Bophuthatswana was a nominally independent homeland in South Africa, established during the apartheid era. It was created for the Tswana people and was located in the northwestern part of the country. Bophuthatswana was declared independent in 1977, but this independence was not recognized by most countries, including South Africa. The region had its own government and institutions, but it was heavily dependent on South Africa for economic support. Bophuthatswana was eventually reintegrated into South Africa in 1994, following the end of apartheid, and is now part of the North West Province.