BW PSLE Social Studies key terms

The distance of a place north or south of the equator, measured in degrees. Lines of latitude run east to west and help describe where a place sits on the globe.

The distance of a place east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees. Lines of longitude run from pole to pole and are used with latitude to fix exact location.

The imaginary line around the middle of the Earth at zero degrees latitude, dividing the planet into northern and southern halves. Places near it are usually hot and wet.

The imaginary line of zero degrees longitude passing through Greenwich, from which eastings and westings are measured. It divides the Earth into eastern and western hemispheres.

One half of the Earth, such as the northern, southern, eastern or western half. Botswana lies in the southern and eastern hemispheres, which affects its seasons and time.

Either of two lines of latitude about 23.5 degrees from the equator, marking the limits of the zone where the sun can be directly overhead. Botswana lies just south of the Tropic of Capricorn.

The usual pattern of weather in a place over many years, including average rainfall and temperature. Botswana's climate is semi-arid, with a wet summer and a long dry winter.

The amount of rain that falls in a place over a period, usually measured in millimetres with a rain gauge. Rainfall in Botswana is low and varies greatly from year to year and place to place.

A long period with much less rain than usual, causing water shortages, crop failure and loss of livestock. Drought is a recurring hazard in Botswana and shapes farming and government planning.

The whole area of land drained by a river and its tributaries. Botswana shares river basins such as the Limpopo and Okavango with neighbouring countries, so water use needs cooperation.

Land that is covered by water for all or part of the year, supporting special plants and animals. The Okavango Delta is a famous wetland that attracts wildlife and tourists.

The careful protection and management of natural resources such as wildlife, water, soil and forests so they last for future generations. Botswana uses national parks and wildlife laws to promote conservation.

A protected area of land set aside by government to conserve wildlife and scenery and to allow controlled visiting. Examples in Botswana include Chobe and Makgadikgadi Pans.

The business of providing travel, accommodation and services to visitors. Tourism earns foreign income and creates jobs in Botswana, especially around wildlife areas.

The movement of people from one place to another to live, either within a country or across borders. Migration in southern Africa has long been driven by work, trade and family ties.

The movement of workers to places where jobs are available, often far from home and for long periods. Many Batswana men historically worked in South African mines, affecting family life at home.

Money sent home by a person working away from their family or country. Remittances from migrant workers helped support rural households in Botswana and neighbouring states.

The control of one territory and its people by another country, often for trade, settlement or resources. Botswana was the British protectorate of Bechuanaland until independence in 1966.

A territory that keeps its own rulers and laws but is protected and partly controlled by a stronger state. Bechuanaland became a British protectorate in 1885 after requests from local chiefs.

The state of a country governing itself free from outside control. Botswana became independent on 30 September 1966, with Seretse Khama as its first president.

A traditional Tswana assembly and meeting place where the community discusses matters and the chief hears disputes. The kgotla is an important forum for public consultation and customary justice.

A traditional leader of a Tswana community who advises, judges and represents the people. Chiefs in Botswana are recognised by law and serve in the Ntlo ya Dikgosi.

Rules based on the long-standing customs of a community, applied by traditional courts. Customary courts in Botswana handle matters such as family disputes and minor offences.

The supreme set of rules describing how a country is governed and listing the rights of citizens. Botswana's constitution sets out the powers of the president, parliament and courts.

The law-making body of a country, made up of elected and specially chosen members. Botswana's Parliament passes laws and approves the national budget.

A system of government in which people choose their leaders through regular free elections and enjoy basic rights. Botswana holds elections every five years and is often described as a stable democracy.

The principle that everyone, including leaders, must obey the law and is answerable to the courts. It protects citizens from unfair treatment and supports fair government.

The courts and judges that interpret laws and settle disputes. An independent judiciary in Botswana can decide cases without direction from the president or parliament.

The legal membership of a country, which gives a person rights such as voting and duties such as paying taxes. Botswana's Citizenship Act sets out how people become citizens.

The process by which an eligible person's name is placed on the official list of people allowed to vote. It must be done before an election so a person can cast a ballot.

The shared way of life of a group, including language, beliefs, food, dress, music and customs. Culture is passed from one generation to another and changes over time.

A custom or belief handed down from earlier generations and still practised. Tswana traditions include the bogadi gift and ceremonies marking birth, marriage and death.

A system of spoken or written words used by a group to communicate. Setswana is Botswana's national language and English is its official language of government and business.

The growth of towns and the movement of people from rural areas into them. Urbanisation in Botswana has increased demand for housing, water and jobs in towns.

The total number of people living in a place. Population size and structure affect how many schools, clinics and jobs a country needs.

An official count of all the people in a country, usually done every ten years, recording details such as age and sex. Botswana uses census results to plan services.

Money that a person or household receives from work, trade, rent or other sources. Income levels help show how wealth is shared among people.

The condition of lacking enough money or resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Reducing poverty is a central aim of Botswana's development plans.

Improvement in the living standards of a country, including better health, education, jobs and infrastructure. Development is measured by more than just income.

Money in another country's currency, earned mainly by selling exports or through tourism. Botswana earns foreign exchange from diamonds, beef and tourism.

A good or service sold to another country. Diamonds make up the largest share of Botswana's exports, which makes the economy sensitive to world prices.

A drawing of an area of land or sea seen from above, using symbols and a scale. Maps help people locate places, measure distances and see patterns.

The relationship between a distance on a map and the real distance on the ground. A scale lets a map user work out actual distances between places.

A set of numbers, using eastings and northings, that locates a square or point on a map. Four-figure references give a square and six-figure references give a precise point.

A drawing that shows numerical information, such as a bar chart, line graph or pie chart. Graphs make it easier to compare figures and see trends at a glance.

Evidence created at the time of an event or by someone directly involved, such as a letter, photograph or official record. Primary sources are used to build an account of the past.

An account of an event written later by someone who was not present, such as a textbook or encyclopedia. Secondary sources interpret and summarise primary evidence.

Facts, objects or documents used to support a statement or conclusion. Historians and social scientists check evidence carefully before accepting a claim.