The former British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana became independent in 1966. With a record of relatively corruption-free governance, Botswana has gained a reputation as one of Africa's most stable countries, being the continent's longest continuous multi-party democracy. Diamond-led growth combined with sound macroeconomic policies and good governance has transformed Botswana from one of the poorest countries in the world to that of one in the middle-income range. Located in Southern Africa, Botswana has been home to one of the world’s fastest growing economies over the past four decades. Like so many African countries, Botswana continues to suffer the plague of high HIV/AIDs infection rates, but it also has one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.