The last rays of sun backlighting leave us a beautiful sunset near Camp Savute Elephant Camp by Orient Express in Botswna, in the Chobe National Park. BOTSWANA ECONOMY: Since independence, Botswana has experienced the fastest growth of income per capita in the world. Economic growth has been about 9% per year from 1966 to 1999. The government has maintained a responsible fiscal policy, despite fiscal deficits in 2002 and 2003 and negligible foreign debt. It has maintained the highest ratio in Africa sovereign credit and accumulated foreign reserves. This improvement in the economy has been built from a judicious use of the proceeds from the diamond mines, prudent fiscal policies and a cautious foreign policy. Debswana, the only diamond mining company operating in Botswana, 50% owned by the government and generates about half of all government revenues. Government spending was cut by 10% in 2002-2003 in order to cope with rising health care costs and the budget deficit. The AIDS virus has greatly affected citizens and the country's economy. One in three people is infected with the virus. The government recognizes that the epidemic affects the country's economy and therefore planning programs to combat the epidemic, including free anti-retroviral treatment and a national program for prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child. Some maintained Botswana deficits can be explained by a relatively high military spending (spent 4% of GDP in 2004). Many analysts believe this figure unnecessary considering that Botswana is not in a conflict zone (although the government makes use of its troops in multilateral operations and support). LIVING Slower than Spanish, but one of the highest in Africa. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Metric System. OFFICIAL CURRENCY: Pula is the name of the currency of Botswana. It is divided into 100 Thembe. Pula means "rain" in Tswana and its fractions or Thembe, "drops", referring to the precious and scarce liquid element. There are notes of 10P, 20P, 50P and 100P and coins 5t, 10t, 25t, 50t, 1P, 2P and 5P. The pula was introduced in 1976, replacing the South African rand. Despite its devaluation of 12% in May 2005, the pula remains one of the strongest currencies in Africa. Hoping to preserve the natural heritage of the country and simultaneously benefit from tourism, the government has instituted a policy under which only encourages exclusive tourism. Find cheap accommodation and transport is difficult and in fact, the best of Botswana becomes inaccessible for the traveler with limited resources, including any end average budget stretching. There are few cheap camping and affordable travel through the country's main tourist attraction, the Okavango Delta. STANDARD TOUR USE COINS: Usually accept euro, other European currencies and the U.S. dollar. Nor is there any problem in changing the South African rand. Banks can refuse to exchange currency. USUALLY CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: The most common credit cards (Visa, Master-Card, etc..) Are accepted at banks and in hotels and restaurants of some importance. TRAVELERS CHECKS: The major cities have a full banking service and there are no difficulties in changing traveler's checks. CURRENCY CONTROL INPUT AND OUTPUT TO LOCAL CURRENCY: There tracked changes in the border state whichever currency that enters the country. The remnants of the country's currency can be reconverted to foreign currency with which you purchased the "Pula", by presenting the bank statements of change. CHANGING PLACES: The black market is totally non-existent, so you always have to change banks. Currently there are also non-bank money exchange. In remote places weekly or monthly are enabled mobile banking offices. These services are useful to exchange travelers checks, but not to operate with cash. To change money at one of these banks must spend traveling all morning because of the queues. The hotels will also change money but the rate applied is always much worse. TIPS, Although tipping is not essential in many hotels and restaurants await them. Anyway, it is recommended only reward exceptional service. In most establishments provides a service fee, added systematically, so if it is believed to be increasing, simply by 10%. Taxi drivers are not usually to tip. TIME TIME DIFFERENCE WITH SPAIN: GMT +2 An hour behind Spain in winter and in summer it. HOURS OF COMMERCE: Business hours are from 08.00 am to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00 h. during the week. BANK HOURS: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 08.00 to 14.30, Wednesday and Saturday from 08.00 to 10.45. HOURS OF RESTAURANTS: Usually from 08:00 h. at 14:00 h. and 18:00 h. at 23:00 h., but there may be variations. DOCUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO THE COUNTRY (for people of Spanish nationality only): Passport: With a minimum validity of six months. Visas: If. You can get input on the border for stays up to 30 days, extendable to a total of 90 days in the Immigration department in Gaborone. RATE IN / OUT: There is a airport tax for international flights. LIMITATIONS TO IMPORTS AND EXPORTS: People over 18 may import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 gr. of snuff, a bottle of alcohol and 250 ml. perfume per person. Mandatory Vaccines HEALTH INFORMATION: No, unless appropriate in some epidemics infected country, in which case vaccination certificate is required. Recommended: Tetanus and Yellow Fever. In the marshes (Okavango Delta) are advised to take antimalarial prophylaxis. Besides basic precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito bites, tsetse fly and other insects using: repellent, light colored clothing, long sleeves and long pants, closed shoes, especially at dawn and dusk.