Region: Southern Africa
Capital: Gaborone
Population: 1,842,323 (July 2008 est.)
Surface area: 585,370 sq. km
Currency: pula
GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $16,400 (2007 est.) 

Historical background:
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic 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.

Economy – overview:
Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966, though growth slowed to 4.7% annually in 2006-07. Through fiscal discipline and sound management, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of nearly $15,000 in 2007. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP and for 70-80% of export earnings. Tourism, financial services, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. On the downside, the government must deal with high rates of unemployment and poverty. Unemployment officially was 23.8% in 2004, but unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection rates are the second highest in the world and threaten Botswana's impressive economic gains. An expected leveling off in diamond mining production overshadows long-term prospects.

Human Development Index 2007 ranking: 124 out of 177
Official Development Assistance and Major Development Partners: Net ODA to Botswana was US $65 million in 2006. The major development partners are the European Community, the United States, Japan and Germany.
Total External Debt (2007): $408 million (est.)
HIPC Position (as of 2008): Not eligible
United Nations Membership date: 17 October 1966

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of Botswana to the United Nations
154 East 46th Street
New York, N.Y. 10017 USA
Telephone: 212-889-2277, -2331, -2491, 2772 
Fax: 212-725-5061

Email: botswana@un.int

Sources:
CIA World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. www.cia.gov
World Development Indicators. World Bank www.worldbank.org
Development, Recipient Aid Charts. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. www.oecd.org
Human Development Report 2008.United Nations Development Programme. www.undp.org

Updated July 2008