Botswana

Botswana is located in southern Africa, bordering Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa. Botswana has an estimated population of around 2.6 million. The capital is Gaborone and is located in the south-eastern part of the country, close to the border with South Africa. Botswana is characterised by a large proportion of savannah and desert landscapes, with the Kalahari Desert covering large parts of the territory. A significant geographical feature is the Okavango Delta in the north-west, an inland delta formed by the Okavango River and which constitutes an important ecological area. The climate is mainly dry, with a rainy season during the summer months from November to March. Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966 and has since had a relatively stable political system with regular elections. Economically, Botswana is heavily dependent on the mining industry, particularly diamond mining, which accounts for a large part of export earnings. Agriculture plays a minor role in the economy but employs a significant proportion of the population. Tourism has also grown as an industry, with a focus on nature and wildlife areas.