Published in the Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS Spring 2001 issue, by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

The HIV Epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sociodemographic Profile: Botswana

Spring 2001 Table of Contents

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History

Botswana was a British Protectorate from 1885 until it achieved independence in 1966. Sir Seretse Khama was elected the country’s leader under the banner of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). He was succeeded in an orderly transition by Quett Ketemile Masire, who retired in March 1998. The country’s current president is Festus Mogae. Most of Botswana’s population is Tswana.

Economy

Botswana’s economic growth rate averaging 7.3% between 1970 and 1995 has been the highest in the developing world. The mining industry, particularly diamonds, currently contributes about 35% of Botswana’s GDP [gross domestic product]. At independence 32 years ago, mining contributed only 1% of GDP. Manufacturing, construction, and agriculture each contribute about 36% of GDP, and there has been growth in financial and government services in recent years. With a per capita GNP [gross national product] of US$3,600, Botswana is one of only a few African states classified as a lower middle-income country. The government has managed the country’s resources prudently and has kept its recurrent expenditure within its revenue, allowing for investment in human and physical capital. The government’s revenue from diamonds, as well as profits from large foreign exchange reserves of the Bank of Botswana, have largely cushioned Botswana from the recessions that have buffeted most countries in the region.

Politics

Botswana is a democratic republic with a 44-member national assembly, 40 of whom are elected every five years on the basis of universal adult suffrage, and the other four members are appointed by the elected members of the assembly. The country’s president is elected by the National Assembly for a concurrent term of office, and the Vice President is appointed by the President. Botswana has four main political parties: the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana People’s Party (BPP), and United Action Party (UAP). Botswana’s political landscape is dominated by BDP, which in 1999 won 33 of the 40 elected parliamentary seats, but opposition parties operate freely and are represented in the National Assembly. The next parliamentary elections are due by October 2004.

Source: World Bank, September 2000

Page last updated 30 May 2001