Buying Property in Botswana
Botswana is a stable democracy, with historically one of the best balance of payments in Africa and a vigorous free market economy. Just over 1.5 million people, the population is low, and eco-tourism is one of the main contributors to its economy. Botswana Government structures and processes are well established. The legal system works well and is therefore very user friendly compared to many developing countries. The farms in this area are freehold, unencumbered and fully privately owned.
Climate
The summer season runs from November to March. Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures ranging from 38º to the occasional 44º. Summer is also the rainy season, and once the rains come, humidity increases but the temperatures do drop slightly. The annual rainfall figures vary from 650mm in the extreme northeast to 250mm in the southwest. Humidity can range from 60 - 80% in the mornings to 30 - 40% in the afternoons.
The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas, especially in the southwest.
For tourists, the best weather and game viewing periods are from April through to October. Not only are temperatures and humidity more moderate, - game is most visible during these months.
Dry Season:
It is dry for most of the year and gets quite arid during the Winter months of June to August. The lack of foliage makes this the ideal time for a game watching safari. The added bonus is that there are very few biting insects around at this time. Days are warm with temperatures in the mid 20's°C (around 75°F), but nights get cold and slump below 10°C (50°F).
Rainy Season:
Hot and humid December sees almost 4 times as much rain as any other month, with November next in line. You can also expect sporadic showers in September and April. Temperatures from October to May hover around and above 30°C (86°F). These wet summer months are wonderful for birdlife, newborn antelopes and lush green landscapes.
Political Climate
On September 30, 1966 the country became the independent Republic of Botswana with Sir Seretse Khama as its first President. Since independence in 1966, elections have been held every 5 years. This has ensured political stability based on an open democracy. The country is proud of its cosmopolitan and peaceful society. Freedom of speech, the press and religion are constitutionally guaranteed.
The constitution of Botswana provides for a republican form of government headed by the President with three main organs of government - the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.
The President is the personification of the State. The President is head of the Executive, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic, and also an integral part of the Legislature. The President has the power to dissolve Parliament, select or dismiss the vice-president, Ministers and Assistant Ministers, and has the prerogative of mercy. In international affairs, the President as Head of State has the power to declare war and sign peace treaties and to recognize foreign states and governments.
Economy
Originally an agricultural economy, Botswana is now, by value, the largest diamond producer in the world. The diamond industry contributes 50 percent of Botswana 's government revenue, and 80% of its exports.
Bostwana has experienced an impressive growth rate, with an average GDP growth of 13% per annum between 1970 and 1990. The macro-economic stability of this country is characterised by low inflation, healthy budgets, positive foreign trade balances and stable exchange rates.
Since the year 2000, Botswana 's economy has continued to grow rapidly, with non-mining sectors expanding as a result of exchange control liberalisation, reduction of personal and company taxes, and the hiving off of some government activities to the private sector. Inflation is expected to remain in the 7 to 8 percent range, due mainly to the low inflation rates in trading partner countries, in particular RSA.
In addition to the absence of exchange control regulations, investment drawcards include the stable relationship between the South African Rand and the Botswana Pula, tax rates that are lowest in the SACU and SADC, as well as preferential access to other markets.
Botswana 's working force is English speaking and well educated. Industrial relations are good with no worker unrest or strikes. The minimum wage is P600 (about US $105) per month.
Tax rates in Botswana are among the lowest in the world due to ongoing efforts to improve international competitiveness, promote domestic and foreign investment, and increase the disposable income of individual tax payers.
Infrastructure
Botswana has a well established infrastructure network including:
Telecommunications: fixed line and cellular
Power – electricity generator, transmission and distribution
Roads – roads, bridges and border posts linking neighbouring countries (Botswana has no rail network)
Air transport – airports in major towns.
Banking – Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic and First National Bank are found in the major centres.
Water – Supplied via well established distribution networks in all towns.
Tourism
The tourism industry in Botswana is centred around the amazing wildlife of the country. As 17% of Botswana has been proclaimed protected area, and 20% of the country is wildlife managed area, the country offers some of the largest populations of wildlife in the world. A nationwide elephant count in 1999 estimated that there are 120 000 elephants in Botswana.
In addition to the remarkable wildlife viewing, Botswana offers many diverse and striking landscapes for tourists to enjoy. The Okavango Delta, The Kalahari desert, the Chobe and Limpopo Rivers and the Makgadikgadi Pans each present a unique and spectacular experience.
Language
English is widely spoken throughout Botswana , and is the language of most official written documents and written communication. However, Setswana and its various dialects is the national language of Botswana . You may be greeted with a friendly ‘Dumela mma', if you are a woman, or ‘Dumela rra' if you are a man. You reply to this in the same manner. This will be followed by ‘Le kae?' meaning ‘How are you?' to which you can reply, ‘Go siame', meaning ‘It is okay'.
Currency
English is widely spoken throughout Botswana , and is the language of most official written documents and written communication. However, Setswana and its various dialects is the national language of Botswana . You may be greeted with a friendly ‘Dumela mma', if you are a woman, or ‘Dumela rra' if you are a man. You reply to this in the same manner. This will be followed by ‘Le kae?' meaning ‘How are you?' to which you can reply, ‘Go siame', meaning ‘It is okay'.
Conservation
English is widely spoken throughout Botswana , and is the language of most official written documents and written communication. However, Setswana and its various dialects is the national language of Botswana . You may be greeted with a friendly ‘Dumela mma', if you are a woman, or ‘Dumela rra' if you are a man. You reply to this in the same manner. This will be followed by ‘Le kae?' meaning ‘How are you?' to which you can reply, ‘Go siame', meaning ‘It is okay'.