Map - Central District (Botswana) (Central District)

Central is the largest of Botswana's districts in terms of area and population. It encompasses the traditional homeland of the Bamangwato people. Some of the most politically connected Batswana have come from the Central District, including former President Sir Seretse Khama, former President Festus Mogae, and former President Lt. General Seretse Ian Khama. The district borders the Botswanan districts of Chobe in the north, North-West in the northwest, Ghanzi in the west, Kweneng in southwest, Kgatleng in the south and North-East in the northeast, as well as Zimbabwe also in the northeast (Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South Provinces) and South Africa in the southeast (Limpopo Province).

As of 2011, the total population of the district was 576,064 compared to 501,381 in 2001. The growth rate of population during the decade was 1.40. The population in the district was 28.45 per cent of the total population in the country. Main population centers in Central include Palapye and Serowe, two of Africa's largest traditional villages. The district also contains tributaries of the Limpopo River, which are prone to flash floods when sudden rainstorms drain eastward into the Limpopo. The district is administered by a district administration and district council which are responsible for local administration. The total number of workers constituted 186,943 with 95,717 males and 91,221 females, with a majority working in transport and communication sector.

In the northeast, Central borders Zimbabwe's Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South Provinces, and in the southeast Central borders South Africa's Limpopo Province. It borders North-East in the northeast, Kgatleng in the south, Kweneng in southwest, Ghanzi in the North and North-West in the northwest direction. The major tourists attractions and game areas in the district along with the Eastern region are Francistown, Selebi-Phikwe, Solomon's Wall, Lepokole Hills, Tswapong Hills, Moremi Gorge, Motlhabaneng Rock Paintings, Letsibogo Dam, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Shoshong Hills, Khama III Memorial Museum, Supa Ngwao Museum, Khama Royal Residence and Cemetery and Mashatu Game Reserve.

Most part of Botswana has tableland slopes sliding from east to west. The region has an average elevation of around 915 m above the mean sea level. The vegetation type is Savannah, with tall grasses, bushes and trees. The annual precipitation is around 65 cm, most of which is received during the summer season from November to May. Most of the rivers in the region are seasonal, with Limpopo River, which are prone to flash floods, being the most prominent. There are conflicts between agricultural expansion and protection of indigenous wildlife within the Central District. There are several seasonal rivers in the district including the Boteti River and the Lepashe River, whose flows in the rainy season reach the Makgadikgadi Pans.