Orapa

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Orapa is a town located in east-central Botswana. It is the site of the Orapa diamond mine, one of the largest diamond mines in the world, and is considered to be the diamond capital of the country.

The town has four schools, one of which teaches in English, serving a community containing a high proportion of expatriates. The population in 1996 was approximately 10,000 but has increased much in the last 10 years and is still increasing, due to the mining output having increased in line with development targets ([1]).

[edit] Restrictions and access

The town is served by an airport which operates DeBeers-owned company aircraft to Gaborone, Johannesburg and other significant locations. A gliding club is located at the airport. An animal conservation region (game park) is located within the boundaries of the town.

Although the town is surrounded by fences to protect the diamond industry, it is not considered by most residents to be confined or restricted, but rather as a safe and prosperous environment in which to live.

It is the only town in Botswana that has 24-hour protection (only people with permits can access it). It is fenced, with a northern and a southern gate, and a thief or criminal can be be banned or become a prohibited immigrant of the town. It has turned out to be a small surburb of cities as houses are constructed and arranged according to classes.