Military of Botswana

The President of Botswana is commander-in-chief of the Botswana Defense Force (BDF). A defense council is presidentially appointed. The BDF was formed in 1977 and has approximately 8,000 members.

The BDF is a capable and well-disciplined military force. Following political changes in South Africa and the region, the BDF's missions have increasingly focused on anti-poaching activities, disaster-preparedness, and foreign peacekeeping. The United States has been the largest single contributor to the development of the BDF, and a large segment of its officer corps has received U.S. training. It is considered an apolitical and professional institution.

Military branches: Botswana Defense Force (includes Army and Air Wing), Botswana National Police

Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age

Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 381,056 (2003 est.), 373,990 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 201,402 (2003 est.), 196,572 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
males: 20,476 (2003 est.), 19,132 (2000 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $207.3 million (FY02), $61 million (FY99/00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 3.5% (FY02), 1.2% (FY99/00)

See also : Botswana