International Calendar 2013

Botswana

Botswana/Lefatshe la Botswana
Southern Africa, north of South Africa. Predominantly flat to rolling tableland, Kalahari Desert in southwest. 581,730 km² (slightly < TX), <1% arable.

Capital Gaborone (.19M)

Population 2.1M (3.6/km²)

Life expectancy 56 years

HIV/AIDS 25%

Literacy 81%

Lang(s) Setswana 78%, Kalanga 8%, Sekgalagadi 3%, English OFFICIAL 2%, other 9%

Religions Christian 72%, Badimo 6%, other 1%, none 21%

Ethnic Groups Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other including Kgalagadi 7%

Gov’t Parliamentary Republic
GDP/cap $16,300

PCVs 1966-97, 2003-present; HIV/AIDS prevention/education. Volunteers in country: 120; total to date: 2,229.

Nat’l holiday Independence Day, 30 Sept (1966)

Little Friends Centre Serowe, Botswana

School is free in Botswana, except, that is, for pre-school. The children of those who can afford to pay pre-school fees begin primary school with a clear advantage. There are many, though, who are not so privileged. Botswana’s high rate of HIV/AIDS has orphaned many children who are, as a result, unable to attend pre-school. With the support of private donations, however, this NGO-run pre-school enables 85 orphaned children to attend for free and enjoy such fun activities as painting curtains. Here, one such child proudly displays his artwork as well as his orange-painted toes.
Photo © 2010 Patti Koenig
Peace Corps Volunteer, Botswana–present

Adult Books

Starlings Laughing
by June Vendall Clark

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: William Morrow & Co (April 1, 1991)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0688105402

Book Description
Subtitled A Memoir of Africa and published in 1990, Starlings Laughing is an account of author and naturalist Clark's coming of age during the waning days of the British colonial era in the Bechuanaland Protectorate, current day Botswana.