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Botswana |
Capital: Gaborone
Languages: Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)
Currency: pula (BWP)
Background: 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
PEOPLE
Population: 1,815,508 (July 2007 est.); 2,029,307 (July 2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
2007
Total Population: 50.58 years
Male: 51.55 years
Female: 49.58 years (2007 est.)
2010
Total population: 60.93 years
Male: 61.11 years
Female: 60.75 years (2010 est.)
Age structure:
2007
0-14 years: 35.8% (male 330,377/female 319,376)
15-64 years: 60.3% (male 549,879/female 545,148)
65 years and over: 3.9% (male 28,725/female 42,003) (2007 est.)
2010
Total population: 60.93 years
Male: 61.11 years
Female: 60.75 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.503% (2007 est.); 1.843% (2010 est.)
Population below poverty line: 30.3% (2003);
HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate: 24.1% (2006 est.); 23.9% (2007 est.)
People living with HIV/AIDS: 270,000 (2006 est.); 300,000 (2007 est.)
Literacy - definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Total Population: 81.2%
Male: 80.4%
Female: 81.8% (2003 est.)
Refugees and Internally Displaced People: N/A
ECONOMY
Unemployment rate: 23.8% (2004 est.); 7.5% (2007 est.)
Labour force by Occupation: N/A
Agricultural Products: livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers, groundnuts
Industries: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing; textiles
Exports - Commodities: diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles
Exports - Partners: European Free Trade Association (EFTA) 87%, Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 7%, Zimbabwe 4% (2006)
Imports - Commodities: foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products, metal and metal products
Imports - Partners: Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 74%, EFTA 17%, Zimbabwe 4% (2006)
ENVIRONMENT
Environment - Current issues: overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources
Natural hazards: periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility
Source: CIA World Factbook
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