Botswana

The risk of political ructions are subdued, as reflected in the comparative smoothness with which the country has evolved since independence. But should the authorities fail to pare back unemployment, and bridge gaping income gaps, discontent with incumbents could deepen. And, troublingly, the country''s HIV/AIDS pandemic will leave hordes of orphans, the bringing up of which will be a veritable challenge. The overcrowding of the country''s prisons is another vexed issue. Beyond the borders, the spectre of spill-over effects from the turbulence in Zimbabwe cannot be ignored, and tightened border controls highlight the apprehension of the authorities.

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