Botswana Country Report

Botswana is one of Africa's most peaceful countries and has long been seen as a bastion of political stability in the region. Stability has been achieved through to the preservation of democratic principles combined with strong respect by the government of individual constitutional liberties. Elections are usually peaceful and considered free and fair by international observers, although the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has dominated the political landscape since independence. Botswana has consistently been ranked as the least corrupt country in Africa and also has a strong human rights record. Economic growth has largely been fuelled by the diamond trade, although the government has increasingly taken steps to diversify the economy and encourage foreign investment in other sectors.

Levels of criminal activity in Botswana remain relatively low by regional standards, although crime rates have been increasing in recent years. The most significant criminal threat for foreign travelers and expatriates in the city comes from petty theft such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and the theft of unattended items. Violent crime has become an increasingly prominent issue in some areas but rarely affects foreign travelers.

Infrastructure in Botswana is also relatively good compared to many other countries in the region, with the road network being relatively extensive and well maintained. The country's main urban centers have modern facilities and adequate healthcare facilities are available in Gaborone, although rural areas are significantly less developed and lack some basic services.

Crime rates in Botswana remain low by regional standards, although they have been on the rise in recent years. The most common threat facing foreign travelers is opportunistic petty theft such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, particularly in urban centers, but more serious offenses including armed robberies and residential burglaries also occur. Vehicular crime is also a concern and thefts from parked cars have been reported with some frequency.

Civil unrest is rare in the country and most demonstrations remain peaceful and undisruptive, with few confrontations between protesters and security forces.

Air travel in the country is regarded as safe and several international carriers have scheduled flights to Gaborone.

Overland travel can be hazardous in Botswana due to the poor standard of driving by some local road users and the risk of collisions with wildlife and livestock on more rural routes. Although much of the country's road network is paved and relatively well maintained, some routes in remote areas take the form of compressed dirt or gravel tracks and require the use of four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Electricity and communications infrastructure is generally reliable in major urban centers but service provision and mobile network coverage is likely to be poorer in more remote areas. Botswana has improved its oil import program in recent years and the number and frequency of power outages and fuel shortages have decreased significantly, although these still occasionally occur.

Botswana's climate is semi-arid, and the country is generally hot and dry for much of the year, which gives rise to droughts and westerly sand and dust storms. The warm rainy season typically falls November-March but rainfall tends to be erratic and localized. Botswana receives very little rain May-August and droughts can result in water and electricity shortages in some areas during this period, particularly in the south.

Several insect-borne diseases are present in Botswana, although the risk of infection in urban centers is low. Medical facilities are generally good in Gaborone and other urban centers but are limited in more remote areas. Serious injuries or more complicated medical cases may require evacuation to another country with more extensive medical infrastructure, typically South Africa.

Botswana continues to enjoy political and economic stability, and the current government does not face any significant threats to its rule. Stability has been achieved through the preservation of democratic principles combined with a strong respect by the government of individual constitutional liberties. Elections are usually peaceful and considered free and fair by international observers. Botswana has consistently been ranked as the least corrupt country in Africa and also has a strong human rights record. The judiciary is generally seen as effective and free from political interference and police are generally keen to offer assistance, although response times can be slow due to a lack of resources.