A Closer Look at Swaziland
Swaziland Flag

Swaziland Formation Date
Swaziland's country formation date is July 25, 1906.
Swaziland Capital Name
Mbabane
Swaziland Neighbours
Exploring Swaziland
Swaziland: Exploring the Hidden Gem of Southern Africa
Located in the southern part of Africa, Swaziland is a small but significant country with a rich history and diverse culture. Known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality, Swaziland offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. Let's take a closer look at this enchanting destination and discover what makes it so special.Key Takeaways:
- Swaziland is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique.
- The country is known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and welcoming people.
- Swaziland has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations and has gone through various periods of colonization and independence.
- The country's economy is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and tourism.
- Swaziland has a unique culture that is deeply rooted in tradition and customs.
- The official languages are English and siSwati, and the dominant religion is Christianity.
- Education and healthcare are top priorities for the government, with efforts to improve literacy rates and public health initiatives.
- Sports play an important role in Swazi culture, with soccer being the most popular sport.
- Tourism is a growing industry in Swaziland, offering visitors a chance to explore its natural wonders, cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals.
- Foreign visitors should be aware of visa requirements, local customs, and safety precautions before traveling to Swaziland.
Geography:
Nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, Swaziland covers an area of 17,364 square kilometers. The country is mostly mountainous, with the highest peak being Emlembe at 1,862 meters. Swaziland is home to diverse flora and fauna, including several nature reserves and national parks. The country's natural resources include coal, diamonds, and timber. The climate in Swaziland is subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season runs from October to April, making it the best time to visit for lush green landscapes.Origin and History:
The earliest inhabitants of Swaziland were the San people, who were later displaced by the Bantu-speaking Nguni people. In the 19th century, the Swazi nation was formed by King Sobhuza I, who united various clans under his rule. Swaziland was then colonized by the British in the late 19th century and gained independence in 1968. The country has since gone through periods of political turmoil and is now a monarchy ruled by King Mswati III.Government and Politics:
Swaziland is a monarchy with a dual system of government consisting of traditional leaders and a parliament. The country is divided into four regions, each headed by a governor appointed by the king. Swaziland maintains friendly relations with its neighboring countries and has strong ties with international organizations such as the United Nations.Commerce and Economy:
Agriculture is the backbone of Swaziland's economy, with over 70% of the population engaged in farming. The country produces sugar, citrus fruits, cotton, and timber for export. Mining also plays a significant role in the economy, with coal and diamond mining being major industries. Tourism is a growing sector in Swaziland, contributing to the country's GDP through revenue from wildlife reserves, cultural tours, and adventure activities.Demographics:
Swaziland has a population of approximately 1.4 million people, with the majority living in rural areas. The population is predominantly made up of the Swazi ethnic group, with small numbers of Zulu, Tsonga, and South Asian communities. The median age in Swaziland is 21 years, making it one of the youngest countries in Africa.Culture:
Swazi culture is deeply rooted in tradition and customs, with a strong emphasis on respect for elders and community values. The country's vibrant festivals, such as the annual Reed Dance and Incwala ceremony, showcase the rich cultural heritage of Swaziland. Traditional art, music, and dance are also an essential part of Swazi culture, with intricate beadwork and drumming being popular forms of expression.Languages and Religion:
English and siSwati are the official languages of Swaziland, with siSwati being the most widely spoken. Other regional dialects include Zulu and Tsonga. Christianity is the dominant religion in Swaziland, with over 90% of the population identifying as Christian. Traditional beliefs and practices also hold significant influence in Swazi culture.Education and Healthcare Systems:
Education is highly valued in Swaziland, with free primary education provided by the government. However, literacy rates remain low due to various factors such as poverty and cultural barriers. The healthcare system in Swaziland is primarily government-funded, with efforts to improve access to healthcare services for all citizens. Public health initiatives focus on preventing diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.Sports and Recreation:
Sports play a significant role in Swazi culture, with soccer being the most popular sport. The country has produced several talented athletes who have achieved international recognition in various sports such as track and field, boxing, and tennis. Swaziland also offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife safaris, and cultural tours.Tourism:
Swaziland may be small in size, but it has plenty to offer for tourists. The country's natural beauty is a major draw, with attractions such as the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Malolotja Nature Reserve, and Hlane Royal National Park. Visitors can also immerse themselves in Swazi culture by attending traditional festivals and visiting cultural villages. The country's infrastructure and transportation system are well-developed, making it easy for travelers to explore all that Swaziland has to offer.Travel Information for Foreign Visitors:
Visitors to Swaziland must have a valid passport and visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or border crossings. It is recommended to check the latest travel advisories before planning a trip to Swaziland. The local currency is the Swazi lilangeni, but South African rand is also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases. Swazi customs and etiquette are similar to other African countries, with a strong emphasis on respect and politeness towards others.Quotes:
- "A nation without a past is a lost nation." - King Sobhuza II
- "Unity is strength." - Swazi Proverb
- "In life, you are either growing or dying." - King Mswati III
Conclusion:
Swaziland may be one of Africa's smallest countries, but it has a lot to offer for travelers seeking an authentic and enriching experience. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Swaziland is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. As the country continues to develop and promote its tourism industry, it is sure to become a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable African adventure.Swaziland Highest Point Name
The highest point in Swaziland is Emlembe, which stands at 1,862 meters (6,109 feet) above sea level.
Swaziland Capital Longitude
Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland, is located at 26.316666666667° S longitude.
Swaziland Capital Latitude
Mbabane, Swaziland, 18.4°S, 31.1°E
Swaziland Official Languages
The official languages of Swaziland are English and siSwati.
Swaziland Ethnic Groups
The majority ethnic group in Swaziland is the Swazi people, who make up 95% of the population. In addition, there are small numbers of Tsonga and Afrikaner people, mainly located around the Greater Manzini area. There are also small numbers of indigenous minorities, namely the Ndebele and Shangana. Finally, there is a small Asian population composed of people of Indian and Chinese descent.
Swaziland Religions
Swaziland is an overwhelmingly Christian country, with more than 95 percent of its citizens professing the Christian faith. Although traditional Swazi beliefs are also practiced, many of them have been blended with Christian ideas, creating an interesting mix of beliefs and practices. About 2.5 percent of Swaziland's population is Muslim, with nearly 1.3 percent practicing traditional African beliefs. Roughly 1.2 percent of Swazis do not practice any formal religion, and a small minority of Hindus and Buddhists also call Swaziland home.
Swaziland Total Area
Swaziland has a total area of 17,364 square kilometers (6,704 square miles).
Swaziland Land Area
Swaziland has a total land area of 17,364sq km.
Swaziland Water Area
The total water area of Swaziland is approximately 390 km².
Swaziland Total Population
As of July 2019, the total population of Swaziland was estimated to be 1.18 million people.
Swaziland Currency Name
The official currency of Swaziland is the lilangeni (SZL, plural: emalangeni).
Swaziland Currency Code
Swaziland's currency code is SZL.
Swaziland Currency Symbol
Lilangeni (SZL)
Swaziland Calling Code
+268
Swaziland Internet TLD
www.aveholidays.sz
How to Say "Swaziland" In Different Languages?
- Bangla
- সোয়াজিল্যান্ড (bn-BD)
- Chinese
- 斯威士兰 (zh-CN)
- Arabic
- سوازيلاند (ar-EG)
- French
- Swaziland (fr-FR)
- German
- Swasiland (de-DE)
- Hindi
- स्वाज़ीलैण्ड (hi-IN)
- Indonesian
- Swaziland (id-ID)
- Italian
- Swaziland (it-IT)
- Japanese
- スワジランド (ja-JP)
- Dutch
- Swaziland (nl-NL)
- Yoruba
- Swazílándì (yo-NG)
- Tagalog
- Suasilando (tl-PH)
- Polish
- Suazi (pl-PL)
- Portuguese
- Suazilândia (pt-PT)
- Korean
- 스와질랜드 (ko-KR)
- Russian
- Свазиленд (ru-RU)
- Spanish
- Suazilandia (es-ES)
- Thai
- สวาซิแลนด์ (th-TH)
- Turkish
- Svaziland (tr-TR)
- Vietnamese
- Xvatilan (vi-VN)
Swaziland Popular Holidays
- New Year's Day
- 1 January
- Kukhonta Festival
- 1 January (2 January)
- Mlanzana Cultural Festival
- 2 January (3 January)
- Tinhlanhla
- 4 January (5 January)
- African Children's Day
- 16 January
- Lobamba Lifestyle Festival
- 2 February (3 February)
- The Jubilee of Mercy
- 8 February (21 November)
- Valentine's Day
- 14 February
- Inkosana Festival
- 22 February (24 February)
- Ludzidzini Reed Dance
- 2 March (3 March)
- Shrove Tuesday/Women's Day
- 10 March
- Good Friday
- 30 March
- Easter Sunday
- 1 April
- Easter Monday
- 2 April
- Marula Festival
- 3 April (4 April)
- International Workers' Day
- 1 May (2 May)
- Dlamini Day
- 1 May (2 May)
- Labour Day
- 1 May
- School Start
- 6 May
- Likhosikati LaNgwane
- 12 May
- Lembe Festival
- 7 June (8 June)
- Ngwane III Sovenience/Ngwane Unity Day
- 22 June
- Indlovukazi (Queen Mother's) Day
- 2 July
- King Sobhuza's Birthday/Father's Day
- 22 July
- Swazi Crown Prince's Birthday
- 25 July
- Mswati III's Birthday
- 19 August
- Dindlela Day
- 20 August
- Independence Day
- 6 September
- Swazi National Day
- 6 September
- Reed Dance Magnificent Ceremony
- 6 September (7 September)
- Umhlanga Dance
- 8 September
- Trega Swazi Cultural Festival
- 9 September (10 September)
- Kheola Cultural Festival
- 15 October (16 October)
- Somhlolo Day
- 18 October
- Remembrance Day
- 20 October
- Komati Cultural Festival
- 26 October (27 October)
- Image Day
- 5 November
- Heritage Day
- 11 November
- International Committee of the Red Cross Day
- 12 November
- Umhlanga of Incwala
- 8 December (9 December)
- Human Rights Day
- 10 December
- Day of the African Child
- 16 December
- Christmas Day
- 25 December
- Christmas Day — Mlilo
- 26 December
- Boxing Day
- 26 December