1 GeoFroggy

Background

Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. More than four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most stable 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.

Location

Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Area Comparative

Slightly smaller than Texas

Maritime Claims

none (landlocked)

Climate
Semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Natural Hazards

Periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility

Environment Current Issues

Overgrazing; desertification; limited freshwater resources

Environment International Agreements

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

Signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography Note

Landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country
Year

Map Reference

  • Africa

Irrigated Land 2003

  • 14.39 sq km

Area 2014

  • Total
    581,730 sq km
  • Land
    566,730 sq km
  • Water
    15,000 sq km

Coastline

  • 0 km

Geographical Coordinates

  • 22 00 S, 24 00 E

Land use 2014

  • Arable Land
    0.45%
  • Permanent Crops
    0%
  • Other
    99.55%

Terrain

  • Predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest

Elevation

  • Lowest Point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m
  • Highest Point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m

Land Boundaries

  • Total
    4,347.1 km
  • Namibia km
  • South Africa
    1,969 km
  • Zambia
    0.1 km
  • Zimbabwe
    834 km

Natural Resources

  • Diamonds
  • Copper
  • Nickel
  • Salt
  • Soda ash
  • Potash
  • Coal
  • Iron ore
  • Silver
Banner Ads