| Global Cost of Living Rank |
| CIA Background Information |
Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King MSWATI III, the world's last absolute monarch, to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in 2006, but political parties remain banned. The African United Democratic Party tried unsuccessfully to register as an official political party in mid 2006. Talks over the constitution broke down between the government and progressive groups in 2007. Swaziland recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.
| U.S. State Department Description |
Country Description:
Swaziland is a small developing nation in Southern Africa. Several well-developed facilities for tourism are available. The capital is Mbabane. Read the Department of State Background Notes
on Swaziland for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. Visas are not required for tourists and business travelers arriving in Swaziland for short visits (less than 60 days) on standard U.S. passports. Most travelers visiting Swaziland enter through South Africa.
PLEASE NOTE: All travelers traveling to South Africa are strongly encouraged to have several unstamped visa pages left ... Read this Article
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Swazi(s).
Population: 1,128,814
Annual growth rate: -0.41%.
Ethnic groups: African 97%, European 3%
Religion: Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican, Baha’i, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%
Education: Years compulsory--none. Attendance--65% primary and 44% secondary. Literacy--81.6%
Health: Infant mortality rate (2007)--70/1,000. ... Read this Article
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Location: Swaziland is Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa See Map
Capital: name: Mbabane
geographic coordinates: 26 18 S, 31 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
note: Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)
Currency (Code): lilangeni (SZL) ...More
Area: total: 17,363 sq km , land: 17,203 sq km , water: 160 sq km ( 1 sq km is approximately 0.4 sq miles or 250 acres)
Area Comparison: slightly smaller than New Jersey
Elevation Extremes: lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m , highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m (1 meter = 3.28 feet)
Population: 1,128,814
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2008 est.)
Unemployment: 40% (2006 est.)
Ethnic Groups: African 97%, European 3%
Religion: Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%
Languages: English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)
More Statistics
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| History
According to tradition, the people of the present Swazi nation migrated south before the 16th century from what is now Mozambique. Following a series of conflicts with people living in the area of modern Maputo, the Swazis settled in northern Zululand in about 1750. Unable to match the growing Zulu ... Read this Article
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| Geographic Info for Swaziland : |
Geography
Area: 17,363 sq. km. (6,704 sq. miles); slightly smaller than New Jersey.
Major cities: Mbabane (capital, pop. 60,000), Manzini (principal commercial city, pop. 65,000).
Terrain: Mountainous plateau to savanna.
Climate: Near temperate to tropical.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Swazi(s).
Population: 1,128,814
Annual growth rate: -0.41%.
Ethnic groups: African 97%, European 3%
Religion: Zionist 40% (a blend ... Read this Article
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