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.
Population: 2,155,784
Nationality: noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural).
Ethnic groups: Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7%.
Languages: Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English (official) 2.1%, other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4%.
Religions: Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6%
GDP: $15 530 000 000.00 (2013).
Botswana Defense Force (BDF): Ground Forces Command, Air Wing Command, Defense Logistics Command, Special Forces Group..
Capital: Gaborone
Location: Southern Africa, north of South Africa. Landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country.
Geographic coordinates:
22 00 S, 24 00 E.
Area:
total: 581,730 sq km
land: 566,730 sq km
water: 15,000 sq km.
Land boundaries:
total: 4,347.15 km
border countries: Namibia 1,544 km, South Africa 1,969 km, Zambia 0.15 km, Zimbabwe 834 km.
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked).
Natural resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver.