Happy 44th birthday to Botswana!

Today, Sept. 30, is the 44th anniversary of Botswana’s independence from Britain in 1966. The country’s spokesman said yesterday, "At 44, we have come out of an economic downturn, our economy is back up and so we are very much on track and feeling good." Secretary Clinton praised the country, stating, "Botswana is a model ...

By , copy chief at Foreign Policy from 2009-2016 and was an assistant editor from 2007-2009.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Today, Sept. 30, is the 44th anniversary of Botswana's independence from Britain in 1966. The country's spokesman said yesterday, "At 44, we have come out of an economic downturn, our economy is back up and so we are very much on track and feeling good."

Today, Sept. 30, is the 44th anniversary of Botswana’s independence from Britain in 1966. The country’s spokesman said yesterday, "At 44, we have come out of an economic downturn, our economy is back up and so we are very much on track and feeling good."

Secretary Clinton praised the country, stating, "Botswana is a model of stability in Southern Africa." Her complete statement, issused on Sept. 28, is below:

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Botswana on your National Day this September 30. The United States and Botswana have a vibrant partnership rooted in our common values and interests, and our shared history. On this occasion, we celebrate the enduring friendship between our two countries.

Botswana is a model of stability in Southern Africa and continues to provide leadership on vital regional issues. Our strong and growing partnership to build economic prosperity, promote democratic governance, combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and conserve the environment is evidence of what we can achieve with close cooperation and mutual respect. The United States values our relationship with Botswana and your commitment to addressing regional and global challenges through international collaboration. We look forward to expanding our partnership to new areas in the future.

I wish the Batswana people happiness and continued success as you celebrate your national day.

(In the photo above, giraffes tower over Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve on July 27.)

Preeti Aroon was copy chief at Foreign Policy from 2009-2016 and was an assistant editor from 2007-2009. Twitter: @pjaroonFP

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