so, uhm, where is this place called botswana?

Some of you are probably wondering where Botswana actually is so I thought I would provide some info about it.

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is bordered in the south and southeast by South Africa, in the west by Namibia, northeast by Zimbabwe and north by Zambia. A large proportion of the country is desert, the largest of which is the Kalahari Desert. It was under British rule until it gained its independence in the 1960s. The population in 2006 was estimated at about 1.6 million people. The capital, Gaborone, has a population of about 250, 000 .

Botswana is probably best known for its diamonds and is often considered one of Africa’s success stories. It has a relatively stable government and thanks to the diamond and tourism industries has a rapidly growing economy. Although recently, due to the over-demand of diamonds in the market several mines have been forced to close temporarily. This has caused an increase in unemployment.

As a result of their economy they have been able to invest in education and healthcare. However due to the world’s current financial woes the Botswana government has recently reduced its financial support for tertiary students which has had an impact on university intakes. Prior to this all Botswana students accepted into tertiary institutions were government supported. There has been some controversy regarding the government’s latest decision to only support students who achieve a high score in their final year of secondary school. Some believe this means that only students with wealthy parents who can afford to send them to private secondary schools will achieve these high scores. The poor student will not be able to afford a tertiary education.

Although Botswana is politically and economically stable alarmingly it has one of the highest infection rates of HIV/AIDS. According to UNAIDS  in 2006 approximately a quarter of the population had been infected. Even today the average life expectancy is just 33 years of age.

Botswana is the place to go if you are a wealthy traveller. It is well known for its high end resorts and safaris. And compared with other parts of Africa it is quite expensive to travel or live as an expat.

Welcome to my blog!

Well here I am, finally inside the world of blogging!

The reason for this blog – as the name might suggest – is to document my time in Botswana. I’m an Australian designer about to head to Gaborone in Botswana to live and work. I’m not there yet though. I’m hoping to have my feet on African soil in a few weeks time. Bring it on!

This week I had my vaccinations. Thankfully I had a lot before I went to East Africa as a volunteer in 2004. This didn’t get me entirely off the hook unfortunately. 4 jabs, an oral vacc and $500 later I’m ready to take on the world…well Africa anyway.