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Sing and dance performance Manzini, Swaziland
Image: Kim Nolan

Flag of Swaziland

Location map of Swaziland

A virtual guide to Swaziland, the small landlocked kingdom in southern Africa is bordered by South Africa and Mozambique.

The country covers an area of 17,364 km², it is one of Africa's smallest countries, slightly larger than half the size of Belgium, or slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey.

The country is known for its game reserves, the Mlawula Nature Reserve and the Hlane Royal National Park with diverse wildlife including lions, hippos and elephants.

Swaziland has a population of 1.4 million people (est. 2015), national capitals are Mbabane, and Lobamba.

Kingdom of Swaziland | eSwatini

Country Profile

Background:
Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted 1968.

Student and labor unrest during the 1990s have pressured the monarchy (one of the oldest on the continent) to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

related countries: United Kingdom

Official Name:
Umbuso weSwatini
short form: eSwatini
int'l long form: Kingdom of Swaziland
int'l short form: Swaziland

ISO Country Code: sz

Time:
Local Time = UTC +2h
Actual Time: Wed-Mar-26 06:43

Country Calling Code: +268

Capital City: Mbabane (capital, pop. 60 000)
Lobamba (the royal and legislative capital)

Other Cities: Manzini (principal commercial city)

Government:
Type: Monarchy
Independence: 6 September 1968 (from UK)
Constitution: the first constitution was signed into law in July 2005 and is scheduled to be implemented in January 2006.

Geography:
Location: Landlocked, in East Southern Africa, almost completely surrounded by South Africa.
Area: 17,364 km² (6,704 sq. miles).
Terrain: Mountainous plateau to savanna.
Highest point: Emlembe 1 862 m

Climate: Wet summers, dry winters, from near temperate to sub-tropical and tropical (the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere).

People:
Nationality: Swazi(s).
Population: 1.4 million (2015)
Ethnic Groups: Swazis 97%, European 3%.
Religion (est:): 35% Protestant, 30% Zionist (indigenous), 25% Roman Catholic, 1% Islamic, with the remaining 9% divided among other beliefs.
Official Languages: siSwazi and English.
Literacy: 76.7%.

Natural resources: Asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc.

Agriculture products: Sugarcane, cotton, maize, rice, citrus, pineapples, sorghum, peanuts, cattle.

Industries: Mining (coal, raw asbestos), textiles, wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates.

Exports - commodities: soft drink concentrates, sugar, timber, wood pulp, cotton yarn, citrus and canned fruit.

Exports partners: South Africa 60%, EU, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia (2014)

Imports - commodities: motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals.

Imports partners: South Africa 80%, EU 5%, Japan 2%, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia (2014)

Currency: Emalangeni (SZL)

Source: Government of Swaziland and others.

Note: External links will open in a new browser window.

Official Sites of Swaziland

HM King Mswati III
The King's Office, the official website of the King of Swaziland.

The Swaziland Government
The official Web site of the Swaziland Government.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Site with information about the ministry.

Diplomatic Missions
Swaziland High Commission of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada.
Swaziland's Missions Abroad
Address list of Swaziland's Missions Abroad.

Weather
Swaziland Meteorological Service
The National Meteorological Authority provides also weather forecasts.

Maps

Map of Swaziland
Political Map of Swaziland.

Google Earth Swaziland
Searchable map/satellite view of Swaziland.

Google Earth Mbabane
Searchable map/satellite view of Swaziland's capital city.

Google Earth Lobamba
Searchable map/satellite view of the royal and legislative capital of Swaziland.

Political Map of Africa
The 54 countries of Africa.

Map of Africa
A Relief Map of Africa.

Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve, Swaziland

Phophonyane Falls is located in Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve near Piggs Peak, Swaziland.
Image: René C. Nielsen


News The Swazi Observer Swazi daily. The Times of Swaziland Swaziland and South African News. Mail & Guardian Leading newspaper from South Africa, covers all Africa with current information. IRIN UN news from the region.	Bookmark/share this page

Arts & Culture

Indingilizi Art & Craft Gallery
A commercial gallery in Swaziland with portraits of Swazi artists.

Cultural Resources - Swaziland National Museum
Museum for the natural and cultural heritage of the Swazi and Southern African peoples.

Swazi Culture
About lifestyle and ceremonies of Swazi culture.

Mantenga Cultural Village
The cultural village is a living museum of all things traditional and represents a classical Swazi lifestyle during the 1850's.

Rock paintings at Nsangwini
© SNTC, Photographer: Bob Forrester

Business & Economy

Central Bank of Swaziland
The Monetary Authority of Swaziland.

Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA)
SIPA's Mission is to promote and facilitate foreign direct and local investment in Swaziland.

The Swaziland Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Site for business information in Swaziland.

Swaziland Sugar Association
Sugar makes a major contribution to Swaziland's economy.

Transportation
Royal Swazi Airlines
Site with information about the national carrier.

Destination Swaziland - Travel and Tour Guides

Travel and Tour Consumer Information

Discover Swaziland: Swaziland though very small in size has four different regions: the Lubombo mountain ridge, the Highveld with an average altitude of 1200 m, Middleveld, the most densely populated region and less populated Lowveld a typical African bush country. The administrative districts are: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manziniand Shiselweni.

Swaziland Tourism
The Official Swaziland Tourism Site with all the information for traveller.

Swaziland Discovery
The Official Guide of the Swaziland Tourism Authority.

Big Game Parks
A guide to the Wildlife and National Parks, Swaziland's Heritage.

What's Happening in Swaziland
Local events around the country.

Cities
Mbabane
The story of a city.

Tour Operator
Swazi Trails
The Kingdom's tour operator will lead you in the tracks of ancient kings, warriors and adventurers.


Education University of Swaziland The Official website with information about the University of Swaziland and its faculties.

Environment & Nature

Swaziland National Trust Commission
A parastatal organisation responsible for the conservation of nature and the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Swaziland.
Swaziland Environment Authority
SEA, government agency for the protection, conservation and enhancement of the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources.

NGO
Yonge Nawe
NGO that campaigns on issues of environment and sustainable development.

Nature
Big Game Parks
A guide to the Wildlife and National Parks Hlane, Mlilwane, and Mkhaya, Swaziland's Heritage.

Mbuluzi Game Park and Nature Reserve
Habitat of over 300 species of birds, including some rare and uncommon species.

The Natural History Society of Swaziland
The Society provides a field guide to Swaziland's wildlife.


History Short History of Swaziland Short article about Swaziland's history. History of Swaziland Chronological Facts and Figures. Swazi History From Olden Times to Modern Swazi History.

Search

Africa Online (Swaziland)
Swaziland portal.
Swazi.com
Swaziland internet portal.

Additional Information about Swaziland

Africa South of Sahara (Karen Fung) Swaziland

BBC News Country Profile: Swaziland

Open Directory Project: Swaziland

Wikipedia Swaziland

The World Factbook -- Swaziland