|
|
A brief overview of Botswana
Botswana, one of Africa's most stable countries, is the continent's longest continuous multi-party democracy. It is relatively free of corruption and has a good human rights record. It is also the world's largest producer of diamonds and the trade has transformed it into a middle-income nation.
Botswana protects some of Africa's largest areas of wilderness. It is sparsely populated, because it is so dry. The Kalahari desert, home to a dwindling band of Bushman hunter-gatherers, makes up much of the territory and most areas are too arid to sustain any agriculture other than cattle.
| Full name:
|
Republic
of Botswana |
|
Population: |
1.8 million (UN, 2005) |
| Capital: |
Gabarone |
| Area:
|
581,730 sq
km (224,607 sq miles) |
| Major language:
|
English
(official), Setswana |
| Major religions: |
Christianity, indigenous beliefs |
| Life expectancy: |
36 years
(men), 37 years (women) (UN) |
| Monetary unit: |
1 Pula =
100 thebe |
| Main exports:
|
Diamonds,
copper, nickel, beef |
| GNI per capita: |
US $5,180
(World Bank, 2006) |
| Internet domain: |
.bw |
| International
dialling code: |
+267
|
|
|
|
