The pula is the currency of Botswana. Pula literally means "rain" in Setswana, because rain is very scarce in Botswana - home to much of the Kalahari Desert - and therefore valuable. Pula also means "blessing" as rain is a blessing to these desert people. The pula
is divided into 100 thebe (lit. "shield"). The pula was introduced in 1976, replacing the South African rand at par. Despite a 12% devaluation in May 2005, the pula remains one of the strongest currencies in Africa.
Coins
Coins in current use are in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 thebe, 1, 2 and 5 pula. 1 and 2 thebe coins have been withdrawn from circulation.
Banknotes
Banknotes in ciculation are the 10, 20, 50 and 100 pula. According to a press release[1], the old 1, 2 and 5 pula banknotes were demonitized on July 1, 2006, but can be exchanged at the central bank for 5 years.