Swaziland

Kingdom of Swaziland

(In Detail)
National motto: Siyinquaba (Swati: "We are the fortress")
Official language	English and Swati
Capital	Mbabane
King	Mswati III
Prime Minister	Themba Dlamini
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 153rd 17,363 km² 0.9%
Population  - Total (2001)  - Density	Ranked 151st 1,104,343 65/km²
Independence	September 6, 1968
Currency	Lilangeni
Time zone	UTC + 2
National anthem	Oh God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi
Internet TLD	.SZ
Calling Code	268

History

Although remains of human settlements of more than 100,000 years ago have been found in Swaziland, the current Swazi population migrated there eventually in the 19th century. At the same time, the first whites started to settle in the area. A 1881 convention secured independence for the Swazi nation, but in practice this was not the case. After the Boer Wars, Swaziland effectively became a British colony. The country was eventually granted independence on September 6, 1968. Since then, Swaziland has seen a struggle between pro-democracy activists and the totalitarian monarchy.

Politics

The head of state is the king, which since 1986 has been King Mswati III. As the monarch, he does not only appoint the prime minister - the head of government - but also appoints a small number representatives for both chambers of the Libandla (parliament). The Senate consists of 30 members, while the House of Assembly has 65 seats, 55 of which are occupied by elected representatives (elections held every 5 years).

Districts

Swaziland is divided into four districts:

• Hhohho
• Lubombo
• Manzini
• Shishelweni

Geography

Swaziland offers a wide variety of landscapes, from the mountains along the Mozambican border to savannas in the east and rainforest in the northwest. Several rivers flow through the country, such as the Lusutfu River. With 50,000 inhabitants, the capital city of Mbabane is the largest town in the nation; others include Manzini, Lobamba and Siteki.

Economy

In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies more than 80% of the population. The manufacturing sector has diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp remain important foreign exchange earners. Mining has declined in importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines remaining active. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa from which it receives nine-tenths of its imports and to which it sends more than two-thirds of its exports. Customs duties from the Southern African Customs Union and worker remittances from South Africa substantially supplement domestically earned income. The government is trying to improve the atmosphere for foreign investment. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and sometimes floods persist as problems for the future. More than one-fourth of the population needed emergency food aid in 2002 because of drought, and more than one-third of the adult population was infected by HIV.

Demographics

The majority of the population consists of Swazi, but there are also small numbers of Zulu, Europeans and Mozambican refugees. The official languages are Swati and English; the latter is also the official written language. The chief religion is Christianity, often if a form blended with several indigenous religions. There are also Jewish and Muslim communities.

Culture

• Music of Swaziland

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in Swaziland
• Transportation in Swaziland
• Military of Swaziland
• Foreign relations of Swaziland

External Links

• Official Government Website
• Ministry of Tourism Official Website
• Worldwide Press Freedom Index Rank 89 out of 139 countries (3 way tie)

Referenced By