Population: 1,586,119

Languages: English (official), Setswana

Background: Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. The economy, one of the most robust on the continent, is dominated by diamond mining.

Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP, BWP (7.20 = US$1))

Data from CIA World Factbook. Click on CIA link for more. Click on map or flag for larger images.