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A People Devastated
Infection rates for HIV/AIDS are the highest in the world in this idyllic paradise, claiming the lives of 33,000 individuals a year. The average life span for both males and females is 34 years, down from 64 years in 1990. Half the population won't reach the age of 40. The infant mortality rate hovers around 70 percent and the drug trade continues to grow unabated.
Improving Economy
The country has maintained one of the world's highest growth rates since independence in 1966. Through fiscal discipline and sound management, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $8,800 in 2003.
Diamond mining has fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP and for nine-tenths of export earnings. Tourism, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors.
Much Still to be Done
Regardless, many of Botswana's people have not benefited from these expansions, as income and standard of living is still low. Almost 75% of the population is unemployed and fewer still produce enough food to feed their families.
Recent years have seen the introduction of western culture in the form of business, technology, consumer goods tourism and the media. The rapid changes have had their advantages and disadvantages. Better health and educational facilities have been provided and increased prosperity has improved the standard of living for some. However, there is a steadily widening gap between the rich and the poor.
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