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Botswana


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Key facts on Botswana

Full name:Republic of Botswana
Population:1.9 million (2007 est)
Capital:Gaborone
Area:581, 730 km2
Major languages:Setswana 78.2%; Kalanga 7.9%; Sekgalagadi 2.8%; English 2.1% (official)
Major religions:Christianity 71.6%; Badimo 6%;
other 1.4%; unspecified 0.4%
Life expectancy:Males 52 yrs; Females 50 yrs
Monetary unit:Pula
Main exports:Diamonds, copper, nickel, beef
GNI per capita:US$ 5,180
Government:President Festus Gontebanye Mogae, a parliamentary multi-party republic, one of the most stable in Africa.
Mining regime:Botswana remains the world’s largest producer of diamonds in terms of value. Its diamond output accounts for 35% of the global figure in value terms. In 2005 mining contributed 36% of the nation’s GDP. Government control is in the range of 15% to 25% for large scale projects but operations and management remain the responsibility of the private sector partner. The government wants greater diversification out of diamonds; however, a major portion of the geology is poorly exposed.
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