Botswana Travellers Guide

Botswana is one of the world's most unique destinations, 17% of its land area is National Park land, it has only 1.5 million people in a land area of 600,000 square kilometres, plus the Okavango Delta.

If it's wildlife and wilderness you want Botswana is the place for you.

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.

Facts & Figures

Total Area:600,370 sq km                      
Land Borders:Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Population: 1,639,833                               
Life Expectancy: 34 years                      
HIV % Total Poulation:37.3
Ethnic Groups:Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7%
Languages:Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4%
President:Festus G. MOGAE                   
GDP - Per Capita: $10,500