Batswana is a landlocked African country just north of South Africa. This means it has no ocean coastline. Before Europeans arrived in the area, the land was ruled by tribes of herders and farmers.
In 1885, because of some local wars, the people of Batswana asked Britain for help and protection. They became a territory of Britain and also, at the peoples request, were kept out of the Union of South Africa.
In 1964, Botswana became self-governing. Since then they have had a constitution and democratic elections. The first president was Seretse Khama.
Natural Resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver
Major Exports: diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles
Major Imports: foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products, metal and metal products
Currency: pula (BWP)
National GDP: $29,850,000,000
** Source for population (2012 est.) and GDP (2011 est.) is CIA World Factbook.
