Government
Parliamentary republic
Parliamentary republic
Capital
Gaborone
Gaborone
Ethnic groups
Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1%
Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1%
Languages
English (official), Setswana
English (official), Setswana
Literacy
(Age 15 and over)
Total population: 69.8%
Male: 80.5%
Female: 59.9% (1995 est.)
(Age 15 and over)
Total population: 69.8%
Male: 80.5%
Female: 59.9% (1995 est.)
History
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966.
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966.
Economy
Closely tied to South Africa's, the economy is dominated by cattle raising and mining.
Closely tied to South Africa's, the economy is dominated by cattle raising and mining.
Land use
Arable land: 1%
Permanent crops: 0%
Permanent pastures: 46%
Forests and woodland: 47%
Other: 6% (1993 est.)
Arable land: 1%
Permanent crops: 0%
Permanent pastures: 46%
Forests and woodland: 47%
Other: 6% (1993 est.)
Natural resources
Diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver
Diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver
Source: CIA, 2000 World Factbook
Infected adults: 300,000 or 38.8%
Infected children: 28,000
Estimated AIDS deaths, 2001: 26,000
Children under 14 orphaned by AIDS: 69,000
Infected children: 28,000
Estimated AIDS deaths, 2001: 26,000
Children under 14 orphaned by AIDS: 69,000
Source: UNAIDS, 2001 data
