Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. More than four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most stable 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.
Geography:
-Slightly smaller than Texas
-Borders Nambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
-Kalahari Desert in the southwest
-Highest point is Tsodilo Hills (4,885 ft)
-Capital is Gaborone
People/Society:
-Setswana is the official language
-71.16% Christian, 6% Badimo (tribal religion), and 1.4% other
-Population is 2,127,825
-Median age 22.7 years old
-An estimated 320,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in 2009, 24.8% of the adult population living with HIV/AIDS, #2 in the world
-9% (45,036) of children, 5-14, are in child labor situations (est 2006)
Government:
-Parlimentary Republic, President Seretse Khama Ian Khama
-Gained independence September 30, 1966 from the UK
-National symbol is the zebra
-light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center; the blue symbolizes water in the form of rain, while the black and white bands represent racial harmony
Economy:
-Botswana has maintained one of the world’s highest economic growth rate since independence in 1966.
-Agriculture: livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers, and groundnuts
-17.8% unemployment rate
-30.3% live below the poverty line
-Exchange rate is 8.73 pulas per USD
