Official name

Republic of Botswana

Form of state

Unitary republic

Legal system

Roman-Dutch law; cases in rural areas are heard by customary courts

National legislature

National Assembly consisting of 57 members elected by universal suffrage, the president, the attorney-general and four members nominated by the president; a 15-member House of Chiefs advises on tribal matters

National elections

October 2009 (legislative); next legislative election due in October 2014

Head of state

President, chosen by the National Assembly

National government

The president, his appointed vice-president and cabinet (reshuffled in January 2007)

Main political parties

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP; the ruling party); Botswana National Front (BNF); Botswana Congress Party (BCP); Botswana People's Party (BPP); Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD)

President: Ian Khama

Vice-president: Ponatshego Kedikilwe (acting)

Key ministers

Agriculture: Christiaan De Graaf

Education & skills development: Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi

Environment, wildlife & tourism: Kitso Mokaila

Finance & development planning: Kenneth Matambo

Foreign affairs & international co-operation: Phandu Skelemani

Health: John Seakgosing

Infrastructure, science & technology: Johnnie Swartz

Labour & home affairs: Peter Siele

Lands & housing: Nonofo Molefhi

Local government: Lebonaamang Mokalake

Minerals, energy & water resources: Ponatshego Kedikilwe

State president (justice, defence & security): Edwin Batshu (acting)

State president (presidential affairs & public administration): Mokgweetsi Masisi

Trade & industry: Dorcas Makgato-Malesu

Transport & communications: Frank Ramsden

Youth, sports & culture: Shaw Kgathi

Central bank governor

Linah Mohohlo