- Diplomatic status:unofficial relations
- Official Language:English
- Government Type:parliamentary republic with an executive presidency
- Capital:Gaborone
- Embassies and Missions:Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa
- Overseas Compatriot Association:Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Botswana
Botswana is a land-locked country dominated in geographical terms by the Kalahari Desert.The country is situated in the Southern African region and about two-thirds of Botswana lies within the Tropics. Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. About 10 percent of the population lives in the capital and largest city, Gaborone. Since independence from the U.K., Botswana has had one of the fastest growth rates in per capita income in the world. Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to an upper middle-income country. By one estimate, it has the fourth highest gross national income at purchasing power parity in Africa, giving it a standard of living around that of Mexico. Its high gross national income gives the country a relatively high standard of living. Botswana has a high level of economic freedom compared to other African countries.
The economy is dominated by mining, cattle, and tourism. Botswana has a vibrant mining sector and It is the largest contributor to the country’s economy and accounts for a quarter of the country’s GDP. The country is one of the largest producers of diamonds. Other minerals mined are nickel, copper, coal, soda ash, gold, silver, semi-precious stones, and granite.
Botswana is the continent's oldest democracy.Botswana was ranked as 33rd out of 167 states in the 2020 Democracy Index. This was the highest rating in continental Africa Botswana is a member of the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations. The country has been adversely affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.Botswana has the third-highest prevalence rate for HIV/AIDS, with roughly 20% of the population infected.
