Republic of Botswana
Overview
Botswana is the world`s largest producer of diamonds and the trade has transformed it into a middle-income nation. Botswana is trying to reduce its economic dependence on diamonds, moving to boost local business and employment by encouraging more value to be added to diamonds locally. Botswana protects some of Africa`s largest areas of wilderness. It is sparsely populated, because it is dry. The Kalahari Desert, and most areas are too arid to sustain any agriculture other than cattle.
Economic Performance 2016
Botswana’s economy as measured by nominal GDP at market prices was estimated at R229.0 billion in 2016 compared to R183.9 billion in 2015. Real GDP increased by 4.3 percent in 2016 compared to a contraction of 1.7 percent registered in 2015. The increase in real GDP was mainly attributed to trade, hotels & restaurants and transport & communications industries which recorded an increase in value added of 13.5 per cent and 5.6 per cent respectively. All other industries recorded a positive growth with the exception of mining and agriculture which declined by 3.7 and 1.0 per cent respectively.
The largest industries, as measured by their nominal value added in 2016, were mining and quarrying accounting for 19.9 per cent of GDP, followed by wholesale, retail, hotel and restaurants accounting for 18.3 per cent of GDP.
Economic Indicators 2016
| Country size | 582 000 km2 |
GDP at current prices: |
R229.0 billion |
Population: (2017): |
2 230 905 |
GDP per capita: |
R102 651 |
Real economic growth rate: |
4.3% |
Annual inflation rate: |
2.8 % |
Merchandise imports: |
R88.9 billion |
Merchandise exports: |
R108.6 billion |
Feeds
 |
Daily News |
|
Mmegi |
|
Sunday Standard |
|
The Botswana Gazette |