Botswana

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Overview

Unlike many African nations, Botswana is not burdened by a heavy reliance on the tourist industry. This is due to the natural resources it has, whose benefits are being realised. Although the country has reserves of gold, copper and nickel, it is really the diamonds that have been found which have helped the country. Botswana is amongst the top few of the world's diamond producers. The result for the visitor is that they can enjoy the prolific wildlife without having to rub shoulders with many others doing the same thing as they would in other areas. This will be particularly appreciated in the Okavango delta, Kalahari gemsbok national park and Makgadikgadi Plains with their multitudes of inhabitants. Wildlife is certainly not restricted to these two areas, but they are difficult to avoid. The Okavango delta is the largest in the world and the mixture of water and land is home to enormous herds of exciting animals. The Kalahari gemsbok national park which frequently seems forbidding, also houses some interesting denizens.

If the visitor would like a break from the vast expanses that make up the country, then gaze at some rock art of the San people, see traditional crafts being practised or stroll about the capital, Gaborone. This has a number of exhibitions that should be of interest. [Edit]

History

Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.