Background
Formerly
the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name
upon independence in 1966. The economy, one of the most robust on the
continent, is dominated by diamond mining.
Botswana
has maintained one of the world's highest growth rates since
independence in 1966. Through fiscal discipline and sound management,
Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in
the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of $7,800 in
2001. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit
risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of expansion and
currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP and for four-fifths
of export earnings. Tourism, subsistence farming, and cattle raising
are other key sectors. On the downside, the government must deal with
high rates of unemployment and poverty. Unemployment officially is 21%,
but unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection
rates are the highest in the world and threaten Botswana's impressive
economic gains.
Holidays
Jan 1-2 - New Year's Day
Mar 25-28* - Easter
May 1 - Labour Day
May 5* - Ascension Day
Jul 1 - Sir Seretse Khama Day
Jul 15 & 16 - President's Day Holiday
Sep 30 - Botswana Day Holiday
Dec 25-27 - Christmas Day
Ps: These festivals' date(*) given above are approximations which are subject to change every new year.
Phone Codes
Country Code: 267
Outgoing International Code: 00
Resources
Market Research
CIA - The World Factbook - Botswana
This
website indicates a wide range of detail information about Botswana by
introducing under 8 different fields as its geography, people,
government, economy, communications, transportation, military,
transnational issues.
About Botswana
This website
provides a general outlook on the issues of Botswana's social and business
profile, passport/visa, money, accommodation, government, duty free, health and
so forth.
Business & Investment in Botswana
It
is the official website of Botswana that provides a number of
information about the business climate and investment in Botswana
especially in terms of incentives, taxation and customs and so forth.
Investors' Guide to Botswana for Business Tourism
There
is analyzed Botswana's business environment which offers unparalleled
opportunities to foreign investors prepared to invest for the long term
and sustain national objectives.
Lex Africa: Business Guide: Botswana
The
African Law Firm Network examines Botswana in order to get a business
outlook for the potential investors seeking business opportunities in
Botswana.
Business in Botswana
Kasbah.com makes the list of the companies which assist to the potential investors for their business networks in Botswana.
Foreign Trade & Investment in Botswana
There
is available to find out comprehensive information about Botswanian
trade and business climate by indicating the governmental policies on
supporting the activities of all investors who wish to participate in
its national development in Botswana.
OPIC Links - Investor's Information Gateway for
Botswana
There
is available country database information links which are efficient for
the new investors planned to do business in Botswana including the
contact lists of the institutions, organization related to Botswanan
business.
Trade Information
Useful Addresses for Botswana
There
is listed the contact information of some institutions related to
Botswana as Botswana's Diplomatic Missions and Departments &
Organizations.
Botswana Government Online
It
is the government website of Botswana that represents the national
organizations, ministries, government institutions and so forth in
details.
Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower
It indicates the contact information of this confederation in details.
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