Botswana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has seen substantial growth since 1961, primarily driven by the country’s rich diamond mining sector. After gaining independence in 1966, Botswana experienced a steady economic rise, with diamond mining emerging as a critical factor for its GDP growth. This boom, along with sound economic policies and political stability, supported robust expansion through the 1980s and 1990s.
In the 2000s, the country's economy diversified slightly, but it remained heavily dependent on diamond exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global demand. In periods of lower diamond demand or global economic downturns, such as during the financial crisis of 2008–2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Botswana’s GDP experienced setbacks. However, ongoing diversification efforts in sectors like tourism, services, and agriculture continue to play a key role in stabilizing and promoting long-term growth. Overall, Botswana’s economic story is one of resilience, marked by strong governance and strategic use of its natural resources.
Explore related charts to gain a better understanding of Botswana’s agriculture GDP contribution, Botswana’s urbanization rate, Botswana’s services sector share in GDP.
