Thanks to its abundance of diamonds, Botswana has maintained one of the world’s highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966. Through fiscal discipline and sound management, Botswana transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of US$16 600 in 2014. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fuelled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP, 70-80% of export earnings, and about one-third of the government’s revenues. 

Name Republic of Botswana

Capital Gaborone

Frequency of elections Every five years

Name of parliament The Parliament of Botswana

Parliament website www.parliament.gov.bw

Languages Setswana, Kalanga, Sekgalagadi, English

Area 581 730 km²

Population 2 155 784 (July 2014 est)

Imports Foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products, metal and metal products

Exports Diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles

Currency Pula

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Greatstock/Corbis