Botswana
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 disease.
Botswana has one of the lowest population
densities in the world, its wilderness attractions are
largely unspoilt including the sandy spaces of the Kalahari
desert and it has lots of wildlife. More than 80% of its
1.6 million population live in a scattering of towns and
large villages, leaving plenty of room for animals - and
travellers - to roam the countryside unhindered. |
