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BACKGROUND NOTES:  BOTSWANA, FEBRUARY 1993
PUBLISHED BY THE BUREAU OF PUBIC AFFAIRS
BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

FEBRUARY 1993

Official Name:
Republic of Botswana

PROFILE

Geography
Area:  600,372  sq. km.  (231,804 sq. mi.), about the size of Texas.
Cities:  Capital--Gaborone (pronounced Ha-bo-ro-neh, pop.
134,000).  Other towns--Francistown (65,000), Selebi-Phikwe
(40,000), Molepolole (37,000), Serowe (27,000), Maun (27,000),
Lobatse (26,000), Palapye (17,000), Jwaneng (11,000), Tlokweng (12,000).
Terrain:  Desert and savanna.
Climate:  Mostly subtropical.

People

Nationality:  Noun and adjective--Motswana (sing.), Batswana (pl.).
Population (1991):  1.3 million.
Annual growth rate (1991):  3%.
Ethnic groups:  Tswana 55-60%; Kalanga 25-30%;  Kgalagadi;
Herero; Basarwa ("Bushmen"); Khoi ("Hottentots"); whites 5%.
Religions:  Christianity 60%, indigenous beliefs 40%.
Languages:  English (official), Setswana.
Education:  Attendance--93%.  Adult literacy (1990, ages 15 and
over)--23%.
Health (1991):  Infant mortality rate--
43/1,000.  Life expectancy--60 years.
Work force (1991):  223,000 in formal sector.

Government
Type:  Republic, parliamentary democracy.
Constitution:  March 1965.
Independence:  September 30, 1966.
Branches:  Executive--president (chief of state and head of
government), cabinet.  Legislative--popularly elected National
Assembly; advisory House of Chiefs.  Judicial--High Court, Court
of Appeal, local and customary courts.
Administrative subdivisions:  5 town councils and 10 district
councils.
Main political parties:  Botswana Democratic Party (BDP),
Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana Independence Party (BIP),
Botswana Peoples Party (BPP), Botswana Freedom Party (BFP).
Suffrage:  Universal adult.
Flag:  Blue field with horizontal, white-edged black band in the
center.

Economy
GDP (1991):  $3 billion.
Annual growth rate (1991):  9%.
Per capita GDP (1991):  $2,500.
Natural resources:  Diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, soda ash,
salt, gold, potash.
Agriculture (3% of GDP):  Livestock, sorghum, white maize,
millet, cowpeas, beans.
Industry:  Types--mining (45% of GDP): diamonds, copper, nickel,
coal; beef; textiles; tourism.
Trade (1991):  Exports--$1.7 billion:  diamonds, nickel, copper,
meat products, hides and skins, textiles.  Partners--Switzerland,
South Africa, Zimbabwe, European countries.  Imports--$1.6
billion:  machinery, transport equipment, manufactured goods,
food, chemicals, minerals, fuels.  Major suppliers--South Africa,
Zimbabwe, US, EC countries.  Annual avg. economic aid received:
$220 million.

PEOPLE AND HISTORY
Most Batswana live in the eastern part of the country, 50% within
100 kilometers of Gaborone.  The nomadic population is about
10,000, and 15,000 Batswana work in neighboring African
countries, mainly South Africa.  Prior to European contact, the
population of what is now Botswana lived as herders and farmers
or as hunters and gatherers under tribal rule.  European,
especially English, missionaries arrived in the early 1800s, and
David Livingstone traversed the country.

In the late 19th century, hostilities broke out between the
Batswana and Boer settlers from the Transvaal.  After appeals by
the Batswana for assistance, the British Government in 1885 put
"Bechuanaland" under its protection.  The northern territory
remained under direct British administration and is today's
Botswana, but the southern territory became part of the Cape
Colony and is now part of the Cape Province of South Africa; the
majority of Setswana-speaking people live in the "independent"
homeland of Bophuthatswana, across the border in South Africa.
Despite South African pressure, inhabitants of the Bechuanaland
Protectorate, Basutoland (now Lesotho), and Swaziland in 1909
asked for and received British assurances that they would not be
included in the proposed Union of South Africa.

An expansion of British central authority and the evolution of
tribal government resulted in the 1920 establishment of two
advisory councils representing Africans and Europeans.
Proclamations in 1934 regularized tribal rule and powers.  A
European-African advisory council was formed in 1951.  The 1961
constitution established a consultative legislative council.

In June 1964, Britain accepted pluralistic proposals for
self-government.  The seat of government was moved to Gaborone in
February 1965.  The 1965 constitution led to the first general
elections and to independence in September 1966.  An independence
leader was elected as the first president, re-elected twice, and
died in office in 1980.  The presidency passed to the sitting
vice president, who was elected in his own right in 1984 and
re-elected in 1989.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
Botswana has a flourishing, multiparty, constitutional democracy.
Each of the elections since independence has been freely and
fairly contested and has been held on schedule.  The country's
small white minority and other minorities participate freely in
the political process.  There are eight political parties.  In
1989, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) won 31 of  34 National
Assembly seats and the Botswana National Front (BNF) won 3.
Opposition parties, with popular strength in urban areas, have
moved toward a common front.  The openness of the country's
political system has been a significant factor in Botswana's
stability and economic growth.  General elections are held at
least every 5 years.  The next national election is in 1994.

The president has executive power and is chosen by national
election for a 5-year term.  The cabinet is presidentially
selected from the National Assembly;  it consists of a vice
president and a flexible number (currently 12) of ministers.  The
National Assembly has 34 elected and 4 appointed members; it will
be expanded as a result of the 1991 census.  The advisory House
of Chiefs represents permanently the eight principal sub-groups
of the Batswana tribe, and four other members are elected by the
sub-chiefs of four of the districts.  A draft of any National
Assembly bill of tribal concern must be referred to the House of
Chiefs.

Chiefs and other leaders preside over courts of local custom and
enforce traditional law.  The roots of Botswana's democracy lie
in Tswana traditions, exemplified by the Kgotla, or village
council, in which the powers of traditional leaders were limited
by custom and law.  Botswana's High Court has general civil and
criminal jurisdiction.  Judges are presidentially appointed and
may be removed only for cause and after a hearing.  The
constitution has a code of fundamental human rights enforced by
the courts, and Botswana has a good human rights record.

Local government is administered by 10 district councils and 5
town councils.  District commissioners have executive authority
and are appointed by the central government and assisted by
elected and nominated district councilors and district
development committees.  There has been much debate about the
marginalization of the minority Basarwa (Bushmen), and the
government's development program for remote area dwellers is
undergoing review.

Although there is a government-owned newspaper and the government
operates the only national radio network, there is an active,
independent press.  Foreign publications are readily available.

Principal Government Officials
President--Sir Ketumile Masire
Vice President--Festus G. Mogae
Ambassador to the United States-- B. Kingsley Sebele
Ambassador to the United Nations-- L. J. M. J. Legwaila

Botswana maintains an embassy at 3400 International Drive NW,
Suite 7-M, Washington, DC  20008 (tel. [phone];  FAX
202-244-4164). Its mission to the United Nations is at 103 E.
37th Street, New York, NY 10017 (tel. [phone];  FAX
212-725-5061).

ECONOMY
Since independence, Botswana has had an impressive economic
growth rate, reaching 9% in 1991.  Recently, the government has
maintained budget surpluses and substantial foreign exchange
reserves.  This record is a result of earnings from diamond
mining, considerable international grant and loan aid, and
prudent fiscal policy and economic management.

Mining.  Two large mining companies, Debeers Botswana Mining
(Debswana) and Bamangwato Concessions, Ltd. (BCL), both partly
government-owned, operate mining facilities in the eastern and
central regions of the country.

Since the early 1980s, the country has become the world's largest
producer of quality diamonds.  Three large diamond mines have
opened since independence.  DeBeers prospectors discovered
diamonds in northern Botswana in the early 1970s.  The first mine
began production at Orapa in 1972, followed by the smaller mine
at Lethlakane.  What has become the single richest diamond mine
in the world opened in Jwaneng in 1982.  Botswana produced a
total of 17.4 million carats of diamonds from the three Debswana
mines in 1991.  BCL, which operates a copper-nickel mine at
Selebi-Phikwe, produced 48,300 tons of copper-nickel alloy for
export in 1991.

Botswana's major coal mine at Morupule had a 1991 output of
783,900 tons.  Production and sale of soda ash from the Sua Pan
operation in 1991 were below expectations due to technical
problems, with only 62,000 tons produced (of a target 130,000)
and only 32,000 sold.  A small gold mine began production in
1992.  Possible petroleum and natural gas deposits are being
studied for exploitation.

Agriculture.  More than two-thirds of the population live in
rural areas and are largely dependent on subsistence crop and
livestock farming.  Although agriculture meets only 50% of food
needs and contributes just 3% to GDP, it employs 80% of Batswana.

Cattle raising historically dominated Botswana's economy and
social structure.  The national cattle stock fell from more than
3 million head at the onset of the 1981-86 drought to 2.3
mil-lion, was gradually rebuilt, then fell again due to drought
in 1991-92.   The Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) is government
owned.  It operates the largest African slaughterhouse--and some
smaller ones--and is Africa's largest meat exporter.

Private Sector Development and Foreign Investment.  Botswana
seeks to diversify its economy to reduce dependence on earnings
from mineral exports, which are expected to begin leveling off.
It emphasizes private sector development and foreign investment
for much-needed managerial and technical expertise.  Two
important sectors are light manufacturing and tourism.  National
parks and wildlife areas--more than 17% of Botswana's land--offer
potential for tourism development.

US investment in Botswana is growing.  In 1987, two American
companies, H.J. Heinz and Colgate-Palmolive, set up facilities.
Phelps-Dodge has bought into the nickel-copper mine at
Selebi-Phikwe, and a Sheraton Hotel opened in Gaborone in 1991.
A Lobatse brick-making plant in which Interkiln has major equity
started up in 1992, and Lazare-Kaplan began a diamond-cutting and
-polishing operation in Molepolole.

Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU).  Because of history and
geography, Botswana long has had strong economic ties to South
Africa.  The Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU)--Botswana,
Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, and South Africa--dates from the
1910 formation of the Union of South Africa.  Under this
agreement, South Africa levies and collects most of the customs,
sales, and excise duties for the four countries, paying out a
share of the collections to each based on their proportion of
imports.  Imports from outside the customs area are subject to
common tariff rates and regulations.  The customs agreement was
renegotiated in 1989, and Botswana's share of revenue increased
from $1.7 million in 1968 to almost $500 million in 1991,
accounting for 25% of government revenues.  Botswana's
currency--the pula--is fully convertible and is valued against a
basket of currencies heavily weighted toward the South African
rand.

Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).  Gaborone is host
to the 10-nation Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
Like its predecessor, the 9-nation SADCC (Southern Africa
Development Coordination Conference) organized in 1980, member
nations seek to accelerate regional economic growth and reduce
their economic dependence on South Africa.  Because the region is
so dependent on South Africa's transport and communications
network for imports and exports, the focus of SADC efforts has
been the development of shorter and cheaper alternates, although
its location makes this of limited relevance to Botswana.

Transportation and Communications.  Botswana has about 1,500 mi.
of tarred roads, 950 mi. of engineered gravel roads, and 3,450
mi. of earth and sand roads.  An "inner circle" highway
connecting major towns and district capitals is being paved.  The
all-weather Trans-Kalahari Highway will soon stretch to the
Atlantic coast at Walvis Bay.  A rail line links major population
centers to Zimbabwe and South Africa.  Botswana depends on South
Africa for more than 85% of its imports and transshipments and
for beef and copper-nickel alloy export.  Botswana has nine paved
airfields and direct-dial telephone service;  direct-dial access
is being extended to remote rural areas.

DEFENSE
The president is commander in chief of the Botswana Defense Force
(BDF).  A defense council is presidentially appointed.  The BDF
was formed in 1977 in response to the Rhodesian conflict and
raids into Botswana.  It has 6,500 members, 280 in the air wing.

Botswana is modernizing and expanding the BDF and acquiring air
defense and anti-tank weapons.  The United States provides the
most military aid--more than $30 million to date.  About 500 BDF
personnel have received training in the United States.

FOREIGN RELATIONS
Botswana recognizes the importance of South Africa as the largest
and most developed state in the region and maintains a range of
diplomatic, economic (see "Economy"), and other relations with
that country.  Much foreign investment in Botswana is South
African.  Nonetheless, Botswana opposes apartheid in South Africa
and does not recognize its "independent homelands."

Botswana has formal diplomatic relations with most African
countries and many European nations and Arab countries.  Most
ambassadors accredited to Botswana reside in Harare, Zimbabwe, or
in Lusaka, Zambia.  Botswana receives multilateral and bilateral
aid from many sources.

Botswana is a member of numerous international organizations,
including the United Nations, and generally follows a nonaligned
policy in international forums, voting with its African
colleagues on most matters.

US-BOTSWANA RELATIONS
The United States considers Botswana a force for stability in
turbulent Southern Africa.  The Peace Corps program has 150
volunteers, and the US Agency for International Development
(USAID) mission provides development assistance and food aid.
The US has an investment guarantee agreement with the government
and encourages private sector growth in Botswana and expansion of
US investment and trade.

In FY 1992, total US aid was almost $28 million.  US assistance
has emphasized education and training in Botswana and abroad,
including under-graduate and graduate study in the US.  The
United States operates a major Voice of America relay station in
Botswana serving most of Africa and reaching the Middle East and
into the Indian Ocean.

Principal US Officials
Ambassador--David Passage
Deputy Chief of Mission--Jimmy Kolker
USAID Mission Director--Howard R. Handler
Public Affairs Officer--Alice C. Lemaistre
Peace Corps Director--Maureen Carroll
Office of Military Cooperation--Maj. Gary Walker

The US embassy is on Embassy Drive off Khama Crescent--PO Box 90,
Gaborone (tel. 353-982; FAX 356-947).  USIS is at the embassy.
USAID is in Barclays House, on Khama Crescent--PO Box 2427,
Gaborone.  Peace Corps is at 133 Independence Ave.--PO Box 93,
Gaborone.  VOA Botswana Relay Station's address is Private Bag
38, Selebi-Phikwe.

Travel Notes:
Customs:  US citizens do not need visas to enter Botswana.  They
may
stay up to 90 days without a residence permit.

Health:  Tap water is potable in major towns.  Due to
schistosomiasis risks, seek advice before swimming in lakes or
rivers.  During the summer months in the south and year-round in
the north, malaria prevention is recommended.

Transportation:  Botswana is served by Air Botswana, British
Airways, UTA, Comair, Zambia Airways, and Air Zimbabwe.  Rental
cars are available in major towns.  Traffic moves on the left.

Accommodations:  Hotel facilities are comfortable in all major
towns.


Published by the United States Department of State -- Bureau of
Public Affairs -- Office of Public Communication -- Washington,
DC -- February 1993 -- Managing Editor:  Peter A. Knecht --
Editor:  Marilyn J. Bremner

Department of State Publication 8046
Background Notes Series -- This material is in the public domain
and may be reprinted without permission; citation of this source
is appreciated.

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, US Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC  20402.