<P> The pula is the currency of Botswana . It has the ISO 4217 code BWP and is subdivided into 100 thebe . Pula literally means "rain" in Setswana, because rain is very scarce in Botswana--home to much of the Kalahari Desert--and therefore valuable and a blessing . The word also serves as the national motto of the country . </P> <P> A sub-unit of the currency is known as thebe, or "shield", and represents defence . The names were picked with the help of the public . </P> <P> 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 . </P> <P> In 1976, coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 thebe and 1 pula . The 1 thebe was struck in aluminium, with the 5 thebe in bronze and the others in cupro - nickel . These coins were round except for the scalloped 1 pula . Bronze, dodecagonal 2 thebe coins were introduced in 1981 and discontinued after 1985 . In 1991, bronze - plated steel replaced bronze in the 5 thebe, nickel - plated steel replaced cupro - nickel in the 10, 25 and 50 thebe and the 1 pula changed to a smaller, nickel - brass, equilateral - curve seven - sided coin . A similarly shaped, nickel - brass 2 pula was introduced in 1994 . In 2004, the composition was changed to brass - plated steel and the size was slightly reduced . </P>

When did the currency of botswana first came in circulation