Country Profile: Botswana
Botswana, located in Southern Africa, is a landlocked country bordering South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia. It has a population of approximately 2.45 million people, predominantly of Tswana ethnicity. The economy primarily relies on diamond mining, but tourism is rapidly growing due to its rich biodiversity and nature conservation efforts. A stable parliamentary republic, Botswana has enjoyed over five decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, contributing to its development as an upper-middle-income nation.
Geography
Botswana's geography is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape, with approximately 70% covered by the Kalahari Desert. The country's climate is semi-arid, featuring warm winters and hot summers. Although landlocked, Botswana has significant natural resources, including diamonds and various minerals. The population is primarily concentrated in the eastern regions, particularly around the capital, Gaborone.
- Total area: 581,730 sq km
- Land boundaries: 4,347.15 km
- Highest point: 1,495 m at Manyelanong Hill
- Natural resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, coal
- Population density: low in the Kalahari Desert
People and Society
Botswana has an estimated population of 2,450,668 as of 2024, with a majority belonging to the Tswana ethnic group. The official language is English, but Setswana is widely spoken. The country has a relatively young population, with a median age of 27.1 years. Despite its economic progress, Botswana faces health challenges, particularly with one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world.
- Ethnic groups: 79% Tswana, 11% Kalanga
- Urbanization: 72.9% of the population lives in urban areas
- Life expectancy: 66.4 years
- Population growth rate: 1.34%
- Youth dependency ratio: 44.1
Economy
Botswana's economy has been historically driven by diamond mining, contributing to its status as an upper-middle-income country. However, recent economic challenges include a decline in the diamond-driven growth model and high youth unemployment, which stands at 43.9%. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted economic activity, yet the country remains focused on recovery.
- GDP (PPP): $45.553 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP growth: -3% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 23.2% (2024 est.)
- Economic sectors: 63.5% services, 29.4% industry
- Exports (2023): $6.398 billion
Government
Botswana operates as a parliamentary republic, with its capital in Gaborone. The country has experienced stable governance since gaining independence in 1966. The Botswana Democratic Party has been the ruling party, and the latest elections resulted in Duma Boko assuming the presidency on November 1, 2024. The legal system combines civil, common, and customary law.
- Capital: Gaborone
- Legislature: Unicameral Parliament with 69 seats
- Voting age: 18 years
- Independence: September 30, 1966
- Most recent election: October 31, 2024
Military and Security
The Botswana Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for national security, maintaining a peacekeeping role in regional operations. Military expenditures for 2024 are estimated at 3% of GDP. The BDF consists of various branches, including ground and air forces. The country has no conscription, and military service is voluntary from the age of 18.
- Active personnel: estimated 10,000 (2025)
- Military spending: 3% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Military equipment: mix of older Western/European-origin weapons
- Defense responsibilities: sovereignty protection, anti-poaching support
Energy
Botswana's energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, accounting for 99.8% of its electricity generation capacity. The total installed capacity is 758,000 kW, with significant consumption and loss rates. However, only 25% of rural populations have access to electricity, highlighting infrastructural challenges in energy distribution.
- Electricity access: 75.9% of total population
- Coal production: 2.242 million metric tons (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 3.879 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Imports of electricity: 1.923 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Environment
Botswana faces several environmental challenges, including overgrazing, desertification, and limited freshwater resources. The country is party to multiple international environmental agreements, focusing on biodiversity and climate change. Conservation practices are vital to maintaining Botswana's natural heritage.
- Urban population: 72.9% (2023)
- Global Environmental Agreements: party to the Paris Agreement
- Forested area: 27.8% of land (2023 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 5.897 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Transportation
Botswana boasts extensive transportation infrastructure, including over 122 airports and a railway network spanning 888 km. The country's civil aircraft registration prefix is A2, indicating its aviation capabilities.
- Airports: 122 (2025)
- Railway length: 888 km
- Civil aircraft registration: A2 prefix
Communications
Communication services in Botswana are rapidly developing, with a high mobile cellular subscription rate. As of 2023, 81% of the population uses the internet, supported by both state-owned and private broadcasting services.
- Mobile subscriptions: 4.44 million
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 90,000
- Internet users: 81% of the population
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,450,668 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 581,730 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $45.553 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 23.2% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 66.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity access | 75.9% | 2022 estimate |
| Youth unemployment rate | 43.9% | 2024 estimate |
| Military expenditure | 3% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Urban population | 72.9% | 2023 estimate |
| Total energy consumption per capita | 32.443 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
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