Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Botswana
Republic of Botswana
CapitalGaborone
Population2,562,122
GDP$19.9bn
Area581,737 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
In the early 1800s, multiple political entities in what is now Botswana were destabilized or destroyed by a series of conflicts and population movements in southern Africa. By the end of this period, the Tswana ethnic group, who also live across the border in South Africa, had become the most prominent group in the area. In 1852, Tswana forces halted the expansion of white Afrikaner settlers who were seeking to expand their territory northwards into what is now Botswana. In 1885, Great Britain claimed territory that roughly corresponds with modern day Botswana as a protectorate called Bechuanaland. Upon independence in 1966, the British protectorate of Bechuanaland adopted the new name of Botswana, which means "land of the Tswana."
More than five decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created an enduring democracy and upper-middle-income economy. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party has won every national election since independence; President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe MASISI assumed the presidency in 2018 after the retirement of former President Ian KHAMA due to constitutional term limits. MASISI won his first election as president in 2019, and he is Botswana’s fifth president since independence. 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 rates of HIV/AIDS infection but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.
Reference: 2019, 2018, 1966More than five decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created an enduring democracy and upper-middle-income economy. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party has won every national election since independence; President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe MASISI assumed the presidency in 2018 after the retirement of former President Ian KHAMA due to constitutional term limits. MASISI won his first election as president in 2019, and he is Botswana’s fifth president since independence. 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 rates of HIV/AIDS infection but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.
Geography
Location
Southern Africa, north of South Africa
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 581,730 sq km
land: 566,730 sq km
water: 15,000 sq km
land: 566,730 sq km
water: 15,000 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Texas; almost four times the size of Illinois
Land boundaries
total: 4,347.15 km
border countries: Namibia 1,544 km; South Africa 1,969 km; Zambia 0.15 km; Zimbabwe 834 km
border countries: Namibia 1,544 km; South Africa 1,969 km; Zambia 0.15 km; Zimbabwe 834 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
semiarid; warm winters and hot summers
Terrain
predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest
Elevation
highest point: Manyelanong Hill 1,495 m
lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m
mean elevation: 1,013 m
lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m
mean elevation: 1,013 m
Natural resources
diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver
Land use
agricultural land: 45.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 45.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 27.8% (2023 est.)
other: 26.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 45.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 27.8% (2023 est.)
other: 26.6% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
25 sq km (2014)
Reference: 2014Major rivers (by length in km)
Zambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Limpopo (shared with South Africa [s], Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 1,800 km; Okavango river mouth (shared with Angola [s], and Namibia) - 1,600 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km)
Major aquifers
Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin
Population distribution
the population is primarily concentrated in the east, with a focus in and around the capital of Gaborone and the eastern city of Francistown; population density remains low in other areas in the country, especially in the Kalahari Desert to the west.
Natural hazards
periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility
Geography - note
landlocked; sparsely populated with most settlement concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of the country; geography dominated by the Kalahari Desert, which covers about 70% of the country, although the Okavango Delta brings considerable biodiversity as one of the largest inland deltas in the World
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
Ethnic groups
Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and people of European ancestry 7%
Languages
Setswana 77.3%, Sekalanga 7.4%, Shekgalagadi 3.4%, English (official) 2.8%, Zezuru/Shona 2%, Sesarwa 1.7%, Sembukushu 1.6%, Ndebele 1%, other 2.8% (2011 est.)
Reference: 2011Religions
Christian 79.1%, Badimo 4.1%, other 1.4% (includes Baha'i, Hindu, Muslim, Rastafarian), none 15.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.)
Reference: 2011Age structure
0-14 years: 28.7% (male 355,583/female 348,863)
15-64 years: 65.2% (male 759,210/female 837,752)
65 years and over: 6.1% (2024 est.) (male 59,513/female 89,747)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 65.2% (male 759,210/female 837,752)
65 years and over: 6.1% (2024 est.) (male 59,513/female 89,747)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 53.5 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 44.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 9.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 10.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 44.1 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 9.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 10.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 27.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 26 years
female: 28.3 years
Reference: 2024male: 26 years
female: 28.3 years
Population growth rate
1.34% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
19.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8.9 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
the population is primarily concentrated in the east, with a focus in and around the capital of Gaborone and the eastern city of Francistown; population density remains low in other areas in the country, especially in the Kalahari Desert to the west.
Major urban areas - population
269,000 GABORONE (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
155 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.15 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 97.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 79.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 92.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 20.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 7.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 79.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 92.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 20.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 7.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.38 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
2.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 94.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 63% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 86% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 5.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 37% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 14% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 63% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 86% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 5.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 37% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 14% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
18.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 5.98 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.93 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 1.64 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 2.93 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.96 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 1.64 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 17.1% (2025 est.)
male: 29.2% (2025 est.)
female: 5.5% (2025 est.)
male: 29.2% (2025 est.)
female: 5.5% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
45% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 12 years (2021 est.)
male: 12 years (2021 est.)
female: 13 years (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021male: 12 years (2021 est.)
female: 13 years (2021 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 823 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 99 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023IDPs: 99 (2023 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Duma Boko | — | 2024-11-01 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Botswana
conventional short form: Botswana
local long form: Republic of Botswana
local short form: Botswana
former: Bechuanaland
etymology: the name Botswana means "Land of the Tswana," referring to the country's largest ethnic group
conventional short form: Botswana
local long form: Republic of Botswana
local short form: Botswana
former: Bechuanaland
etymology: the name Botswana means "Land of the Tswana," referring to the country's largest ethnic group
Capital
name: Gaborone
geographic coordinates: 24 38 S, 25 54 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: named after GABORONE (ca. 1825-1931), a chief of the Tlokwa tribe, whose name means "it is not unbecoming"
Reference: 1931geographic coordinates: 24 38 S, 25 54 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: named after GABORONE (ca. 1825-1931), a chief of the Tlokwa tribe, whose name means "it is not unbecoming"
Administrative divisions
10 districts and 6 town councils*; Central, Chobe, Francistown*, Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Jwaneng*, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, North East, North West, Selebi-Phikwe*, South East, Southern, Sowa Town*
Legal system
mixed legal system of civil law influenced by the Roman-Dutch model, including customary and common law
Constitution
history: previous 1960 (pre-independence); latest adopted March 1965, effective 30 September 1966
amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires approval in two successive Assembly votes with at least two-thirds majority in the final vote; proposals to amend constitutional provisions on fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and branches of government, and public services also requires approval by majority vote in a referendum and assent by the president of the republic
Reference: 1966, 1965, 1960amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires approval in two successive Assembly votes with at least two-thirds majority in the final vote; proposals to amend constitutional provisions on fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and branches of government, and public services also requires approval by majority vote in a referendum and assent by the president of the republic
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Botswana
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Botswana
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Duma BOKO (since 1 November 2024)
head of government: President Duma BOKO (since 1 November 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); vice president appointed by the president
most recent election date: 31 October 2024
election results: BOKO's UDC won 35 seats in the National Assembly, which then selected BOKO as president
expected date of next election: October 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024head of government: President Duma BOKO (since 1 November 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); vice president appointed by the president
most recent election date: 31 October 2024
election results: BOKO's UDC won 35 seats in the National Assembly, which then selected BOKO as president
expected date of next election: October 2029
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: National Assembly
number of seats: 69 (61 directly elected; 6 indirectly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 10/30/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) (36); Botswana Congress Party (BCP) (15); Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) (5); Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) (4); Other (1)
percentage of women in chamber: 9%
expected date of next election: October 2029
note: note: the House of Chiefs (Ntlo ya Dikgosi), an advisory body to the National Assembly, consists of 35 members -- 8 hereditary chiefs from Botswana's principal tribes, 22 indirectly elected by the chiefs, and 5 appointed by the president; the House of Chiefs consults on issues including powers of chiefs, customary courts, customary law, tribal property, and constitutional amendments
Reference: 2029, 2024legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: National Assembly
number of seats: 69 (61 directly elected; 6 indirectly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 10/30/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) (36); Botswana Congress Party (BCP) (15); Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) (5); Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) (4); Other (1)
percentage of women in chamber: 9%
expected date of next election: October 2029
note: note: the House of Chiefs (Ntlo ya Dikgosi), an advisory body to the National Assembly, consists of 35 members -- 8 hereditary chiefs from Botswana's principal tribes, 22 indirectly elected by the chiefs, and 5 appointed by the president; the House of Chiefs consults on issues including powers of chiefs, customary courts, customary law, tribal property, and constitutional amendments
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal, High Court (each consists of a chief justice and a number of other judges as prescribed by the Parliament)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and High Court chief justices appointed by the president and other judges appointed by the president upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; all judges appointed to serve until age 70
subordinate courts: Industrial Court (with circuits scheduled monthly in the capital city and in 3 districts); Magistrates Courts (1 in each district); Customary Court of Appeal; Paramount Chief's Court/Urban Customary Court; Senior Chief's Representative Court; Chief's Representative’s Court; Headman's Court
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and High Court chief justices appointed by the president and other judges appointed by the president upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; all judges appointed to serve until age 70
subordinate courts: Industrial Court (with circuits scheduled monthly in the capital city and in 3 districts); Magistrates Courts (1 in each district); Customary Court of Appeal; Paramount Chief's Court/Urban Customary Court; Senior Chief's Representative Court; Chief's Representative’s Court; Headman's Court
Political parties
Alliance of Progressives or AP
Botswana Congress Party or BCP
Botswana Democratic Party or BDP
Botswana National Front or BNF [Duma BOKO]Botswana Patriotic Front or BPF
Botswana Peoples Party or BPP
Botswana Republic Party or BRP
Umbrella for Democratic Change or UDC (various times the coalition has included the BPP, BCP, BNF and other parties)
Botswana Congress Party or BCP
Botswana Democratic Party or BDP
Botswana National Front or BNF [Duma BOKO]Botswana Patriotic Front or BPF
Botswana Peoples Party or BPP
Botswana Republic Party or BRP
Umbrella for Democratic Change or UDC (various times the coalition has included the BPP, BCP, BNF and other parties)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Mpho Churchill MOPHUTING (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990
FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164
email address and website: info@botswanaembassy.org
http://www.botswanaembassy.org/
Reference: 2024chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990
FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164
email address and website: info@botswanaembassy.org
http://www.botswanaembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Howard A. VAN VRANKEN (since 24 May 2023)
embassy: Embassy Drive, Government Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone
mailing address: 2170 Gaborone Place, Washington DC 20521-2170
telephone: [267] 395-3982
FAX: [267] 318-0232
email address and website: ConsularGaborone@state.gov
https://bw.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: Embassy Drive, Government Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone
mailing address: 2170 Gaborone Place, Washington DC 20521-2170
telephone: [267] 395-3982
FAX: [267] 318-0232
email address and website: ConsularGaborone@state.gov
https://bw.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
30 September 1966 (from the UK)
Reference: 1966National holiday
Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)
Reference: 1966Flag
description: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe across the middle
meaning: the blue symbolizes rainwater, and the black and white bands represent racial harmony
meaning: the blue symbolizes rainwater, and the black and white bands represent racial harmony
National symbol(s)
zebra
National color(s)
light blue, white, black
National coat of arms
the two zebras, the country’s national symbol, support an elephant tusk that represents the country's fauna and a head of sorghum that signifies agriculture; the three wavy blue bands stand for the country’s reliance on water, the cog wheels for industry, and the bull’s head for the cattle industry; the coat of arms also features the national colors of light blue, white, and black; the motto reflects the scarcity of rain in the country: pula means “let there be rain” in Setswana, the national language
National anthem(s)
title: "Fatshe leno la rona" (Our Land)
lyrics/music: Kgalemang Tumedisco MOTSETE
history: adopted 1966
Reference: 1966lyrics/music: Kgalemang Tumedisco MOTSETE
history: adopted 1966
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 (1 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Tsodilo Hills (c); Okavango Delta (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Tsodilo Hills (c); Okavango Delta (n)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botswana official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly of Botswana | — | 63 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
good economic governance and financial management; diamond-driven growth model declining; rapid poverty reductions; high unemployment, particularly among youth; COVID-19 sharply contracted the economy and recovery is slow; public sector wages have posed fiscal challenges
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $45.553 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $46.957 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $45.498 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $46.957 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $45.498 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $18,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $18,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $18,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $18,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $18,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.7% (2024 est.)
industry: 29.4% (2024 est.)
services: 63.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 29.4% (2024 est.)
services: 63.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 45.3% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 32.1% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 28.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 7.7% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 26% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -40.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 32.1% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 28.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 7.7% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 26% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -40.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
root vegetables, beef, vegetables, sorghum, maize, game meat, milk, watermelons, goat milk, sunflower seeds (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver; beef processing; textiles
Industrial production growth rate
-13.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
1.173 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 43.9% (2024 est.)
male: 39.8% (2024 est.)
female: 48.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 39.8% (2024 est.)
female: 48.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
16.1% (2015 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2015note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2015: 54.9 (2015 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2015note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.4% (2015 est.)
highest 10%: 42.9% (2015 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2015highest 10%: 42.9% (2015 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $5.474 billion (2024 est.)
expenditures: $6.296 billion (2024 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2024expenditures: $6.296 billion (2024 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2020: 19.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2020note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
19.6% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$116.727 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$232.122 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$314.583 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$232.122 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$314.583 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $6.398 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $8.914 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $7.861 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $8.914 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $7.861 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 27%, India 17%, Belgium 16%, South Africa 8%, USA 7% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
diamonds, copper ore, insulated wire, carbonates, cattle (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $7.228 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $8.826 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $9.25 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $8.826 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $9.25 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 65%, Namibia 8%, Canada 5%, China 3%, India 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, diamonds, cars, flavored water, electricity (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $3.456 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.756 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.279 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.756 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.279 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $1.761 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: pulas (BWP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 13.563 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 13.596 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 12.369 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 11.087 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 11.456 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 13.563 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 13.596 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 12.369 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 11.087 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 11.456 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$116.727 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$232.122 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$314.583 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$232.122 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$314.583 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $6.398 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $8.914 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $7.861 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $8.914 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $7.861 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 27%, India 17%, Belgium 16%, South Africa 8%, USA 7% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
diamonds, copper ore, insulated wire, carbonates, cattle (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $7.228 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $8.826 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $9.25 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $8.826 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $9.25 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 65%, Namibia 8%, Canada 5%, China 3%, India 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, diamonds, cars, flavored water, electricity (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 758,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.879 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 2 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.923 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 625.694 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 3.879 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 2 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.923 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 625.694 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 99.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 2.242 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.351 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 891,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 300 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.66 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 1.351 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 891,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 300 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.66 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 22,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 32.443 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 90,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
155 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.38 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
2.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
18.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 17.1% (2025 est.)
male: 29.2% (2025 est.)
female: 5.5% (2025 est.)
male: 29.2% (2025 est.)
female: 5.5% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 12 years (2021 est.)
male: 12 years (2021 est.)
female: 13 years (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021male: 12 years (2021 est.)
female: 13 years (2021 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed legal system of civil law influenced by the Roman-Dutch model, including customary and common law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal, High Court (each consists of a chief justice and a number of other judges as prescribed by the Parliament)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and High Court chief justices appointed by the president and other judges appointed by the president upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; all judges appointed to serve until age 70
subordinate courts: Industrial Court (with circuits scheduled monthly in the capital city and in 3 districts); Magistrates Courts (1 in each district); Customary Court of Appeal; Paramount Chief's Court/Urban Customary Court; Senior Chief's Representative Court; Chief's Representative’s Court; Headman's Court
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and High Court chief justices appointed by the president and other judges appointed by the president upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; all judges appointed to serve until age 70
subordinate courts: Industrial Court (with circuits scheduled monthly in the capital city and in 3 districts); Magistrates Courts (1 in each district); Customary Court of Appeal; Paramount Chief's Court/Urban Customary Court; Senior Chief's Representative Court; Chief's Representative’s Court; Headman's Court
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Botswana Defense Force (BDF): Ground Forces Command, Air Arm Command, Defense Logistics Command (2025)
note: note 1: both the BDF and the Botswana Police Service (BPS) report to the Ministry of Defense, Justice and Security; the BPS has primary responsibility for internal security
note 2: the Ground Force Command includes a marine unit with boats and river craft for patrolling Botswana's internal waterways and supporting anti-poaching operations
note: note 1: both the BDF and the Botswana Police Service (BPS) report to the Ministry of Defense, Justice and Security; the BPS has primary responsibility for internal security
note 2: the Ground Force Command includes a marine unit with boats and river craft for patrolling Botswana's internal waterways and supporting anti-poaching operations
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 2.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 10,000 active Botswana Defense Force (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the BDF has a mix of mostly older weapons and equipment, largely of Western/European origin; in recent years, it has received limited amounts of material from several European countries and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025)
Military - note
the key responsibilities of the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) are defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity on land and in the air, ensuring national security and stability, and aiding civil authorities in support of domestic missions such as disaster relief and anti-poaching; the BDF also participates in regional and international security operations
Bechuanaland/Botswana did not have a permanent military during colonial times, with the British colonial administrators relying instead on small, lightly armed constabularies such as the Bechuanaland Mounted Police, the Bechuanaland Border Police, and by the early 1960s, the Police Mobile Unit (PMU); after independence in 1966, Botswana militarized the PMU and gave it responsibility for the country’s defense rather than create a conventional military force; however, turmoil in neighboring countries and numerous cross-border incursions by Rhodesian and South African security forces in the 1960s and 1970s demonstrated that the PMU was inadequate for defending the country and led to the establishment of the BDF in 1977 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1977, 1966Bechuanaland/Botswana did not have a permanent military during colonial times, with the British colonial administrators relying instead on small, lightly armed constabularies such as the Bechuanaland Mounted Police, the Bechuanaland Border Police, and by the early 1960s, the Police Mobile Unit (PMU); after independence in 1966, Botswana militarized the PMU and gave it responsibility for the country’s defense rather than create a conventional military force; however, turmoil in neighboring countries and numerous cross-border incursions by Rhodesian and South African security forces in the 1960s and 1970s demonstrated that the PMU was inadequate for defending the country and led to the establishment of the BDF in 1977 (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Mpho Churchill MOPHUTING (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990
FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164
email address and website: info@botswanaembassy.org
http://www.botswanaembassy.org/
Reference: 2024chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990
FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164
email address and website: info@botswanaembassy.org
http://www.botswanaembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Howard A. VAN VRANKEN (since 24 May 2023)
embassy: Embassy Drive, Government Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone
mailing address: 2170 Gaborone Place, Washington DC 20521-2170
telephone: [267] 395-3982
FAX: [267] 318-0232
email address and website: ConsularGaborone@state.gov
https://bw.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: Embassy Drive, Government Enclave (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone
mailing address: 2170 Gaborone Place, Washington DC 20521-2170
telephone: [267] 395-3982
FAX: [267] 318-0232
email address and website: ConsularGaborone@state.gov
https://bw.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | 1966-10-31 |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1966-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1966-10-17 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 823 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 99 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023IDPs: 99 (2023 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
A2
Airports
122 (2025)
Railways
total: 888 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 888 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Reference: 2014narrow gauge: 888 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Environment
Environmental issues
overgrazing; desertification; limited freshwater resources; air pollution
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
semiarid; warm winters and hot summers
Land use
agricultural land: 45.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 45.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 27.8% (2023 est.)
other: 26.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 45.2% (2023 est.)
forest: 27.8% (2023 est.)
other: 26.6% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 72.9% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.47% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 2.47% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 5.897 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 2.818 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.079 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 2.818 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.079 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
12.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 26 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 144 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 841.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 1.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 144 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 841.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 1.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 210,900 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 21% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 21% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 129.327 million cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 24.295 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 59.661 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 24.295 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 59.661 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
12.24 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 90,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
2 TV stations, 1 state-owned and 1 privately owned; privately owned satellite TV subscription service is available; 2 state-owned national radio stations; 4 privately owned radio stations broadcast locally (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.bw
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2,234,776 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 2,266,747 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 2,299,141 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 2,332,083 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 2,365,894 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 2,401,441 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 2,439,892 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 2,480,244 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,521,139 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 2,562,122 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $15,082,637,184 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $16,105,155,857 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $17,031,943,186 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $16,725,908,149 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $14,960,251,608 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $18,750,182,236 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $20,321,150,599 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $19,413,614,555 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $19,286,251,068 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $19,928,479,839 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 110,268 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 116,402 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 23,982 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 17,487 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 22,155 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 22,158 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 19,869 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 18,161 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 17,397 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 16,731 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -10,286 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -10,916 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -11,623 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -11,770 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -11,330 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -4,083 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -7,306 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -6,487 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -5,778 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -5,665 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,562,122 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 2,603,388 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 2,480,244 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 116,402 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 4.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 16,731 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -5,665 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 384 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 789 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.798 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.825 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.409 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.794 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 2.027 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.275 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.809 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 11 June 2019 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Legal gender change recognized as a constitutional right since 2017 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $19,928,479,839 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $7,778 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | -0.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 2.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 24.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 69.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.7 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 68.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 57.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 32.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 37.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 69.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 81.2% | 2003 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 70.6% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 8.1% | 2020 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 80.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 1,641 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 27.4% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 6.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 32.1 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 26.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 164.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 7.4 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 471 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -24.6544° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 25.9201° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -22.2000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 23.7000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00, Central Africa Time, Africa/Gaborone | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12