Stable Economy

Minerals, especially diamonds, have been the mainstay of Botswana's economy since independence in 1966, helping propel the country's high rate of economic growth. The sector accounts for 90 per cent of national foreign exchange earnings and provides the single largest single source of GDP, as well as of government revenues. Mining thus provides the basis for the Botswana economy, giving it a position of stability from which to plan ahead for a more diversified economic future.

The overall size of the economy of Botswana at current prices increased by 15.2 percent from P49.6 billion in 2004/05 to P57.1 billion in 2005/06. At constant prices, total GDP decreased marginally from P22.9 billion in 2004/05 to P22.7 billion which is a decline of about 0.8%.This decline came about as a result of the decline in the contribution of mining industry to GDP which went down by 4.4%. However, diamond mining continue to be the largest contributor to GDP accounting for 41.4% of GDP in 2005/06.

Botswana Gross Domestic Product

by Type of Economic Activity (Constant 1993/94) P Million

Botswana GDP by Economic Activity (2007/08)

Gross Domestic Product per Capita

Botswana had real GDP per capita of about P12 673 in 2005/06. Total Per Capita GDP (including mining) declined marginally by 1.5% in 2005/06.