Botswana SECTOR 2: 2.1 The media landscape is characterised by diversity, independence and sustainability. A wide range of sources of information (print, broadcasting, Internet) is available and affordable to citizens. ANALYSIS: The market appears to be saturated with news publications but there are issues of accessibility – in the form of better distribution, the (English) language used in most newspapers and affordability that are presenting a challenge. The country has a high literacy rate (84%) but a sparsely distributed population. There is only one Tswana paper on the market. The reason given was that even Tswana speakers have difficulties reading their own language, because they have been brought up in English. For example, if questionnaires are offered in both languages, people generally choose the English version. Most publications are centered in urban areas or places with high population concentrations. Most newspaper houses either distribute their newspapers themselves or use other means such as subscriptions, use of courier services and various forms of public transport. The situation could improve since a company from the Mmegi stable – BONESA - has recently been established as a distribution agency. South African newspapers appear to enjoy better distribution than the local papers, probably because it is cheaper for the South Africans with their established networks and large population to penetrate the market than it is for small publications. In addition, there are instances where South African owned trading outlets refuse to sell local newspapers - either because this is a management decision or because the shop management has been 12 African Media Barometer - Botswana 2005