Country Profile

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.