Since inependence, Botswana has had the highest average economic growth rate in the world, averaging about 9% per year from 1966 to 1999. The relatively high quality of Botswana's statistics means that this figure is likely to be quite accurate. Growth in private sector employment has averaged about 10% per annum over Botswana's first 30 years of independence. The government has consistently maintained budget surpluses and has substantial foreign exchange reserves totalling about $6.2 billion (6.2 G$) in 1999.