Botswana 2-PULA (KM25)¶
-
Reverse RHINOCEROS
-
Obverse Coat of Arms
- Composition
- Nickel-Brass
- Country
- Botswana
- Approx. Size
- 27mm
- Area
- Africa
- Animal Class
- Mammals
- Species
- Rhinoceros
- KM#
- 24
The Black Rhinoceros is a critically endangered animal. Large, solitary, and grumpy, rhinos are always favourites at zoos. The Black Rhino and White Rhino are both grey, and are named for the shape of their upper lip. The White Rhino has a wide square-shaped lip and Dutch settlers called it "wijde rhino" (wijde is Dutch for wide, of course). English settlers confused this for white, and the 'other' rhino naturally became 'black.'
The 7-sided Rhino 2-pula was issued only in 1994.
Botswana¶
- Area
- Africa
The area of Botswana was orginally occupied by the Bushmen, who unfortunately are dying off. Migrations from the north and east in the early 17th century have resulted in most of the present day population. The area was united in the early 19th century to deal with incursion threats from neighbouring areas. By the late 19th century, the area -- known as Bechuanaland -- enlisted the aid of Britain who made it a British protectorate. The northern part of Bechuanaland remained under Britain's wing until it became the independent Republic of Botswana in 1966. Botswana is known as 'the Gem of Africa.'
