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Botswana:
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Other pages in this profile of Botswana:
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
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Background |
Definition 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 |
Definition Southern Africa, north of South Africa |
Geographic coordinates |
Definition 22 00 S, 24 00 E |
Map references |
Definition Africa |
Area |
Definition - World rank and map total: 600,370 sq km land: 585,370 sq km water: 15,000 sq km |
Area - comparative |
Definition slightly smaller than Texas |
Land boundaries |
Definition total: 4,013 km border countries: Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km |
Coastline |
Definition 0 km (landlocked) |
Maritime claims |
Definition none (landlocked) |
Climate |
Definition semiarid; warm winters and hot summers |
Terrain |
Definition predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest |
Elevation extremes |
Definition lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m |
Natural resources |
Definition diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver |
Land use |
Definition - World rank and map arable land: 0.65% permanent crops: 0.01% other: 99.34% (2005) |
Irrigated land |
Definition 10 sq km (2003) |
Total renewable water resources |
Definition 14.7 cu km (2001) |
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural) |
Definition total: 0.19 cu km/yr (41%/18%/41%) per capita: 107 cu m/yr (2000) |
Natural hazards |
Definition periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility |
Environment - current issues |
Definition overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources |
Environment - international agreements |
Definition 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 |
Geography - note |
Definition landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country |
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Copyright 2008 World Sites Atlas (sitesatlas.com) |