The Republic of Botswana shares borders with South Africa to the south, Namibia to the west and north, Zimbabwe to the east, and Zambia to the north. The British declared a protectorate over Botswana, then known as Bechuanaland, in 1885, at the invitation of a prominent indigenous local chief. Prior to this, the territory was inhabited by various peoples ruled by different chiefs, coexisting as independent entities. Initially, missionaries were appointed as Assistant Commissioners in the Protectorate, later replaced by English-speaking South Africans with police or clerical backgrounds, known as Resident Magistrates. South Africa gained virtual control over the territory through the Statute of Union Act (1934), prompting the British to solidify their own rule in the High Commission Territories to prevent transfer to the Union. Consequently, a form of indirect rule was implemented for governance. Nationalism in Botswana was relatively mild and did not lead to widespread mobilization for rapid independence. The transition to independence was more strongly driven by colonial authorities than nationalist leaders. Seretse Khama emerged as a consensus figure for the handover of power. Although from an aristocratic family of the largest tribe among the Tswana (the Bamangwato), his marriage to an English woman cost him his title to the throne. Nevertheless, he maintained high traditional status and was not viewed as a traditional chief. Educated and a successful businessman in ranching, he garnered support from the expatriate community and colonial authorities. In 1962, he was appointed to a senior post in a trainee-minister system. His moderate Bechuanaland Democratic Party (later Botswana Democratic Party), formed in opposition to the Bechuanaland People's Party advocating radical nationalism, quickly became the dominant force in the Legislative Council, winning 28 of 31 elected seats in 1965. Independence was achieved in 1966, again with minimal popular mobilization and Khama became the country's first President.