(C) Copyright 2011-2012 Botswana-SME Portal, All Rights Reserved. The Republic of Botswana is a multiparty democracy; it became independent on 30th September 1966.   Population: The total population is estimated at 1.85million and growing at a rate of approximately 3.5% per annum. Total Area: 581,730 square kilometers. The capital city of Botswana is Gaborone which is located in the south-eastern part of the country. Visas: Visitors from the European Union, most Commonwealth countries and the USA do not require Visas. Visitors from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka do require visas. For further information please contact the nearest diplomatic mission. Botswana is a land-locked country dominated in geographical terms by the Kalahari Desert - a sand-filled basin averaging 1,100 metres above sea level. The country lies between longitudes 20 and 30 degrees east of Greenwich and between the latitudes 18 and 27 degrees approximately south of the Equator. The currency used in Botswana is the PULA, is one of the strongest in Africa. Climate: There are four seasons, notable summer, autumn, winter and spring. Botswana has a semi-arid to arid climate. The average daily maximum temperature is about 33 - 40C in summer, from September to April, and 22 - 30C in winder that is from May to August. The average minimum temperature is about 19C in summer and 5C in winter. Botswana has one of the most highly-developed financial sectors in Africa, with a range of private and government-backed financial institutions able to provide loans, overdraft facilities, guarantees and equity capital to both foreign investors. Market Opportunities: Botswana goods and services enjoy duty and quota free access in the following markets in South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho through the Southern African Customs Union which has an approximate total population size of about 48 million people. The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) comprising 14 countries with a population of 200 million. Where to do Business? Botswana is open for business and has been so for a long time. It has a stable democracy, a highly trained labour force, democratic institutions and ever improving physical infrastructure. Botswana is a very good example of stability and economic progress in Southern Africa. The United Nations has been quoted as saying "Botswana's greatest assets are peace, law & order, disciplined fiscal and monetary policies, capable public institutions." Other international institutions have echoed similar sentiments. Moody's Investor Services and Standard and Poor's' (S&P); have both given Botswana sovereign credit ratings of 'A' which have remained unchanged for seven consecutive years. Botswana has one of the most competitive economies in Africa. The competitiveness report of 2008/09 places Botswana third in Africa and 56 globally.   The business environment and culture in Botswana is viewed internationally as being investor friendly. The country was ranked 38 out of 181 by the World Bank's doing business report of 2009. Botswana is cited among the leading global innovators in the critical areas of the ease of starting a business, reform of labour laws, and contract enforcement procedures. Companies starting business in Botswana can enjoy packaged investor solutions not only from the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) but also from governmental investment agencies and enjoy the benefits of several schemes.   Click Play to See Our Business Links