Mineral resources
Numerous minerals are known to occur in significant quantities, but with the exception of diamonds, copper and nickel, they are mostly untapped. These are: salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, manganese and silver. Botswana has the largest known coal reserves in Africa, although they are of low quality.
Water resources
Annual internal renewable water resources: 1,870 cu m Per Capita (1998); Sector withdrawals - domestic 32%; Industrial 20%; Agricultural 48%
Land utilization and potential– Refer to table/s
Key Environmental Concerns
Overgrazing, primarily as a result of the expansion of the cattle population; desertification; limited natural fresh water resources.
Environmental policy and manifestation
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands.
Natural hazards and potential effect
Periodic droughts, seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility
