Botswana

Botswana is an incredibly rich country. It has one of the smallest populations and yet few African countries can boast the bio-diversity which exists between Botswana's Chobe National Park, the wonderful Okavango Delta, the Makgadigadi Slat Pans and the Kalahari Desert.

Historical background
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Population: 1.6 million
Capital: Gaberone
Language: Setswana (English official)