2017 Edition

CIA World Factbook 2017 Archive (HTML)

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Countries

268

Data Records

71,914

Botswana

2017 Edition · 314 data fields

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Introduction

Background

Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name at independence in 1966. More than four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most stable economies in Africa. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party has won every election since independence; President Ian KHAMA was reelected for a second term in 2014. 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.

Geography

Area

581,730 sq km 566,730 sq km 15,000 sq km
land: 566,730 sq km
total: 581,730 sq km
water: 15,000 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Texas

Climate

semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation

1,013 m lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m
elevation extremes: lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m
highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m
mean elevation: 1,013 m

Environment - current issues

overgrazing; desertification; limited freshwater resources

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands none of the selected agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

22 00 S, 24 00 E

Geography - note

landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country

Irrigated land

20 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

4,347.15 km Namibia 1,544 km, South Africa 1,969 km, Zambia 0.15 km, Zimbabwe 834 km
border countries (4): Namibia 1,544 km, South Africa 1,969 km, Zambia 0.15 km, Zimbabwe 834 km
total: 4,347.15 km

Land use

45.8% arable land 0.6%; permanent crops 0%; permanent pasture 45.2% 19.8% 34.4% (2011 est.)
agricultural land: 45.8%
forest: 19.8%
other: 34.4% (2011 est.)

Location

Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Map references

Africa

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility

Natural resources

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver

Population - distribution

the population is primarily concentrated in the east with a focus in and around the captial of Gaborone, and the far central-eastern city of Francistown; population density remains low in other areas in the country, especially in the Kalahari to the west

Terrain

predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest

People and Society

Age structure

31.95% (male 357,003/female 350,657) 18.91% (male 207,209/female 211,629) 38.45% (male 401,082/female 450,437) 5.46% (male 51,195/female 69,835) 5.23% (male 50,206/female 65,605) (2017 est.)
0-14 years: 31.95% (male 357,003/female 350,657)
15-24 years: 18.91% (male 207,209/female 211,629)
25-54 years: 38.45% (male 401,082/female 450,437)
55-64 years: 5.46% (male 51,195/female 69,835)
65 years and over: 5.23% (male 50,206/female 65,605) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

22.1 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

11.2% (2007)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

52.8% percent of women aged 12-49 (2007/08)
note: percent of women aged 12-49 (2007/08)

Death rate

9.6 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Demographic profile

Botswana has experienced one of the most rapid declines in fertility in sub-Saharan Africa. The total fertility rate has fallen from more than 5 children per woman in the mid 1980s to approximately 2.4 in 2013. The fertility reduction has been attributed to a host of factors, including higher educational attainment among women, greater participation of women in the workforce, increased contraceptive use, later first births, and a strong national family planning program. Botswana was making significant progress in several health indicators, including life expectancy and infant and child mortality rates, until being devastated by the HIV/AIDs epidemic in the 1990s. Today Botswana has the third highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world at approximately 22%, however comprehensive and effective treatment programs have reduced HIV/AIDS-related deaths. The combination of declining fertility and increasing mortality rates because of HIV/AIDS is slowing the population aging process, with a narrowing of the youngest age groups and little expansion of the oldest age groups. Nevertheless, having the bulk of its population (about 60%) of working age will only yield economic benefits if the labor force is healthy, educated, and productively employed. Batswana have been working as contract miners in South Africa since the 19th century. Although Botswana’s economy improved shortly after independence in 1966 with the discovery of diamonds and other minerals, its lingering high poverty rate and lack of job opportunities continued to push workers to seek mining work in southern African countries. In the early 1970s, about a third of Botswana’s male labor force worked in South Africa (lesser numbers went to Namibia and Zimbabwe). Not until the 1980s and 1990s, when South African mining companies had reduced their recruitment of foreign workers and Botswana’s economic prospects had improved, were Batswana increasingly able to find job opportunities at home. Most Batswana prefer life in their home country and choose cross-border migration on a temporary basis only for work, shopping, visiting family, or tourism. Since the 1970s, Botswana has pursued an open migration policy enabling it to recruit thousands of foreign workers to fill skilled labor shortages. In the late 1990s, Botswana’s prosperity and political stability attracted not only skilled workers but small numbers of refugees from neighboring Angola, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Dependency ratios

55.1 49.3 5.8 17.3 (2015 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.8
potential support ratio: 17.3 (2015 est.)
total dependency ratio: 55.1
youth dependency ratio: 49.3

Drinking water source

urban: 99.2% of population rural: 92.3% of population total: 96.2% of population urban: 0.8% of population rural: 7.7% of population total: 3.8% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 7.7% of population
total: 3.8% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 0.8% of population

Education expenditures

9.6% of GDP (2009)

Ethnic groups

Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7%

Health expenditures

5.4% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

21.9% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

3,900 (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

360,000 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

1.8 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

29.6 deaths/1,000 live births 32.2 deaths/1,000 live births 26.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
female: 26.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
male: 32.2 deaths/1,000 live births
total: 29.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Setswana 77.3%, Sekalanga 7.4%, Shekgalagadi 3.4%, English (official) 2.8%, Zezuru/Shona 2%, Sesarwa 1.7%, Sembukushu 1.6%, Ndebele 1%, other 2.8% (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

63.3 years 61.2 years 65.5 years (2017 est.)
female: 65.5 years (2017 est.)
male: 61.2 years
total population: 63.3 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 88.5% 88% 88.9% (2015 est.)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
female: 88.9% (2015 est.)
male: 88%
total population: 88.5%

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever malaria (2016)
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria (2016)

Major urban areas - population

GABORONE (capital) 247,000 (2014)

Maternal mortality rate

129 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

24.5 years 23.5 years 25.6 years (2017 est.)
female: 25.6 years (2017 est.)
male: 23.5 years
total: 24.5 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

19 years (2007 est.)

Nationality

Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Net migration rate

3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

18.9% (2016)

Physicians density

0.38 physicians/1,000 population (2012)

Population

2,214,858 estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.)
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

Population growth rate

1.55% (2017 est.)

Religions

Christian 79.1%, Badimo 4.1%, other 1.4% (includes Baha'i, Hindu, Muslim, Rastafarian), none 15.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 78.5% of population rural: 43.1% of population total: 63.4% of population urban: 21.5% of population rural: 56.9% of population total: 36.6% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 56.9% of population
total: 36.6% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 21.5% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

13 years 13 years 13 years (2013)
female: 13 years (2013)
male: 13 years
total: 13 years

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.99 male(s)/female 1.15 male(s)/female 0.82 male(s)/female 0.66 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.56 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

36% 29.6% 43.5% (2010 est.)
female: 43.5% (2010 est.)
male: 29.6%
total: 36%

Urbanization

58% of total population (2017) 1.38% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.38% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
urban population: 58% of total population (2017)

Government

Administrative divisions

10 districts and 6 town councils*; Central, Chobe, Francistown*, Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Jwaneng*, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, North East, North West, Selebi-Phikwe*, South East, Southern, Sowa Town*

Capital

Gaborone 24 38 S, 25 54 E UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates: 24 38 S, 25 54 E
name: Gaborone
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Botswana no 10 years
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Botswana
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years

Constitution

previous 1960 (preindependence); latest adopted March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires approval in two successive Assembly votes with at least two-thirds majority in the final vote; proposals to amend constitutional provisions on fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and branches of government, and public services also requires approval by majority vote in a referendum and assent by the president of the republic; amended several times, last in 2006 (2017)
amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires approval in two successive Assembly votes with at least two-thirds majority in the final vote; proposals to amend constitutional provisions on fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and branches of government, and public services also requires approval by majority vote in a referendum and assent by the president of the republic; amended several times, last in 2006 (2017)
history: previous 1960 (preindependence); latest adopted March 1965, effective 30 September 1966

Country name

Republic of Botswana Botswana Republic of Botswana Botswana Bechuanaland the name Botswana means "Land of the Tswana" - referring to the country's major ethnic group
conventional long form: Republic of Botswana
conventional short form: Botswana
etymology: the name Botswana means "Land of the Tswana" - referring to the country's major ethnic group
former: Bechuanaland
local long form: Republic of Botswana
local short form: Botswana

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Earl R. MILLER (since 30 January 2015) Embassy Drive, Government Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone [267] 395-3982 [267] 318-0232
chief of mission: Ambassador Earl R. MILLER (since 30 January 2015)
embassy: Embassy Drive, Government Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone
FAX: [267] 318-0232
mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone
telephone: [267] 395-3982

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador David John NEWMAN (since 3 August 2015) 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 [1] (202) 244-4990 [1] (202) 244-4164 Atlanta
chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
chief of mission: Ambassador David John NEWMAN (since 3 August 2015)
consulate(s) general: Atlanta
FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164
telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990

Executive branch

President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April 2008); Vice President Mokgweetsi Eric MASISI (since 12 November 2014); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April 2008); Vice President Mokgweetsi Eric MASISI (since 12 November 2014) Cabinet appointed by the president president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2019); vice president appointed by the president Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
chief of state: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April 2008); Vice President Mokgweetsi Eric MASISI (since 12 November 2014); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
election results: Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2019); vice president appointed by the president
head of government: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April 2008); Vice President Mokgweetsi Eric MASISI (since 12 November 2014)

Flag description

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

Government type

parliamentary republic

Independence

30 September 1966 (from the UK)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Court of Appeal, High Court (each consists of a chief justice and a number of other judges as prescribed by the Parliament) Court of Appeal and High Court chief justices appointed by the president and other judges appointed by the president upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; all judges appointed to serve until age 70 Industrial Court (with circuits scheduled monthly in the capital city and in 3 districts); Magistrates Courts (1 in each district); Customary Court of Appeal; Paramount Chief's Court/Urban Customary Court; Senior Chief's Representative Court; Chief's Representative’s Court; Headman's Court
highest court(s): Court of Appeal, High Court (each consists of a chief justice and a number of other judges as prescribed by the Parliament)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and High Court chief justices appointed by the president and other judges appointed by the president upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; all judges appointed to serve until age 70
subordinate courts: Industrial Court (with circuits scheduled monthly in the capital city and in 3 districts); Magistrates Courts (1 in each district); Customary Court of Appeal; Paramount Chief's Court/Urban Customary Court; Senior Chief's Representative Court; Chief's Representative’s Court; Headman's Court

Legal system

mixed legal system of civil law influenced by the Roman-Dutch model and also customary and common law

Legislative branch

unicameral Parliament consists of the National Assembly (65 seats; 57 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 6 nominated by the president and indirectly elected by simple majority vote by the rest of the National Assembly, and 2 ex-officio members - the president and attorney general; elected members serve 5-year terms); note - the House of Chiefs (Ntlo ya Dikgosi), an advisory body to the National Assembly, consists of 35 members - 8 hereditary chiefs from Botswana's principal tribes, 22 indirectly elected by the chiefs, and 5 appointed by the president; the House of Chiefs consults on issues including powers of chiefs, customary courts, customary law, tribal property, and constitutional amendments last held on 24 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2019) percent of vote by party - BDP 46.5%, UDC 30.0%, BCP 20.4%, independent 3.1%; seats by party - BDP 37, UDC 17, BCP 3
description: unicameral Parliament consists of the National Assembly (65 seats; 57 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 6 nominated by the president and indirectly elected by simple majority vote by the rest of the National Assembly, and 2 ex-officio members - the president and attorney general; elected members serve 5-year terms); note - the House of Chiefs (Ntlo ya Dikgosi), an advisory body to the National Assembly, consists of 35 members - 8 hereditary chiefs from Botswana's principal tribes, 22 indirectly elected by the chiefs, and 5 appointed by the president; the House of Chiefs consults on issues including powers of chiefs, customary courts, customary law, tribal property, and constitutional amendments
election results: percent of vote by party - BDP 46.5%, UDC 30.0%, BCP 20.4%, independent 3.1%; seats by party - BDP 37, UDC 17, BCP 3
elections: last held on 24 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2019)

National anthem

"Fatshe leno la rona" (Our Land) Kgalemang Tumedisco MOTSETE adopted 1966
lyrics/music: Kgalemang Tumedisco MOTSETE
name: "Fatshe leno la rona" (Our Land)
note: adopted 1966

National holiday

Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)

National symbol(s)

zebra; national colors: blue, white, black
zebra; national colors: blue, white, black

Political parties and leaders

Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO] Botswana Congress Party or BCP [Dumelang SALESHANDO] Botswana Democratic Party or BDP [Ian KHAMA] Botswana Movement for Democracy or BMD [Ndaba GAOLATHE] Botswana National Front or BNF [Duma BOKO] Botswana Peoples Party or BPP [Motlatsi MOLAPISI] Umbrella for Democratic Change or UDC [Duma BOKO] (coalition includes BMD, BPP, BCP and BNF)

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Economy

Agriculture - products

livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers, groundnuts

Budget

$5.13 billion $5.231 billion (2016 est.)
expenditures: $5.231 billion (2016 est.)
revenues: $5.13 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-0.7% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

5.5% (31 December 2016) 6% (31 December 2015)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

7.3% (31 December 2016 est.) 7.95% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$1.824 billion (2016 est.) $1.367 billion (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$2.421 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $2.148 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

60.5 (2009) 63 (1993)

Economy - overview

Until the global recession, Botswana maintained one of the world's highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966. Diamond mining fueled much of the economic expansion and currently accounts for one-quarter of GDP, approximately 85% of export earnings, and about one-third of the government's revenues. Tourism is the secondary earner of foreign exchange and many Batswana engage in subsistence farming and cattle rearing. 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 approximately $16,900 in 2016. Botswana also ranks as one of the best credit risks in Africa. Botswana's economy closely follows global economic trends because of its heavy reliance on a single luxury export. According to official government statistics, unemployment is around 20%, but unofficial estimates run much higher. De Beers, a major international diamond company, signed a 10-year deal with Botswana in 2012 and moved its rough stone sorting and trading division from London to Gaborone in 2013. The move was geared to support the development of Botswana's nascent downstream diamond industry. Botswana’s economy recovered from the 2008 global recession in 2010, but has only grown modestly since then, primarily due to the downturn in the global diamond market, though water and power shortages also played a role. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is second highest in the world and threatens the country's impressive economic gains. In 2016, Botswana entered its fourth year of drought, detrimental to Botswana’s small, but vital agriculture sector, but diamond exports increased to their highest levels since 2013, buffering economic growth. As a result, the economy registered 2.9% growth in 2016.

Exchange rates

pulas (BWP) per US dollar - 10.9022 (2016 est.) 10.9022 (2015 est.) 10.1263 (2014 est.) 8.9761 (2013 est.) 7.62 (2012 est.)

Exports

$7.226 billion (2016 est.) $6.286 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, beef, textiles

Exports - partners

Belgium 18.9%, India 15.1%, South Africa 13.6%, Namibia 11.6%, UAE 9.7%, Israel 6.1%, Singapore 5.6%, Canada 5% (2016)

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP - composition, by end use

47.8% 18.2% 31.2% -10.4% 55.4% -42.2% (2016 est.)
exports of goods and services: 55.4%
government consumption: 18.2%
household consumption: 47.8%
imports of goods and services: -42.2% (2016 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 31.2%
investment in inventories: -10.4%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

1.8% 29.4% 68.8% (2016 est.)
agriculture: 1.8%
industry: 29.4%
services: 68.8% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$17,300 (2016 est.) $16,800 (2015 est.) $17,200 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4.3% (2016 est.) -1.7% (2015 est.) 4.1% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$15.57 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$37.21 billion (2016 est.) $35.23 billion (2015 est.) $35.45 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

42.1% of GDP (2016 est.) 40.5% of GDP (2015 est.) 43.2% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%
highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%: NA%

Imports

$5.906 billion (2016 est.) $6.936 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

South Africa 64.5%, Namibia 10.5%, Canada 5.6% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

1.3% (2016 est.)

Industries

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver; beef processing; textiles

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.8% (2016 est.) 3.1% (2015 est.)

Labor force

1.187 million (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

NA% NA% NA%
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Market value of publicly traded shares

$4.588 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $4.107 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $4.076 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Population below poverty line

30.3% (2003 est.)

Public debt

18.1% of GDP (2016 est.) 19.3% of GDP (2015 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$7.189 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $7.546 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$6.689 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $5.958 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$2.597 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.614 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$1.505 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.223 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

34.2% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

20% (2013 est.) 17.8% (2009 est.)

Broadcast media

2 TV stations - 1 state-owned and 1 privately owned; privately owned satellite TV subscription service is available; 2 state-owned national radio stations; 3 privately owned radio stations broadcast locally (2007)

Internet country code

.bw

Internet users

869,610 39.4% (July 2016 est.)
percent of population: 39.4% (July 2016 est.)
total: 869,610

Telephone system

Botswana is participating in regional development efforts; expanding fully digital system with fiber-optic cables linking the major population centers in the east as well as a system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relays links, and radiotelephone communication stations; the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation is rolling out 4G service to over 95 sites in the country that will improve network connectivity fixed-line teledensity has declined in recent years and now stands at roughly 6 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity now pushing 150 telephones per 100 persons country code - 267; international calls are made via satellite, using international direct dialing; 2 international exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2016)
domestic: fixed-line teledensity has declined in recent years and now stands at roughly 6 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity now pushing 150 telephones per 100 persons
general assessment: Botswana is participating in regional development efforts; expanding fully digital system with fiber-optic cables linking the major population centers in the east as well as a system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relays links, and radiotelephone communication stations; the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation is rolling out 4G service to over 95 sites in the country that will improve network connectivity
international: country code - 267; international calls are made via satellite, using international direct dialing; 2 international exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

142,122 6 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (July 2016 est.)
total subscriptions: 142,122

Telephones - mobile cellular

3,288,986 149 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 149 (July 2016 est.)
total: 3,288,986

Transportation

Airports

74 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2017)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2017)
over 3,047 m: 2
total: 10

Airports - with unpaved runways

13 (2013)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 46
total: 64
under 914 m: 13 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

A2 (2016)

National air transport system

194,005 94,729 mt-km (2015)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 94,729 mt-km (2015)
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 194,005
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6
number of registered air carriers: 1

Railways

888 km 888 km 1.067-m gauge (2014)
narrow gauge: 888 km 1.067-m gauge (2014)
total: 888 km

Roadways

17,916 km includes 8,916 km of Public Highway Network roads (6,116 km paved and 2,800 km unpaved) and 9,000 km of District Council roads (2011)
note: includes 8,916 km of Public Highway Network roads (6,116 km paved and 2,800 km unpaved) and 9,000 km of District Council roads (2011)
total: 17,916 km

Military and Security

Military branches

Botswana Defence Force (BDF): Ground Forces Command, Air Arm Command, Defense Logistics Command (2017)
Botswana Defence Force (BDF): Ground Forces Command, Air Arm Command, Defense Logistics Command (2017)

Military expenditures

3.37% of GDP (2016) 2.66% of GDP (2015) 2.13% of GDP (2014) 2.06% of GDP (2013) 2.23% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2012)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international

none

Trafficking in persons

Botswana is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor; young Batswana serving as domestic workers, sometimes sent by their parents, may be denied education and basic necessities or experience confinement and abuse indicative of forced labor; Batswana girls and women also are forced into prostitution domestically; adults and children of San ethnicity were reported to be in forced labor on farms and at cattle posts in the country’s rural west Tier 2 Watch List – Botswana does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; an anti-trafficking act was passed at the beginning of 2014, but authorities did not investigate, prosecute, or convict any offenders or government officials complicit in trafficking or operationalize victim identification and referral procedures based on the new law; the government sponsored a radio campaign to familiarize the public with the issue of human trafficking (2015)
current situation: Botswana is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor; young Batswana serving as domestic workers, sometimes sent by their parents, may be denied education and basic necessities or experience confinement and abuse indicative of forced labor; Batswana girls and women also are forced into prostitution domestically; adults and children of San ethnicity were reported to be in forced labor on farms and at cattle posts in the country’s rural west
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List – Botswana does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; an anti-trafficking act was passed at the beginning of 2014, but authorities did not investigate, prosecute, or convict any offenders or government officials complicit in trafficking or operationalize victim identification and referral procedures based on the new law; the government sponsored a radio campaign to familiarize the public with the issue of human trafficking (2015)