About Botswana

Botswana's goegraphy, culture, economy, and social conditions provide a valuable opportunity to learn about the unique risks and protective factors of child development. The Kalahari Desert occupies 70% of Botswana, making much of the country uninhabitable and affecting the availability of resources, employment, and educational programs. For most Botswanans, the social contexts of development are limited to either a few urban centers or outlying rural villages. There is a rich linguistic heritage in Botswana that reflects the more than 20 ethnic groups in this country. While Setswana, a Bantu language, is spoken by 80% of the population, Khoi and San languages that utilize clicks are spoken by the Khoi, !Kung, San and other groups who formerly lived in the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, some of whom are returning to the desert. The hisory of migration and assimilation and emergence of industries in tourism and diamonds have created new sources of income and lifestyles that have played a role in child development and education. With a number of children being orphaned because of HIV/AIDS, schools and other youth development programs are challenged to keep children in schools and to promote healthy active lives. 

If you'd like to know more, the CIA World Fact Book has many more facts about Botswana. You may also be able to get insight into life in Botswana by reading our posts throughout the trip.