDP) |
| Area | |
| • City | 79 km2 (31 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,001 m (3,284 ft) |
| Population (2022 census) | |
| • City | 103,417 |
| • Density | 1,300/km2 (3,400/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 147,122 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (Central Africa Time) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (not observed) |
| Geographical area code | 2XX |
| ISO 3166 code | BW-FR |
| Climate | BSh |
Francistown was the centre of Southern Africa's first gold rush and is still surrounded by old and abandoned mines. The City of Francistown is an administrative district, separated from North-East District. It is administered by Francistown City Council. The main language spoken and used in and around Francistown is Kalanga. Other languages used in the area are isiNdebele, ChiShona as well as SeTswana. Francistown is the only city in Botswana with an English name. There are no English-language named towns and only a couple of villages with English names.