Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name at independence in 1966. More than five decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most stable economies in Africa. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party has won every election since independence; President Mokgweetsi Eric MASISI assumed the presidency in April 2018 following the retirement of former President Ian KHAMA due to constitutional term limits. MASISI is Botswana’s fifth president since independence. 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 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; almost four times the size of Illinois
Maritime Claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
Semiarid; warm winters and hot summers
Population Distribution
The population is primarily concentrated in the east with a focus in and around the captial of Gaborone, and the far central-eastern city of Francistown; population density remains low in other areas in the country, especially in the Kalahari to the west
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; air pollution
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
