Country Profile: Botswana

Botswana is located in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The country has a population of approximately 2.45 million people, primarily concentrated in urban areas, notably around the capital city, Gaborone. Botswana boasts a stable upper-middle-income economy largely driven by diamond mining, but tourism is also gaining prominence. The nation has maintained a robust democratic governance structure since its independence in 1966, characterized by a commitment to human rights and extensive social programs.

Geography

Botswana is a landlocked country, predominantly consisting of flat to gently rolling tableland, with about 70% of its area covered by the Kalahari Desert. The country's climate is semi-arid, experiencing warm winters and hot summers. Despite its challenges, Botswana features significant natural resources including diamonds, copper, and nickel.

581,730 sq km: Total area.
566,730 sq km: Land area.
15,000 sq km: Water bodies.
4,347.15 km: Total land boundaries with four neighboring countries.
1,495 m: Highest point at Manyelanong Hill.

People and Society

Botswana's population is estimated at 2.45 million in 2024, with a high urbanization rate of 72.9%. The major ethnic group is the Tswana, making up 79% of the population, and the official language is English. The country has shown progressive development in health, education, and social services, despite challenges such as high HIV/AIDS rates.

66.4 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
19.6 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.).
23.7 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2024 est.).
1.34%: Population growth rate (2024 est.).
72.9%: Urban population (2023).

Economy

Botswana's economy is primarily driven by diamond mining, which has historically contributed to significant economic growth. However, the economy faced contraction due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to high unemployment rates, particularly among youth. The government is addressing socioeconomic disparities, with a focus on sustainable growth.

$45.553 billion: Real GDP (PPP) (2024 est.).
23.2%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$18,100: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.).
2.8%: Inflation rate (2024 est.).
16.1%: Population living below the poverty line (2015 est.).

Government

Botswana is a parliamentary republic with a long tradition of stable governance and democratic practices. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party has won every national election since independence. The current president, Duma BOKO, took office following the latest elections in October 2024.

18 years: Legal voting age.
69: Total seats in the National Assembly.
10: Administrative districts.
Independence: Achieved on 30 September 1966.
Mixed legal system: Based on civil law and customary law.

Military and Security

The Botswana Defense Force (BDF) is primarily responsible for national security and defense. It remains a relatively small force, with approximately 10,000 active personnel. Military expenditures constitute about 2.9% of GDP, reflecting the government's focus on maintaining stability and regional security.

2.9%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
18 years: Legal minimum age for voluntary military service.
Established: The BDF was formed in 1977 after independence.
Ground Forces Command: Includes units for infantry and air operations.
No conscription: Military service is voluntary.

Energy

Botswana's energy sector is largely reliant on fossil fuels, contributing to a high percentage of its electricity generation. The country is gradually improving its electrification ratio, with urban areas seeing significantly higher access compared to rural regions.

75.9%: Total electricity access (2022 est.).
3.879 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).
758,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023 est.).
99.8%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023 est.).
22,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.).

Environment

Botswana faces several environmental issues, including desertification and limited freshwater resources. It is a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements, which reflect its commitment to addressing climate challenges.

45.6%: Agricultural land use (2022 est.).
12.24 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020 est.).
210,854 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2010 est.).
26.5%: Forest area (2022 est.).
12.82 µg/m³: Particulate matter pollution (2019 est.).

Transportation

Botswana has a relatively developed infrastructure, with numerous airports and railways facilitating transport across the country. The civil aircraft registration code is A2 and there are plans to expand transport facilities.

122: Number of airports projected by 2025.
888 km: Total railway length (2014 est.).
Air traffic: Includes both state-owned and privately operated services.

Communications

The communications sector is growing, with a significant percentage of the population having access to mobile and internet services. The presence of multiple media outlets contributes to the information landscape in the country.

81%: Internet users as a percentage of the population (2023 est.).
4.44 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.).
90,000: Fixed line subscriptions (2023 est.).
85,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,450,668	Estimated for 2024
Area	581,730 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$45.553 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	23.2%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	19.6 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	66.4 years	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	72.9%	Percentage of total population
Military Expenditures	2.9% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	75.9%	Estimated for 2022
Total Fertility Rate	2.34 children/woman	Estimated for 2024