| Situated in southern Africa, the Republic of Botswana | | | | (BNF) won 12, and the Botswana Congress Party |
| lies between South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and | | | | (BCP) won one. Held every five years, the next |
| Zambia. The landlocked, politically stable country is run | | | | general election is slated for October 2009. |
| in a democratic manner, and its economy is growing | | | | The country's geography is dominated by the Kalahari |
| steadily. It boasts some of Africa's last great | | | | Desert, which covers up to 70% of the land surface |
| wildernesses, including the famous Okavango | | | | of the country. The Okavango Delta, the world's |
| Swamps and the Kalahari Desert. The republic is the | | | | largest inland delta, lies in the northwestern part of |
| biggest exporter of gemstone diamonds in the world. | | | | the country. |
| Botswana also exports large quantities of beef to | | | | Since independence, Botswana has had the distinction |
| the European Economic Community | | | | of recording the fastest growth in per capita income |
| The erstwhile British protectorate of Bechuanaland, | | | | in the world. Economic growth averaged over 9% |
| Botswana got its new name after gaining | | | | per year from 1966 to 1999. In spite of successive |
| independence within the Commonwealth on | | | | budget deficits in 2002 and 2003, the government |
| September 30, 1966. It is named after its largest | | | | has managed to maintain a strong fiscal policy and |
| ethnic group, the Tswana. | | | | only a small level of foreign debt. Botswana's |
| Botswana has nine districts, and its capital is | | | | currency is the Pula, which is fully convertible. |
| Gaborone. Francistown, Gweta, Kasane, Kazangula, | | | | The economic success of the country has been built |
| Maun, Ghanzi, Nata, Serowe and Shakawe are the | | | | on the foundation of wisely using revenue generated |
| other main towns in Botswana. | | | | from diamond mining to fuel economic development |
| Botswana follows a flourishing multiparty constitutional | | | | through prudent fiscal policies and a cautious foreign |
| democratic system of governance. Its small white | | | | policy. Debswana, the only diamond mining company |
| minority and other minorities participate freely in the | | | | operating in Botswana, is 50% owned by the |
| political process. In the 2004 polls, the Botswana | | | | government and generates about 50% of all |
| Democratic Party (BDP) won 44 of 57 contested | | | | government revenues. |
| National Assembly seats, the Botswana National Front | | | | |