COUNTRY #173: BOTSWANA

Welcome country #173: BOTSWANA POPULATION: 1,990,876 «  Previous Country | Next Country  »   Back to Top Countries  Background Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new  name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian  leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have  created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction,  principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a  growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature  preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS  infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs  for dealing with the disease. Geography People Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Map data ©2011 MapLink, Tele Atlas - Terms of Use I've been waiting a long time for my first visit from Botswana. Why?  We are antipodes.  Huh?  If I go from Hawaii straight through the center of our planet and through, I end up in Botswana...more specifically, the Kalahari Desert. If you dig a hole to the other side from Japan, you end up in South America.  Hmmm...I wonder if Machu Picchu is close? Here is the global antipodal map: Sad to say that any land site in the Continental USA has an antipode in the ocean. I'm currently scheduled to join Ed Jurkens, not quite there, but in reach of gaining Centenarian status in the not too distant future, for a safari to our antipode this Fall.  If we don't do it now we will get too old.