Chief
of State: President Festus G. MOGAE (since 1 April
1998) and Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July
1998)
Head of Government: President
Festus G. MOGAE (since 1 April 1998) and Vice President
Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998)
Government Type: parliamentary
republic |
Population:
1,639,833
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into
account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this
can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality
and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and
changes in the distribution of population by age and sex
than would otherwise be expected (July 2006 est.)
Languages: Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga
7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other
8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)
Religion: Christian 71.6%, Badimo
6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6% (2001 census)
Life Expectancy: 33.74 |
Currency:
pula (BWP)
GDP(per capita): $10,500 (2005
est.)
Overview: Botswana has maintained
one of the world's highest economic growth rates since
independence in 1966. Through fiscal discipline and
sound management, Botswana has transformed itself from
one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income
country with a per capita GDP of $10,000 in 2005. Two
major investment services rank Botswana as the best
credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much
of the expansion and currently accounts for more than
one-third of GDP and for 70-80% of export earnings.
Tourism, financial services, subsistence farming, and
cattle raising are other key sectors. On the downside,
the government must deal with high rates of unemployment
and poverty. Unemployment officially is 23.8%, but unofficial
estimates place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection
rates are the second highest in the world and threaten
Botswana's impressive economic gains. An expected leveling
off in diamond mining production overshadows long-term
prospects.
Exports: diamonds, copper,
nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles
Import: Southern African Customs
Union (SACU) 74%, EFTA 17%, Zimbabwe 4% (2004) |
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Location:
Southern Africa, north of South Africa
Area: total: 600,370 sq km
land: 585,370 sq km
water: 15,000 sq km |
Background:
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana
adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four
decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive
social policies, and significant capital investment
have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa.
Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates
economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector
due to the country's conservation practices and extensive
nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest
known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's
most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing
with the disease.
Independence Day: 30 September
1966 (from UK)
Capital City: Gaborone
Administrative divisions: 9
districts and 5 town councils*; Central, Francistown*,
Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Jwaneng*, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng,
Lobatse*, Northeast, Northwest, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast,
Southern |
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