Botswana  

Although Botswana’s foreign direct investment is very low by global standards, with the country ranking 102 in the Index, there is a high availability of productive physical capital per worker, which points towards strong domestic investment. Although net interest margins are slightly below the global average at 5.25 percentage points, indicating a somewhat inefficient banking sector, a significantly low rate of defaults indicates a thorough vetting process prior to loan agreements. With unemployment rates at 18% Botswana ranks 88th internationally on this variable. Inflation rates are also fairly high at 7% per year. Botswana’s domestic savings rate is exceedingly high at 51%, placing the country in the top five in the index on this variable. Botswana ranks 95th in terms of household expenditure as a percentage of GDP, indicating a very weak domestic market. Botswana has relatively low material exports and generally very low export revenues relative to its expenditure on imports, indicting weak terms of trade.

With 11 formal business start-up procedures required and 7,301 new businesses registered in 2007, Botswana’s entrepreneurial environment is below the global average. The country suffers from a weak communication infrastructure, with approximately one secure internet server per one million people and only 48 personal computers for every 1,000 citizens. The level of internet infrastructure, as measured by bandwidth, is also very low, with Botswana ranking 98th on this variable. Judging by the share of R&D expenditure and royalty receipts, innovation in Botswana is limited as R&D constitutes only 0.1% of GDP, indicating insignificant levels of funding for innovation. ICT and high-tech exports are also extremely low, with the country ranking 76th and 95th on these variables, respectively.

Botswana ranks in the top 40 with respect to political rights and civil liberties, demonstrating a moderately high level of freedoms enjoyed by individuals in political processes and the expression of beliefs. There is also a high level of open political competition between multiple parties in elections for both the executive and legislative branches of the government, and the executive branch is determined by free and fair elections. Although a system of checks and balances is significantly underdeveloped, Botswana’s judiciary remains independent. Political instability is somewhat low, with the last major regime change having occurred more than 40 years ago, above the global average of 33 years.

Although Botswana performs well on primary enrolment rates, secondary education enrolment is below average and tertiary education rates are extremely low at 5%. Botswana has strong gender equality, with an average of 101 girls to every 100 boys enrolled at both primary and secondary levels. Educational expenditure is adequate, placing Botswana 32nd on this variable. Botswana’s workforce benefits from high levels of secondary education, with the country ranking at 47. However, the level of average tertiary schooling per worker is much lower, placing the country at 90th on this variable. There is also a relatively high number of pupils per teacher, with a ratio of 24 primary students for every educator.

Botswana’s hospitals are poorly staffed with only four doctors and nurses per 10,000 people. The number of hospital beds per person is somewhat higher, with Botswana ranking 56th internationally. While a low 47% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities, an average level 74% claim that water quality in Botswana is good.* Approximately 32% of the population is undernourished, leaving Botswana in the bottom 10 globally, and infant mortality rates are very high at 87 deaths per 1,000 live births. On average, people in Botswana have a health-adjusted life expectancy of only 36 years, indicating extremely short life spans and high disease prevalence. However, almost three-quarters of people are satisfied with their personal health, only a quarter indicate that they have health problems or experienced pain on the previous day, and 66% claim to feel well rested and get enough sleep.*

Botswana faces a serious challenge to security relating to refugees and internally displaced individuals, ranking 79th on this variable. Problems faced by human flight are somewhat less serious, with the country ranking 52nd on this variable. Group grievances or a legacy of ethnic or social discrimination are low, ranking Botswana in the top 25 in terms of safety in these areas. Botswana ranks comparably well in regards to a low level of government sponsored violence and oppression, ranking among the top 25 for political security, and in 2008 there were no reported casualties due to civil war. However, homicide rates are high, with 18 deaths per 100,000 capita. Personal safety is also a significant problem in Botswana, with only 39% of respondents reporting feeling safe walking alone at night.* A quarter of citizens had personal or household property stolen, and 13% were victims of assaults or muggings.* Botswana falls in the bottom 15 for each of these three variables.

Enforcement of rule of law is universal and equally applied in Botswana, with the country ranking 30th on this variable. The quality of regulation of economic and commercial activity is high, and bureaucratic efficiency and policy implementation are respectable. Botswana ranks 40th and 33rd on these variables, respectively. Approximately 90% of citizens are confident in the country’s military, 84% are confident about the judicial system, and 91% of citizens believe that elections are honest.* For each of these three variables, Botswana ranks in the top 10, internationally. Although perceptions of local government and business corruption seem high at 75% and 78%, respectively, these figures are comparatively low by international standards, placing Botswana in the top half of the Index.* Political participation is considered free and fair, with Botswana’s citizens enjoying freedom of political choice and the legal right to change the laws and officials that govern them.

Botswana’s citizens enjoy high levels of freedom of movement, religion, and speech. Tolerance for ethnic minorities is very high, with 83% of respondents believing that Botswana is a good place for ethnic minorities, and the country ranks 17th with respect to this variable.* In Botswana, 70% of people also believe that the country is a good place to live for immigrants.* With 84% feeling satisfied with their freedom of choice in their daily lives, Botswana ranks at 26 on this variable.*

Botswana’s citizens are fairly religious, ranking 48th overall on this variable.* Only 13% of respondents donated money, and only 18% engaged in volunteer work.* However, more than half reported having helped a stranger, placing the country in the top 30 on this variable.* Approximately 86% of people believe that they can rely on family and friends to assist them in time of need.*

* Data taken from the Gallup World Poll

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