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Botswana

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Media

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TV ownership low

No political censorship exists in national media

Daily newspaper circulation 27 per 1000 people

Publishing and broadcast media

  • Main national newspapers: There are 2 daily newspapers. Dikgang tsa Gompieno is published by the government
  • Television stations: 2 services: 1 state-owned, 1 independent
  • Radio stations: 3 services: 1 state-owned, 2 independent

A government-funded TV service was launched in 2000. The progovernment bias of radio and the main daily paper is offset in the many journals.

People

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  • Main languages spoken: Setswana, English, Shona, San, Khoikhoi, isiNdebele
  • Population density: 3/km2 (8/mi2) (Population density low)

The urban/rural population split

This graph represents the proportion of the population living in urban areas (gray) and rural areas (green).

Religious persuasion

The pie chart proportions show the religious affiliations of those who profess a belief.

Ethnic makeup

This pie chart illustrates the ethnic origin of the country's population.

Population age breakdown

This chart shows the breakdown of the population by age groupings, providing an interesting insight into the country's demography.

Botswana's stability reflects its ethnic homogeneity (98% Tswana) and the power of traditional authorities. The Bangwato form the largest clan. The indigenous San of the Kalahari were ordered to abandon their nomadic way of life in 2002, but are appealing against the order. A small white community still dominates the professions. Some 80% of people are Christian, but traditional beliefs are also widely practiced.

Politics

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Multiparty elections

  • Dates of last and next legislative elections: 2004/2004
  • Head of state: President Festus Mogae

A graphic representation of the political makeup of the country's government, based on each party's showing at the last election. Where there are two houses, the more important elected body is shown first.

Botswana, formally a multiparty democracy, has been ruled since independence by the BDP. The party's majority was eroded in the mid-1990s, as corruption scandals and an economic dip boosted the opposition BNF.

Power was transferred smoothly from President Ketumile Masire to Festus Mogae in 1998, while Lt.-Gen. Seretse Ian Khama, the son of independence-era leader Sir Seretse Khama, was made vice president and heir apparent. The opposition BNF split in two, and subsequent elections have confirmed the BDP's hold on power.