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Location
Southern Africa.
Time
GMT + 2.
Area
17,363 sq km (6,704 sq miles).
Population
1.1 million (official estimate 2008).
Population Density
65 per sq km.
Capital
Mbabane. Population: 72,000 (estimate 2008).
Geography
Swaziland is surrounded to the north, west and south by the Mpumulanga of South Africa and to the east by Mozambique. There are four main topographical regions: the Highveld Inkangala, a wide ribbon of partly reforested, rugged country including the Usutu pine forest; the Peak Timbers in the northwest; the Middleveld, which rolls down from the Highveld through hills and fertile valleys; and the Lowveld, or bush country, with hills rising from 170 to 360m (560 to 1,180ft).
The Lubombo plateau is an escarpment along the eastern fringe of the Lowveld, comprising mainly cattle country and mixed farmland. One of the best-watered areas in southern Africa, Swaziland's four major rivers are the Komati, Usutu, Mbuluzi and Ngwavuma, flowing west-east to the Indian Ocean.
The Lubombo plateau is an escarpment along the eastern fringe of the Lowveld, comprising mainly cattle country and mixed farmland. One of the best-watered areas in southern Africa, Swaziland's four major rivers are the Komati, Usutu, Mbuluzi and Ngwavuma, flowing west-east to the Indian Ocean.
Government
Constitutional monarchy since 1973. Gained independence from the UK in 1968.
Head of State
King Mswati III since 1986.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Themba Dlamini since 2003.
Recent History
The King's long-awaited constitution to ‘end Swaziland's constitutional crisis' came into effect in February 2006. However it was a disappointment to democratic reformers attempting to wrest control from the monarchy, as it is unclear on the staus of opposition political parties, which are banned in the kingdom.
Language
English and Swati.
Religion
70% Zionist (mix of Christianity and traditional beliefs).
Electricity
220/30 volts AC, 50Hz; South African/Indian-style plugs with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin are in use.
Social Conventions
Traditional ways of life are still strong and Swazi culture in the form of music, dance, poetry and craftsmanship plays an important part in daily life. Casual wear is normal although more formal wear is customary at the casino and sophisticated hotels. Visitors wishing to camp near villages should first inform the headman.
Photography: Permission to photograph individuals should always be sought. In some cases, a gratuity may be asked for (especially if the subject has gone to some effort to make a show - for example, by wearing traditional regalia). It is prohibited to photograph the Royal Palace, the Royal Family, uniformed police, army personnel, army vehicles or aircraft and bank buildings.
Photography: Permission to photograph individuals should always be sought. In some cases, a gratuity may be asked for (especially if the subject has gone to some effort to make a show - for example, by wearing traditional regalia). It is prohibited to photograph the Royal Palace, the Royal Family, uniformed police, army personnel, army vehicles or aircraft and bank buildings.