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WORLD FACTBOOK (US)
Introduction: 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...
BACKGROUND NOTES (US)
Government and Political Conditions: Botswana has a flourishing multiparty constitutional democracy. General elections are held every 5 years. Each of the elections since independence has been freely and fairly contested and has been held on schedule. The country's minority groups participate freely in the political process. The openness of the country's political system has been a significant factor in Botswana's stability and
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COUNTRY PROFILE (UK)
International Relations: Botswana has good relations with its neighbours, and with the international community. Botswana hosts refugees from both Namibia and Zimbabwe. The number of Zimbabwean refugees and migrants increased substantially following the 2008 elections in Zimbabwe.
Botswana houses the headquarters of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, and will hosts the multi-national regional stand-by brigade which will be SADC's contribution to African peace-keeping. Botswana supplied troops to the UN in Somalia (UNOSOM) and Mozambique, and participated in the SADC intervention in Lesotho in 1998. Although ...
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