About Botswana
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Botswana with a population of just under two million, is the 47th largest country in the world slightly smaller than Texas, although some 70% of its land is covered by the Kalahari Desert.
Formerly known as the British colony of Bechuanaland, Botswana gained its independence in 1966, and, unlike so many other African countries, has maintained a stable and democratic government since that time allowing its economy to grow uninterrupted by war and conflict.
This stability has also led to much needed foreign investment. Its outputs include minerals, principally diamonds, and it has a growing tourism sector mainly due to its extensive nature preserves.
Botswana invests heavily in education which is free for all, and young people generally attend school for twelve years in total.
Literacy rates are high and rising, and life expectancy is around 58 years due to high HIV/AIDS infection rates.
Bordering Zimbabwe, perhaps one of the biggest difficulties Botswana faces as a country with a small population is maintaining a sealed border against Zimbabwe as many thousands attempt to flee that country in fear of prosecution.
Botswana simply does not have the resources to cope with the needs of these refugees.
The above picture collection shows typical images from Botswana and the video to your right discusses its most precious resource.
For child sponsorship opportunities in Botswana, click here.
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