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Description Botswana by rbd.me
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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.
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Location
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Southern Africa, north of South Africa
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Area - comparative
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slightly smaller than Texas
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Natural resources Botswana
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predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest
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Population Botswana
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landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country
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Religions Botswana
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Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7%
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Languages
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Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6% (2001 census)
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Education Botswana expenditures
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Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)
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Government Botswana type
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8.7% of GDP (2007)
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Independence
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9 districts and 5 town councils*; Central, Francistown*, Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Jwaneng*, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, Northeast, Northwest, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast, Southern
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Botswana Economy - overview
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light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center; the blue symbolizes water in the form of rain, while the black and white bands represent racial harmony
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Investment Botswana
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63 (1993)
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Industries Botswana
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$3.556 billion (31 December 2008)
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Airports Botswana
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77 (2009)
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