15 Places That Don't Mean What You Think: Explained
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.

Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa, with its capital city of Gaborone located in the south-eastern part of the country. It has earned a reputation as one of Africa's most stable democracies since gaining independence in 1966, and its steady governance has supported growth across the nation. The country is known for the Kalahari Desert, whose sands and salt pans create striking landscapes, and for the Okavango Delta, one of the world's great inland wetlands that supports remarkable wildlife. Diamond mining has been a major pillar of the economy, transforming the nation's development over recent decades. Botswana is also committed to wildlife conservation, with protected areas and community-based programs that help safeguard elephants, lions, and other species. Travelers seeking safaris, quiet wilderness, and a welcoming atmosphere will find Botswana a truly memorable African destination.
Want to explore where Botswanans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
From 'Tswana', the name of the dominant ethnic group, with the prefix 'Bo-' meaning 'land of'.
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
From Montenegro to Naples, these 20 place names that were literally translated show how languages rebuild geography — and what the originals mean.
Want to explore where Botswanans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
Take a Quiz →Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
Take a Quiz →