Botswana Economy
When Botswana became an independent country on 30 September 1966, it ranked as one of the World’s poorest nations. However, diamonds were discovered in 1967, and today there are a number of (Orapa, Jwaneng, and Letlhakane being the biggest), with Botswana being the largest diamond producer, by value, in the world. The mines are jointly owned by the Government and De Beers. Of recent years the De Beers Central Selling Organisation has also been moved from London to Botswana’s capital, Gaborone.
In addition, there is a small copper mine at Selebi Pikwe, Soda Ash plant at Sowa Pan, and a coal mine near Palapye.
Whilst Botswana has much to be proud of, no country is perfect, and there are continuing issues regarding the disparity of income, with large numbers of the population still struggling economically. However, a great deal of the country's income from diamonds has been used/ is being used to improve infrastructure.
Socially, and economically, cattle are hugely important in Botswana, with much of the beef produced being exported to Europe. It is estimated that cattle numbers are twice that of the human population. The importance and numbers of cattle has meant that there is a degree of conflict between wildlife and cattle areas, including the so-called buffalo fences, which have meant that the natural migration of wildlife has been halted in the last 30 to 40 years.
After diamonds and cattle, Botswana's next most important source of income is tourism. Here there has long been a high yield, low impact policy, which has seen that the protected areas remain largely unsullied by too many visitors. Tourism also accounts for some 40% of the countries formal employment.
Much has been done of recent years to ensure National Parks, Game Reserves and private concessions are well run, and over 39% of the landmass is given over to such projects (17% for Reserves and National Parks; 22% wildlife managements areas). Of recent years both black and white rhino have successfully been released back into the Okavango region, and have even expanded some of their territory beyond this.
In addition, there is a small copper mine at Selebi Pikwe, Soda Ash plant at Sowa Pan, and a coal mine near Palapye.
Whilst Botswana has much to be proud of, no country is perfect, and there are continuing issues regarding the disparity of income, with large numbers of the population still struggling economically. However, a great deal of the country's income from diamonds has been used/ is being used to improve infrastructure.
Socially, and economically, cattle are hugely important in Botswana, with much of the beef produced being exported to Europe. It is estimated that cattle numbers are twice that of the human population. The importance and numbers of cattle has meant that there is a degree of conflict between wildlife and cattle areas, including the so-called buffalo fences, which have meant that the natural migration of wildlife has been halted in the last 30 to 40 years.
After diamonds and cattle, Botswana's next most important source of income is tourism. Here there has long been a high yield, low impact policy, which has seen that the protected areas remain largely unsullied by too many visitors. Tourism also accounts for some 40% of the countries formal employment.
Much has been done of recent years to ensure National Parks, Game Reserves and private concessions are well run, and over 39% of the landmass is given over to such projects (17% for Reserves and National Parks; 22% wildlife managements areas). Of recent years both black and white rhino have successfully been released back into the Okavango region, and have even expanded some of their territory beyond this.
