Loading…
Photo: Joachim Huber derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Botswana
Botswana places highest on Agriculture Orientation Index (top 3% worldwide) and lowest on Unemployment Rate (bottom 2%).
Botswana in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
2,480,244
people
since 1950
Land area
566,730
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
17,687
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
69.16
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.731
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
24.48
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Botswana
Key facts about Botswana
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Official language
- English
- Currency
- Botswana pula (BWP)
- ISO code
- BWA · BW
- Domain · dialling
- .bw · +267
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Botswana’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
21stof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
64thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
72ndof 177
From 3 of 3 key statistics
87thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
84thof 182
From 2 of 4 key statistics
84thof 150
From 3 of 3 key statistics
151stof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
140thof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
160thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
139thof 161
From 2 of 3 key statistics
162ndof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
No standing — Botswana holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Botswana’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Botswana in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Botswana stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Botswana sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Botswana does best6
In the top third of all countries measured. 5 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 5th
Position · derived 5th of 132 · 2.16 · 2024
world median 0.305 (better)
- 6th
Position · derived 105th of 110 · 1 = worst · 11.93 · 2024
world median 43.94 (better) · ▲ 8 pts since 2014
- 7th
Position · derived 7th of 86 · 48.21 · 2024
world median 35.86 (better) · ▼ 6 pts since 2019
- 9thGender Development Indextop 5%
Position · derived 9th of 184 · 0.997 · 2023
world median 0.971 (better) · ▲ 33 pts since 2013
- Crop Production Indextop 6%
Position · derived 13th of 195 · 138.33 · 2022
world median 106.23 (better) · ▲ 74 pts since 2012
Where Botswana struggles most6
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 6 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 4thUnemployment Ratebottom 2%
Position · derived 4th of 182 · 1 = worst · 24.48 · 2025
world median 5.084 (worse) · ▼ 6 pts since 2015
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 97 · 1 = worst · 38 · 2024
world median 14.31 (worse) · ▼ 8 pts since 2019
- 5thYouth Unemployment Ratebottom 2%
Position · derived 5th of 182 · 1 = worst · 46 · 2025
world median 12.83 (worse) · ▼ 11 pts since 2015
- 7th
Position · derived 184th of 190 · 0.292 · 2024
world median 31.14 (worse) · ▼ 2 pts since 2014
- 8th
- 9thCost of Sending Remittancesbottom 9%
Position · derived 9th of 93 · 1 = worst · 8.413 · 2023
world median 3.225 (worse) · ▲ 9 pts since 2016
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Botswana can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
87th
of 141 · 1990
111th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
30th
of 173 · 2012
41st
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
63rd
of 79 · 1990
127th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
86th
of 132 · 2022
87th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
91st
of 144 · 2000
93rd
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 25 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
121st
of 172 · 2020
109th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Botswana has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Logistics Performance Index+33 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where Botswana has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Livestock Production Index-89 pts since 2012
- Food Production Index-82 pts since 2012
- Adjusted Net Savings-45 pts since 2011
05In context
Botswana and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Southern Africa
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- 94
South Africa - =102Botswana
- 113
Namibia - 128
Lesotho - 138
Eswatini
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Botswana
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions23
Agriculture Orientation Index5th of 132position · derived2.16Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
Top fifth · top 3% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Botswana 2.16 · world median 0.305 (better)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Business Ready: Operational Efficiency21st of 50position · derived67.73Operational efficiency score (0–100)2024
Middle · top 41% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Operational efficiency score (0–100)
Botswana 67.73 · world median 65.82 (better)
Best in the world 87.33 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Public Services29th of 50position · derived48.52Public services score (0–100)2024
Middle · bottom 43% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public services score (0–100)
Botswana 48.52 · world median 50.13 (worse)
Best in the world 73.31 (Estonia)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Regulatory Framework27th of 50position · derived65.96Regulatory framework score (0–100)2024
Middle · bottom 47% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory framework score (0–100)
Botswana 65.96 · world median 66.8 (worse)
Best in the world 78.34 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Civic Space Ratings59th of 198position · derived72Civic space score (0–100)2025
Upper middle · top 29% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Botswana 72 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 14%100Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
Top fifth · top 14% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Botswana 100 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index41st of 181rank58CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
Upper middle · top 23% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Botswana 58 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt97th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst4.718Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
Top fifth · top 11% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Botswana 4.718 · world median 12.93 (better)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)105th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst11.93External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
Top fifth · top 5% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Botswana 11.93 · world median 43.94 (better)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
General Government Consumption5th of 132position · derived31.48General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 3% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Botswana 31.48 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
No real change since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index109th of 195rank37.1AI readiness score (0–100)2025
Middle · bottom 44% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Botswana 37.1 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness73rd of 209position · derived0.417Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
Upper middle · top 35% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Botswana 0.417 · world median 0.01 (better)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Open Data Inventory110th of 168rank50ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Botswana 50 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment26th of 135position · derived27.25Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
Top fifth · top 19% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Botswana 27.25 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill16th of 168position · derived13.86Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
Top fifth · top 9% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Botswana 13.86 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality67th of 209position · derived0.402Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 32% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Botswana 0.402 · world median -0.09 (better)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Rule of Law85th of 211position · derived0.312Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 40% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Botswana 0.312 · world median -0.1 (better)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators116th of 188position · derived64.21SPI overall score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Botswana 64.21 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density25th of 139position · derived29.96Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
Top fifth · top 17% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Botswana 29.96 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index59th of 176position · derived0.665Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
Upper middle · top 33% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Botswana 0.665 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Voice and Accountability86th of 208position · derived0.295Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Middle · top 41% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Botswana 0.295 · world median -0.02 (better)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Women, Business and the Law153rd of 190position · derived63.75WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Botswana 63.75 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation27
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution87th of 139position · derived61.44Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Botswana 61.44 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings59th of 118position · derived8.503Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
Middle · top 50% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Botswana 8.503 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -45 percentile points since 2011
Agricultural Land77th of 209position · derived45.63Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
Upper middle · top 37% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Botswana 45.63 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)129th of 158position · derived1.781Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Botswana 1.781 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield164th of 179position · derived870.2Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Botswana 870.2 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Crop Production Index13th of 195position · derived138.33Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Top fifth · top 6% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Botswana 138.33 · world median 106.23 (better)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▲ +74 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index93rd of 145rank-0.31ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Botswana -0.31 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)79th of 138position · derived32.03Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Middle · bottom 43% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Botswana 32.03 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▼ -34 percentile points since 2015
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare90th of 188position · derived93.08Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
Middle · top 47% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Botswana 93.08 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index161st of 195position · derived96.87Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Botswana 96.87 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -82 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth179th of 186position · derived-0.734GDP growth (annual %)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 4% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Botswana -0.734 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
No real change since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)92nd of 185position · derived17,687GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Middle · top 49% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Botswana 17,687 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Global Innovation Index87th of 139rank24.63GII score (0–100)2025
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Botswana 24.63 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2022
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)27th of 131position · derived29.16Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
Top fifth · top 20% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Botswana 29.16 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)28th of 146position · derived32Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
Top fifth · top 19% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Botswana 32 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption119th of 131position · derived45.77Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Botswana 45.77 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)78th of 138position · derived37.51Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
Middle · bottom 44% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Botswana 37.51 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▼ -32 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)55th of 158position · derived27.88Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
Upper middle · top 34% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Botswana 27.88 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index110th of 169position · derived0.509IHDI (0–1)2023
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Botswana 0.509 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2015
Livestock Density187th of 188position · derived0.03Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Botswana 0.03 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Production Index173rd of 194position · derived90.32Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Botswana 90.32 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -89 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index57th of 139rank3.1LPI score (1–5)2023
Middle · top 42% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Botswana 3.1 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)110th of 132position · derived5.691Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 17% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Botswana 5.691 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Net Official Development Assistance Received79th of 130position · derived1.503Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Botswana 1.503 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)112th of 180position · derived1.039Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
Middle · bottom 43% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Botswana 1.039 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)81st of 138position · derived69.54Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
Middle · bottom 42% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Botswana 69.54 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▼ -36 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index79th of 99rank51.1Trilemma score (0–100)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Botswana 51.1 · world median 63.8 (worse)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour19
Average Weekly Hours Worked37th of 182position · derived43.28Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
Top fifth · top 20% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Botswana 43.28 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture81st of 182position · derived18.03Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
Middle · top 44% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Botswana 18.03 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry134th of 182position · derived15.77Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Botswana 15.77 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services73rd of 182position · derived66.2Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
Upper middle · top 40% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Botswana 66.2 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio129th of 182position · derived51.96Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Botswana 51.96 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate25th of 182position · derived63.71Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Top fifth · top 13% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Botswana 63.71 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management7th of 86position · derived48.21Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
Top fifth · top 7% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
Botswana 48.21 · world median 35.86 (better)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2019
Firms with a Female Top Manager55th of 179position · derived22.97Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
Upper middle · top 30% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Botswana 22.97 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed76th of 168position · derived50,029GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
Middle · top 45% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Botswana 50,029 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Informal Employment Rate27th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst72.31Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Botswana 72.31 · world median 36.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate31st of 182position · derived68.8Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Top fifth · top 17% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Botswana 68.8 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +30 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked92nd of 182position · derived22.15Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
Middle · bottom 50% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Botswana 22.15 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate102nd of 182position · derived28.11Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
Middle · bottom 44% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Botswana 28.11 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate4th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst24.48Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Botswana 24.48 · world median 5.084 (worse)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment97th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst25.61Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
Middle · top 47% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Botswana 25.61 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Working Poverty Ratebottom 38%14.28Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Botswana 14.28 · world median 4.885 (worse)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
No real change since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training4th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst38Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 3% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Botswana 38 · world median 14.31 (worse)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2019
Youth Unemployment Rate5th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst46Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 2% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Botswana 46 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge9
Adult Literacy Rate120th of 172position · derived81.19Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Botswana 81.19 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling149th of 195position · derived11.43Expected years of schooling2023
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Botswana 11.43 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary45th of 75position · derived3.815Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)2024
Middle · bottom 41% of 76 countries measured · 76 share 75 positions
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)
Botswana 3.815 · world median 5.494 (worse)
Best in the world 87.12 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Mean Years of Schooling83rd of 193position · derived10.48Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
Middle · top 43% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Botswana 10.48 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Primary Completion Rate57th of 165position · derived99.02Primary completion rate (%)2025
Upper middle · top 34% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Botswana 99.02 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio74th of 95position · derived21.41Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 22% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
Botswana 21.41 · world median 52.77 (worse)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Upper Secondary Attainment67th of 95position · derived43.01Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Botswana 43.01 · world median 65.76 (worse)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2019
Upper Secondary Completion Rate81st of 164position · derived65.38Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
Middle · top 49% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Botswana 65.38 · world median 64.87 (better)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 35%93.9615–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Botswana 93.96 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing14
Dietary Energy Supply110th of 155position · derived2,715Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Botswana 2,715 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months99th of 136position · derived29.99Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Botswana 29.99 · world median 40.74 (worse)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index127th of 172rank0.49GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
Lower middle · bottom 26% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Botswana 0.49 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index49th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.073MPI (0–1)2025
Middle · bottom 44% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Botswana 0.073 · world median 0.039 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2020
Global Violent Deaths53rd of 206position · derived · 1 = worst12.13Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Botswana 12.13 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index139th of 172position · derived0.414HCI score (0–1)2020
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Botswana 0.414 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index111th of 193rank0.731HDI score (0–1)2023
Middle · bottom 42% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Botswana 0.731 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth163rd of 222position · derived69.16Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Botswana 69.16 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio48th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst155.1Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Botswana 155.1 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
No real change since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare56th of 178position · derived4.78Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
Upper middle · top 31% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Botswana 4.78 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▲ +25 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity12th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst26.1Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Botswana 26.1 · world median 4.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment17th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst24Population undernourished (%)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 10% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Botswana 24 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five31st of 162position · derived · 1 = worst28.94Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Botswana 28.94 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate55th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst33.31Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Botswana 33.31 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Development & Human Capital10
Access to Electricitybottom 21%80.2Population with electricity access (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Botswana 80.2 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Agricultural Irrigated Land120th of 121position · derived0.01Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 1% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Botswana 0.01 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Arable Land per Person106th of 206position · derived0.105Arable land (hectares per person)2023
Middle · bottom 49% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Botswana 0.105 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 26%82.7Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
Upper middle · top 26% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Botswana 82.7 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2012
Coefficient of Human Inequality45th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst29.33Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 26% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Botswana 29.33 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Cost of Sending Remittances9th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst8.413Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 9% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Botswana 8.413 · world median 3.225 (worse)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2016
Gender Development Index9th of 184position · derived0.997Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
Top fifth · top 5% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Botswana 0.997 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production137th of 179position · derived85,700Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
Lower middle · bottom 24% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Botswana 85,700 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI69th of 156position · derived0.698PHDI (0–1)2023
Middle · top 44% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Botswana 0.698 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector126th of 171position · derived27.97Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Botswana 27.97 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2012
Environment & Sustainability8
Agricultural Emissions74th of 193position · derived15,261Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
Upper middle · top 37% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Botswana 15,261 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2013
Ecological Footprint68th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst2.152Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
Middle · top 46% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Botswana 2.152 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Forest Area115th of 210position · derived26.29Forest area (% of land area)2023
Middle · bottom 46% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Botswana 26.29 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster110th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst1,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
Upper middle · top 31% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Botswana 1,000 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
No real change since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita129th of 181position · derived983.65Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Botswana 983.65 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation184th of 190position · derived0.292Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 5% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Botswana 0.292 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress140th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst2.32Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
Upper middle · top 21% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Botswana 2.32 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
World Risk Index172nd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst1.25WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
Top fifth · top 11% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Botswana 1.25 · world median 4.17 (better)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality1
Social Institutions and Gender Index51st of 140position · derived · 1 = worst31.5SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Botswana 31.5 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
Upper middle · top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Botswana 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index27th of 149rank · 1 = worst156.68GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 18% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Botswana 156.68 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index110th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst3.3INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
Middle · top 42% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Botswana 3.3 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2016
Physical Violence Index63rd of 176position · derived0.873Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
Upper middle · top 35% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Botswana 0.873 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence38th of 211position · derived1.032Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Top fifth · top 18% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Botswana 1.032 · world median 0.04 (better)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Botswana. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2017
- Child Marriage
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Container Port Traffic
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Gini Index · last seen 2015
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2009
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2020
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2023
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2015
- INFORM Severity Index
- Liner Shipping Connectivity Index
- Organic Agricultural Area
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2022
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2015
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2015
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2015
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2022
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2015
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2013
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2021
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2021
- Violent Discipline of Children
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Botswana can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 29 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Botswana on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Botswana: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/botswana