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1 [1] (July 3, 2024)

handle is hein.crs/govepiu0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Con re ~on I Resear h info n in~ the Lg~ lati - d~ a s~ ~o vice 0 July 3, 2024 Botswana Botswana, dubbed an excellent democratic partner by the State Department, generally performs well on governance, economic, and human development metrics. The arid, landlocked, and sparsely populated Southern African country is known for its unique ecosystems, which underpin a thriving tourism industry. Issues for Congress may include oversight of U.S. assistance programs, which have historically centered on combatting HIV/AIDS and supporting wildlife conservation. Po t cs Botswana is a multi-party democracy and scores higher than many African nations on indices of freedom and transparency, despite some challenges. Constitutional checks and balances are relatively robust, though the executive branch holds significant power vis-h-vis the legislature. In 2018, President Masisi's assumption of direct control over Botswana's two core security services spurred concern over further executive power centralization. Botswana ranks 39th out of 180 countries (third-best in Africa) on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, and in 2021, the Financial Action Task Force removed Botswana from its grey list of jurisdictions with poor money laundering protections. Anti-corruption agencies have recorded few successful prosecutions, however, and reportedly face political interference. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has maintained a legislative majority and, as the legislature elects the president, controlled the executive branch since Botswana's independence from Britain in 1966. The BDP has prioritized economic growth and incremental institution- strengthening built around a national identity aligned with the ethnic majority Tswana people, an approach that some analysts have labeled developmental nationalism. Historically, the BDP has retained power and sought to project unity in part by selecting its presidential successors well before elections, avoiding election-year intra-party tensions. In 2018, then-President Ian Khama resigned in line with that model, and U.S.-educated then-Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi, 62, succeeded him. The two have since engaged in public disputes, however, driven in part by Masisi's reversal of some Khama policies (e.g., a hunting ban). In 2019, BDP dissidents, including Khama, formed a new party, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF). Batswana authorities (Batswana is a plural adjective and noun for Botswana and its people) charged Khama with theft, illegal arms possession, and money laundering and seek Khama's extradition from South Africa, where he lives in exile. Tensions between the two leaders could hurt BDP prospects in elections slated for October 2024, as could high youth unemployment (44% in 2023), a gradual loss of voter support in recent elections, and the emergence of Khama's BPF. While Batswana elections historically have been described as free and fair, opposition parties sometimes have taken a different view. Though the State Department reports that international observers found the most recent elections, in 2019, to be generally free and fair, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) opposition coalition sharply questioned the integrity of the voting process in public remarks and in an unsuccessful lawsuit. Table I. Botswana at a Glance Size: Slightly smaller than Texas Population: 2.4 million; 1.4% growth; 73% urban Languages: Setswana (lingua franca), English (official), other (local) (201 1) Ethnic Groups: Tswana 79%, Kalanga I 1%, Basarwa 3%, other 7% Religions: Christian 79%, Badimo 4%, other/unspecified 2%, none 15% (20 11) Median Age: 26.8 years Life Expectancy: 66 years (male: 64, female: 68) HIVIAIDS Adult Prevalence (ages 15-49): 16.4% (men I 1.8%, women 21.1%) (2022 Literacy Rate: 88.5% (male 88%, female 89%) (2015) Key Exports: Diamonds, copper, wiring, beef (2022) GDP: $20.8 billion (total), 3.8% growth, $7,758 per capita Source: CRS graphic; data from CIA World Factbook, IMF, and UNAIDS databases (2023 estimates unless otherwise noted) Some critics have alleged that some state policies have threatened the cultural and economic survival of the aboriginal San or Basarwa, who comprise about 3% of the population. Economy Botswana's economy, which is underpinned by a free market system and an open investment regime, has long enjoyed moderate but steady growth fueled by diamond export revenues, which have been used to decrease poverty and fund free education and health care. Per capita incomes are high by regional standards, but Botswana faces extensive unemployment and has among the most unequal income distribution rates globally. Botswana's heavy reliance on diamonds (about 86% of total exports) leaves the country susceptible to global commodity price shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to an 8.7% GDP contraction in 2020, leading to the first-ever World Bank budget aid program in Botswana. The economy recovered, expanding by 11.9% in 2021, though growth has since moderated, to 5.8% in 2022 and 3.8% in 2023. Botswana's diamond reserves are gradually being depleted, prompting state efforts to diversify the economy. These efforts focus on exploiting the country's coal reserves, exporting other mined commodities (e.g., copper) and potentially critical minerals (e.g., manganese, nickel, and cobalt); and further developing local value-added