1970s: The population of Botswana in 1971 is 630,000 plus approximately 11,000 nomads.

1990s: The population of Botswana in 1999 is 1,464,167.

1960s: The average life expectancy in 1966 is 50 years.

1990s: The average life expectancy in 1996 is almost 67 years.

1960s and 1970s: In 1969, diamonds are discovered in Botswana at Orapa. Mining begins two years later. Between 1970 and 1973, the value of Botswana's exports rose from thirteen million rand to forty-three million rand. (The rand is the unit of currency in Botswana. A rand is roughly equivalent to a dollar.) This increase is due primarily to the beef and diamond industries.

1990s: In 1996, Botswana is Africa's third-largest mineral producer. By 1997, diamonds account for about 70 percent of Botswana's exports, more than 45 percent of government revenue, and some 30 percent of the gross domestic product.

1960s: In 1965, the cattle population in Botswana is 1.4 million.

1990s: In 1994, the cattle population in Botswana is 2.8 million.

1960s...