A brief background on Botswana

Prior to its independence in 1966, Botswana was a British protectorate. At the time of independence, it was one of the poorest countries in Africa. Now, its one of the most stable African countries. Botswana is different than any other African country in that it's populace is determined to improve its economic and social conditions. This may come as a surprise considering Botswana is a landlocked country. You can see a map of Africa on the right side of the blog. Although it is at a disadvantageous position, lacking direct access to sea, Botswana has seen steady economic increases due to its diamond trade and tourism.

About the size of Texas, I consider Botswana as a city of extremes. It is home to the largest concentration of African elephants in the world! And their population keeps increasing. I'm sure everyone has seen the good ol' classic "The Lion King." Pretty much all the wildlife you have seen in the film can be found in Botswana! Furthermore, the Okavango Delta, also located in Botswana, is the largest inland delta in the world. I will have a once in a lifetime opportunity of touring the delta at the end of my program. 

Despite its steady economic increases, Botswana has been hard hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Home to little over 2 million people, Botswana is the second highest country in the world infected with HIV, with 1 in 6 Batswana infected. The disease has ravaged the country to such an extent that at one point the life expectancy was reduced to shocking levels. This has prevented the country to move forward in an efficient manner forcing the government to invest more in the health sector to save its people.

I hope to take an in depth look at HIV/AIDS during the program and share it with you guys. Stay tuned!