Botswana Profile

Botswana, with its population of 2.63 million (2022), is the 47th largest country in the world slightly smaller than Texas, although some 70% of its land is covered by the Kalahari Desert. Formerly known as the British colony of Bechuanaland, Botswana gained its independence in 1966, and, unlike so many other African countries, has maintained a stable and democratic government since that time allowing its economy to grow uninterrupted by war and conflict. This stability has also led to much needed foreign investment and has created one of the best performing economies in Africa. Its outputs include minerals, principally diamonds, and it has a growing tourism sector mainly due to its extensive nature preserves. Botswana invests heavily in education which is free for all, and young people generally attend school for twelve years in total.