From 1885 until 1966 the area of Southern Africa that is now Botswana was part of the Bechuanaland Protectorate of Great Britain.

In June 1964, Britain accepted proposals for democratic self-government in Botswana.

The seat of government was moved from Mahikeng in South Africa, to newly established in Gaberones (now Gaborone) in 1965.

The 1965 constitution led to the first general elections and to independence on September 30, 1966.

[citation needed] The United States immediately recognized the new nation and moved to establish diplomatic relations.