Geographic

Botswana is a landlocked state in Southern Africa bordered by Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, South Africa and Namibia. Roughly the size of France but sparsely populated, Botswana is largely covered by the Kalahari Desert, rich in minerals and wildlife.

General data

Government: Multi Party democracy with free general elections held every 5 years. The present Head of State is the President, His Excellency Sir Ketumile Masire Nyb, GCMG, MP who is also head of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party. The official opposition is the Botswana National Front.

Population: 1.5 million (1995 estimate).

Population growth rate 3.5% pa.

Official Language: English, which is used in parliament, all government departments and the Courts. Setswana is the National language.

Currency: The Pula (BMP) BMP1 = US$3.56

Time Zone: GMT +2

Hours of business: 07h30 to 16h30

Telephone code: 267

Economic data:

GDP: US$3.4bn. Agriculture 5%, Mining 35%, Other 60%.

Real annual GDP growth: 6.8% (1996/7 estimate).

Per capita GDP: US$2,295.

Inflation rate: 9.9% (December 1996).

Exports: US$161.5 million fob (1996 estimate).

Principal Exports: Diamonds (75%), copper-nickel (5%), minerals, beef (3.7%), textiles (3.6%); assembled motor vehicles. Destinations : EC, Africa, US.

Imports: US$212.9 million cif (1996 estimate).

Principal Imports: Food, beverages and tobacco (18%); machinery and electrical equipment (18%); vehicles, transport and equipment (12%); metal products 9.3% Southern African Customs Union, EC, US, Far East.

Balance of payments: US$238 million (1996 estimate).

Labour force : 475,000 (est)

Unemployment : 15% (est)

Double taxation agreements : South Africa, Sweden and the UK.

Trade agreements : Southern African Customs Union, The Lome Convention, GATT, UNCTAD, Special trade agreements with Malawi and Zimbabwe, Bilateral trade agreements with China, Czechoslovakia, Korea, Romania, Russia, Yugoslavia and Zambia.

Communications: Air transport : Direct links with Europe through international airport in Gaborone. Links to the rest of the world via South Africa and Zimbabwe. Flights to the major domestic centres and other African countries via Air Botswana.

Road and rail : Main rail link between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Tarred roads give access to these countries and Zambia. The Trans-Kalahari Highway giving direct access to the Atlantic through Namibia is under construction.

Telecommunications : IDD available worldwide. Digital microwave exchanges in all major centres. Electronic communication available, routed through South Africa.

The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. It is not therefor a substitute for specialist advice.

Minchin & Kelly (Botswana) - Gaborone (267) 312734