Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon gaining independence in 1966. Since then, Botswana has built an impressive economic record through diamond mining, prudent fiscal policies, international financial and technical assistance, and careful foreign policy.
Botswana is focused on economic and political integration in Southern Africa and usually joins the African consensus on most major international issues. They maintain formal diplomatic relations with most African countries and many European and Arab countries. Botswana is considered an important stabilizing force in the region.
Their economy is closely tied to South Africa's and dominated by cattle raising and mining. Botswana receives development aid from many nations abroad.
The United States has played a major role in the country's development since its independence. The U.S. has been the single largest contributor to the development of Botswana's military. A large segment of its officer corps have received U.S. training. The Botswana Defense Force (BDF), with over 8,000 members, is considered an apolitical and professional institution. The BDF is in the process of modernizing and expanding. The country plans to acquire modern air and armor capabilities in the years to come.
Demographic Data
Capital: Gaborone
Government type: Democracy
Government stability: 77.6%
Government efficiency: 76.6%
Population's support to government: 78.4%
Area: 585,370 square kilometers
Habitable land: 79.0%
Farmable land: 2.0%
Total population: 1,392 thousands
Population's growth: 2.4%
Country's development level: 7,410
Economic Data
GNP: 4,300,000,000
Industralisation: 28.1%
International funding: 10,000,000
Political Data
Secret services efficiency: 1,069
Military Data
Technological generation: 1
Number of rebels: 167
Rebels development: 6,669
Rebels technological access: 5,186