Overview of Eswatini

Profile

The country is a small mountainous and grassland nation surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique. It has a dual capital system with administrative capital Mbabane and royal palace/parliament in Lobamba. It gained independence from Britain in 1968 and changed its name from former Swaziland to current name in 2018. It has a developed economy structure with prosperous sugarcane agriculture and forestry, small and medium industries including textile and food processing, and dependence on tourism and Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenue. Official languages are Swazi and English, with deeply rooted Swazi cultural ceremonies still held grandly.

Official name: Kingdom of Eswatini
Common name: Eswatini
Numeric code: 748
Alpha-3 code: SWZ
Alpha-2 code: SZ
Population: approximately 1.2 million (2023)
Population density: approximately 70
Primary languages: Swazi, English
Major religions: Christianity, Traditional religions
National anthem: Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati
Calling code: +268
Internet TLD: .sz

History

The Swazi Kingdom formed in the 19th century went through British protectorate period to independence in 1968, with royal authority continuing under the 2005 constitution.

The Swazi people moved to their current location in the late 18th century and expanded their influence during King Mswati II's era. It became a British protectorate from 1902, with monarchy preserved. In 1968, it gained independence as a constitutional monarchy under Sobhuza II, but suspended the constitution in 1973, banned political parties, and imposed absolute monarchy. King Mswati III, who ascended in 1986, restored parliamentary elections but kept political parties banned, with democratization movements continuing. In 2018, the country was renamed Eswatini at the 50th independence anniversary ceremony. In 2021, pro-democracy demonstrations intensified, with deaths and injuries from security force shootings reported.

Geography & climate

Terrain slopes in terraces from western Highveld over 1800m elevation to eastern lowland Lowveld, featuring rich grasslands, plantations, and steep cliffs of the Lubombo Mountains.

Mix of highland temperate humid climate and tropical savanna climate

Area: Africa / 17364 km²
Capital: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (legislative)
Largest city: Manzini
Coastal status: No
Bordering countries: South Africa, Mozambique

Natural resources

Sugarcane, Plantation timber, Coal, Stone, Talc, Iron ore (depleted), Hydropower, Tourism resources, Clay, Rare wildlife

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (de facto absolute monarchy)

Economy

Currency: Lilangeni (SZL)

GDP (nominal): 4.9 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 12.8 billion international dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Swazi, English

Time zone: South Africa Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Swazi, Zulu, Tsonga, Europeans, Indians, Others

Life expectancy

approximately 58 years (2021)

Literacy rate

approximately 87% (2015)

National sports

Football, Rugby, Athletics, Netball, Cricket