The landlocked country of Botswana lies west of Zimbabwe, east of Namibia in the Southern African region and is about the size of Texas. When it gained independence from the British in 1966, it was one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Botswana, in a rags to riches tale, is now one of the fastest growing countries in Africa. Driving its growth is the discovery of large diamond deposits and the tourism based on its abundant wildlife. Botswana protects its animals and habitats through game reserves, national parks, forest reserves, and private concessions which encompass an incredible 35% of its territory.