Botswana

Background: Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterruped 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: 1,639,833

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS

Population Growth Rate: -0.04% (2006 est.)

Life Expectancy: 33.74 years

HIV/AIDS Adult Prevalence Rate: 37.3% (2003 est.)

Population Below Poverty Line: 30.3% (2003 est.)