Dialing code +267
ISO 2 code BW
ISO 3 code BWA
Capital Gaborone
Main Language English
Currency Pula (BWP)
GDP $26.0 billion 109th
Population 2,029,307 145th

Geography

Continent Africa
Location Southern Africa north of South Africa
Land 600,370 km2 46th
Terrain Predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest
Climate Semiarid; warm winters and hot summers
Natural Hazards Predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest
Note: Landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country

Neighbouring Countries

Namibia South Africa Zimbabwe

History

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.
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Demographics

Life Expectancy 61.85 years 161st
Median Age 21.7 years 147th
Birth Rate 22.89 births/1,000 population 74th
Death Rate 8.52 births/1,000 population 86th
Sex Ratio 0.68 male(s)/female 166th
Literacy 81.2% 142nd
Population

2.0 million

Transportation

Roadways 25798 km 102nd
Railways 888 km 96th
Airports 77 71st
Waterways None km
Heliports None
Airports paved 1 116th

Economy

Currency Pula (BWP)
GDP $26.0 billion 109th
GDP per capita (PPP) $13300 76th