The Republic of Botswana (Tswana: Lefatshe la Botswana) is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Citizens of Botswana are called "Batswana" (singular: Motswana), regardless of ethnicity. Formerly a British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. It meets Zambia at a single point.

Geographically the country is flat and up to 70% of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert. Botswana was one of the most impoverished countries in Africa when it became independent in 1966. Today, it is home to a relatively stable political system and a rapidly developing market economy. Being closely tied with the economy of South Africa, the country's economy is one of the most successful in Africa and is dominated by the fast-growing service sector, world-renowned diamond industry, tourism, and manufacturing.

About 60% of the population live above the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day.[3] Botswana's economic growth rate has outpaced the economic growth of even the Asian Tigers, and the World Bank cites Botswana as one of the world's great development success stories.[4]

Since independence, Botswana has had the highest average economic growth rate in the world, averaging about 9% per year from 1966 to 1999. Growth in private sector employment has averaged about 10% per annum over the first 30 years of independence. The relatively high quality of the country's statistics means that these figures are likely to be quite accurate. The government has consistently maintained budget surpluses and has extensive foreign exchange reserves.

1980s 2 pula noteBotswana's impressive economic record has been built on a foundation of diamond mining, prudent fiscal policies, international financial and technical assistance, and a cautious foreign policy. It is rated the least corrupt country in Africa, according to an international corruption watchdog, Transparency International. By one estimate, it has the fourth highest gross national income at purchasing power parity in Africa, giving it a standard of living around that of Mexico and Turkey[1].

Trade unions represent a minority of workers in the Botswana economy. In general they are loosely organized "in-house" unions, although the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) is consolidating its role as the sole national trade union centre in the country.[2][3]

In the case of Botswana, the government makes specific provision in its budget to ensure that mineral revenues are invested rather than consumed through government expenditures. It also maintains a large mineral revenue fund which can both finance future investments and buffer the government budget from swings in diamond prices. This sound combination of macroeconomic and natural resource management has permitted Botswana to avoid the ‘resource curse’ that has afflicted many oil producers.

blackspade:

If anything, I would want Nigeria to be the exact opposite of Botswana. Do you know that over a quarter of Botswana's population is malnourished, even though it is supposedly a success story? http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/2009102125756/african-perspectives/half-a-million-batswana-are-hungry-fao-report.html

Their economy's dependence on minerals is far worse than Nigeria's dependence on oil. Their economy is expected to shrink by 20% this year. HIV/AIDS is also rampant here. You need to re-think this thread.

Btw, Wikipedia is NOT a reliable source.

Despite these obstacles, Botswana’s leadership has made the development of its people a priority. Since the 1990s, hunger has declined from 14 percent to 6.5 percent and maternal mortality has been cut in half, from 300 deaths per 100,000 live births to 150.16 Moreover, the government has worked hard to ensure that the gains from the diamond trade are used to fund basic infrastructure needs, such as roads, water, and electricity, as well as services such as hospitals and schools. In a recent analysis of governance indicators, including measures of voice and accountability, political stability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption, Botswana consistently ranked among the top of Africa’s most prosperous countries.17 Botswana’s example shows what is possible when governments invest in people.

Ibime:

If only 60% of Botswana live above the international poverty line of $1.25/day, they should hang their head in shame.

Cape Verde, a group of desert islands where they even have to import water has only 20% of people living below $1.25 a day.

Ibime:

One or two islands of Cape Verde have some foilage, but most Islands are desert. . . . c'mon bruv, I was in Boavista in Cape Verde only 3 weeks ago.