blueprint botswana january 2006 jan duvenage 27 11 636 4557 standardbank co za background formerly the british protectorate of bechuanaland adopted its new name upon independence in 1966 four decades uninterrupted civilian leadership progressive social policies and significant capital investment have created one most dynamic economies africa mineral extraction principally diamond mining dominates economic activity though tourism is a growing sector due to country s conservation practices extensive nature preserves has world highest known rates hiv aids infection but also comprehensive programs for dealing with disease government type parliamentary republic gaborone 30 september from uk chief state president festus mogae since 1 april 1998 elections elected by national assembly five year term election last held october 2004 next 2009 source cia factbook 2005 people population 6 million growth rate 0 est life expectancy at birth total 33 87 years male 89 female 84 ethnic groups tswana 79 kalanga basarwa 3 other 7 including
