Profile
Background and figures as recorded in the CIA World Factbook.
A Swazi kingdom was founded in the mid-18th century and ruled by a series of kings, including MSWATI II, a 19th century ruler whose name was adopted for the country and its predominant ethnic group. European countries defined the kingdom’s modern borders during the late-19th century, and Swaziland (as it became known) was administered as a UK high commission territory from 1903 until its independence in 1968.
- Capital
- Mbabane (administrative capital); Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)
- Government
- absolute monarchy
- Population
- 1,137,268
- Area
- 17,364 sq km
- Location
- Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
- Climate
- varies from tropical to near temperate
- Natural resources
- asbestos; coal; clay; cassiterite; hydropower; forests…
- Languages
- English (official; used for government business); siSwati (official)
- Religions
- Christian 90% (Zionist - a blend of Christianity and traditional African religions - 40%; Roman Catholic 20%; other Christian 30% - includes Anglican; Methodist…
- Independence
- 6 September 1968 (from the UK)
- Administrative divisions
- 4 regions; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni
- Currency
- emalangeni
- Export partners
- South Africa 61%; Ireland 4%; Mozambique 4%; Kenya 4%…
- Import partners
- South Africa 71%; China 8%; India 4%; USA 2%…
Source: CIA World Factbook — a work of the US government, in the public domain