Key Facts

Geography:	Botswana is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, surrounded by Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Its land area is approximately 600,000 square kilometres.
Climate:	The climate is semi-arid, with warm winters and hot summers
Capital:	Gaborone
Population:	1.6 million
Language:	Setswana 78%, Kalanga 8%, Sekgalagadi, 3% English 2%, balance other
Religion:	Roughly 72% of the population are Christian, 6% Badimo
Literacy:	80%
Economy:	Botswana has the oldest continuous multi-power democracy in Africa. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies and significant investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. The country's economy was recently ranked as one of the most competitive in Africa, ranking highly in terms of the quality of its public services and policies. GDP (real growth rate) 4.7% (2007 Forecast) Per capita income $11,400 (2006) Botswana has been awarded the highest sovereign credit rating in Africa by both Standard & Poor's (A) and Moody's (A2). Main industries: mineral extraction (diamonds, base metals), tourism (nature reserves)
"Mining Friendly"	Mining represents 36% of the country's GDP and it is the world's largest exporter, by value, of gem quality diamonds. The mining legislation is transparent and the licensing regime is well defined, allowing a stable and predictable path from prospecting to mining.
Infrastructure:	Botswana has excellent infrastructure, including an 8,000 km. road network (half of which is bitumen sealed and well maintained), digital telephones and mobile networks.
HIV/AIDS:	Botswana exhibits one of the highest rates of HIV/AID infection, but more residents undergo formal testing than other African countries. Botswana also has one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Related Documents:

CIA Fact Book on Botswana
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World Bank Review on Botswana
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Country Reports: Botswana
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Visit Botswana
The Lonely Planet offers useful information and advice for international travellers planning to visit Botswana
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