the role of tourism in natural resource management in the okavango ...

otherwise be expected (CIA World Factbook, 2004). According to the August 2001
census, Botswana's population totalled 1 680 863, compared to 1 326 796 at the
previous census in August 1991, representing a 21 percent increase (Republic of
Botswana Statistical Bulletin, 2004; Van Buren, 2004). However, according to the
CIA World Factbook, there has been a 118 890 or seven percent decrease in the
total population since 2001, which can be attributed directly to AIDS (CIA World
Factbook,2004).
Botswana experienced rapid urbanisation over the past two decades. Only 18,2
percent of the population lived in urban areas in 1981, and in 1991 this amounted to
45,69 percent (606 239 persons) (Republic of Botswana Statistical Bulletin, 2004;
Van Buren, 2004). In 2001, urban area populations accounted for 54,17 percent of
the total population, while rural areas accounted for 45,83 percent, clearly showing
that the country is increasingly becoming urbanised. In 2001 average household
size for urban and rural areas were 3.81 and 4.49 persons, respectively (Republic of
Botswana Statistical Bulletin, 2004).
5.2.3 Socio-Economic Profile of Botswana
5.2.3.1 Economy
At the time of independence in 1966, Botswana was counted as one of the ten
poorest nations on earth (Main, 2001). It was surrounded by hostile white minority
governments and had few known prospects for economic development (Saunders,
2002). There was very little infrastructure, with only one railway line in the eastern
region, and just eight kilometres of tarmac road (one in Francistown and seven in
Lobatse), no government secondary schools, no industry or economy to speak of, no
known mineral deposits, and a population of only 543 000 people (Main, 2001 ;
Saunders, 2002; Van Buren, 2004).
It was the discovery of diamonds in the late 1960s and 1970s that really transformed
its economy and moved Botswana out from among the 'beggars' into 'Africa's Super
League', providing a level of stability that is rare in the continent (Main, 2001; Van
Buren, 2004). Diamonds have transformed Botswana into one of the wealthiest
countries in Africa, and it is the world's third-largest producer generating a growth
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