Economic indicators

Principal exports: Diamonds, copper-nickel, beef, soda ash.

Principal imports: Machinery, transport equipment, oil, food and drink.

Main export destinations: EU, Southern African Customs Union, Zimbabwe.

Main import origins: Southern African Customs Union, EU, Zimbabwe.

Natural resources: Diamonds, copper, nickel, cattle and wildlife.

Tourism: Earnings are growing at 10% a year, earning over $240m. Tourism is the second largest foreign exchange earner after diamonds.

Currency: Pula linked to a basket of currencies including the South African rand. Pula is generally at a premium to the rand.

Exchange rate: Beginning 2002: $1 = P6.9
Average for 2002: $1= P7.17 (forecast)
Average forecast 2003: $1=P7.64

National credit rating: Moody's A2. Standard and Poors A.

Economic Fundamentals   2001 2002* Total GDP (Pula bn) 32.2 35.5 Total GDP ($bn) 5.7 6.1 Real GDP growth (% pa) 4.7 4.5 Per capita GDP 3,370 3,500 Inflation (annual rate %) 6.6 5.9 Industrial production (annual %) 3.1 3.3 Foreign exchange reserves ($bn) 6.3 6.7 Total foreign debt (% GDP) 5.7 11.5 Balance on current account ($m) 508 387 Budget deficit (Pm) -88 -2,289 Exports ($m) 2,746 2,664 Imports ($m) 2,084 2,157 Balance of trade ($m) 662 506 * Estimates based on official figures

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