In September 2006, Botswana celebrated its 40th anniversary of independence. During its four decades of freedom, the average individual annual income in Botswana has risen from less than $500 in 1966 (in today's prices) to more than $5,000 in 2006. It has held nine open and free national elections; it has expanded the provision of electricity, water, education, and health services to most of its people; and it has become an archetype for other nations wanting to put the profits from its natural resources back into the nation's development. While much has improved in the country, Botswana still faces three major issues: the AIDS epidemic; the tens of thousand refugees from South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe; and 'conflict diamonds.' The fourth edition of the Historical Dictionary of Botswana_through its chronology, introductory essay, appendixes, map, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on important persons, places, events, institutions, and significant political, economic, social, and cultural aspects_provides an important reference on this burgeoning African country.
