Arid and landlocked, Botswana's central plateau separates the populous eastern grasslands from the Kalahari Desert and the swamps of the Okavango Delta in the west. Diamonds provide Botswana with a prosperous economy, but rain is an even more precious resource, honored in the name of the currency, the pula. Botswana has the world's highest rate of HIV infection among adults: a staggering 38.8% at end-2001.

Botswana's stability reflects its ethnic homogeneity and the power of traditional authorities, notably the village kgotla, or parliament. Almost the whole population is Tswana, with the Bamangwato forming the largest Tswana group. The indigenous San (or Bushmen) of the Kalahari were ordered to abandon their nomadic lifestyle in 2002. Whites continue to dominate the professions.

Strengths

Diamonds: one of the world's top producers. Economic growth among the highest in the world, averaging 8.5% between 1980 and 1998. Prudent management, large financial reserves, and exchange control liberalization. Lucrative exports of assembly-produced vehicles, copper, nickel, beef.

Weaknesses

Spread of AIDS. Overdependence on diamonds. Weak agriculture and industry. Small population, water shortages, and drought. Impact of beef industry on environment. High transportation costs to coast. Widespread unemployment.

Although Botswana is formally a multiparty democracy, it has been ruled by the BDP since independence. In 1994, however, economic problems, corruption scandals, and increasing urbanization led to the mainly town-based BNF gaining seats at the expense of the BDP, which nevertheless retained its absolute parliamentary majority. Power transferred smoothly from President Masire to Festus Mogae in 1998. The opposition BNF split in two, and the 1999 elections confirmed the BDP's hold on power.

Botswana has strongly backed a politically and economically stable postapartheid South Africa, and in 1994 appointed its first ambassador to Pretoria since 1966. Potential South African domination of the SADC is a concern. Traditionally pro-Western in orientation, Botswana cherishes its relations with the UK and the USA.

Reforms of the armed forces in mid-2000 aimed at improving morale included the raising of the compulsory retirement age and the enlistment of women.

The Orapa 2000 diamond mining project began in May 2000. Large coal deposits are the basis of power grid expansion. Water is Botswana's scarcest resource.

Botswana is trying to help communities to earn a living from wildlife protection. A campaign has been launched to curb the use of agrochemicals.

The opening of the trans-Kalahari road to Namibia in 1998 has reduced Botswana's dependence on South African ports. Upgrading existing rail and road networks is a priority.

With the world's highest rate of HIV-positive adults (38.8%), Botswana in 2001 became the first sub-Saharan country to provide antiretroviral drugs through its public health service.

Revenues from the diamond industry have helped to fund educational programs which have raised the country's literacy rate.

President Mogae warned of a "crime wave" in 1999. Official corruption and diamond smuggling stay major concerns. Human rights are generally respected.

GNP per capita is among Africa's highest, but about half the population live below the poverty line. Economic growth has exacerbated wealth inequalities.

Tourism is aimed at wealthy wildlife enthusiasts and focuses on safaris, especially to the Okavango Delta.

From 1600, Tswana migrations slowly displaced San people. In 1895, at local request, the UK set up the Bechuanaland Protectorate to preempt annexation by South Africa.

• 1965 BDP, led by Sir Seretse Khama, wins first general election and all subsequent general elections.
• 1966 Independence declared.
• 1980 Vice President Quett (later Ketumile) Masire succeeds the late Sir Seretse as president.
• 1985–1986 South African raids.
• 1992–1993 Strikes and corruption scandals prompt resignations of senior BDP figures.
• 1994 BDP support eroded in general election.
• 1998 Vice President Festus Mogae succeeds Masire as president.