When Botswana gained independence from the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland in the mid-1960s, Gaborone was selected as the new capital. Its lack of tribal affiliation and access to reliable water sources made it a neutral and practical choice. The city’s layout reflects its planned origins: the commercial heart—known as “The Mall”—is a linear strip of businesses, while a semicircular district of government offices lies just west of it.

Today, Gaborone is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Rapid urbanisation has placed pressure on land availability for housing and infrastructure, prompting government and private developers to increasingly adopt vertical construction over traditional single-storey developments.

In addition to being the seat of government, Gaborone is home to numerous domestic and international companies and houses the Botswana Stock Exchange. The city also hosts the headquarters of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional organisation aimed at promoting economic integration and development across southern Africa.

In terms of cost of living, Gaborone remains relatively affordable for expatriates. According to Mercer’s 2011 Worldwide Cost of Living Survey, it ranked 195th globally—up from 203rd in 2010—placing it between Chennai, India, and Quito, Ecuador. It is the fourth least expensive African city for expatriates, ranking just above Windhoek (Namibia), Kampala (Uganda), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).