Botswana

Guide Note:

Botswana is a country in South Africa taken up mostly by the Kalahari Desert. After its independence from Britain in 1966 its economy has become one of the world's fastest growing, due to diamond mining. The average life expectancy is only 35 years because it is the has the world's second largest percentage of those with HIV and AIDS.

Fast Facts:

1. Capital: Gabarone
2. Government: Parliamentary Republic
3. Population: 1,639,833
4. Currency: Pula (BWP)
5. Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 6.48 BWP
6. Official Languages: English, Setswana
7. HDI: 0.654 (medium)

Since independence from Britain in 1966, Botswana's economy has been on the rise, and its per capita income is proving to grow at one of the fastest rates in the world. However, the strong effects of AIDS are decreasing the average life span and are an obstacle to a vibrant economy.

Bostwana had no army until 1977, when it was attacked by the Rhodesian army and needed a form of self-defense. In terms of foreign relations, it is a member of the United Nations and works in partnership with the African Union and South Africa, it's neighbor to the south.

The main industries are diamond mining, cattle, and tourism.