Botswana Overview

The Batswana (people of Botswana) are a peaceful nation who would much rather talk than fight. The British Government put Bechuanaland under its protection in 1885. In 1964 Britain accepted proposals for self-government in Botswana and in 1966 Sir Serestse Khama was democratically elected as the first president.  The southern part of the original area is now the northwest province of South Africa – and the northern part is the Republic of Botswana.

The discovery of diamonds in Botswana in 1967 (following 12 years of searching) marked the start of economic domination by the mining industry in this landlocked country. The early leaders were visionaries and insisted that due to the wealth that diamonds brought to the country every single Motswana will have a free education from the first year through to a doctorate degree – health care is also free and a lifetime supply of anti-retrovirals might prove the only way to turn around the two thirds of the population HIV infection statistics. (Botswana currently boasts the worlds shortest life expectancy at 34 years)

It remains a stable country due to a strong and well managed economy.

Apart from the mining industry Botswana is also famous for a large inland Delta in the very north of the country. In the middle of a large semi arid desert 6000 square km of the country is permanently flooded forming the Okavango. The variety of game is astounding, the quality of the lodges beyond compare and although more than two million tourists visit the Okavango every year it is still possible to avoid the large groups endemic to other safari areas. It is a very safe country to travel to and although it is easy to spot a large variety of game it is slightly more tricky to do so cheaply.

Don't Go Home Without...

A mystery by Alexander McCall Smith
Mma Ramotswe is the owner of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and has become an international best selling private eye. More importantly Mr McCall Smith provides a marvelous look at real life in Gabarone.

Botswana baskets
World renowned for their intricacy and quality baskets from Etsha and Gumare are decorated with local dyes

Bushman crafts
Delicate jewelry made from ostrich shells 

Bling
Botswana is a country where NONE of the diamonds can be classed Blood or Conflict Diamonds and profits are shared equally and fairly – so you may feel completely free to splurge!

6 May 2008