Swaziland
Known as the "Place of Kings", Swaziland is a tranquil country that has preserved its cultures and traditions in a unique blend of ancient and modern.
Population: 1.055 million (2010)
Size: 17 364 km2
Neighbouring countries: South Africa and Mozambique
Language: English and SiSwati
Capital City: Mbabane
Manzini Airport
Socio-economic statistics: Swaziland is one of Africa's smallest countries, but it boasts a rich history and culture. Its game and nature reserves are highly recommended for Big Five game viewing. There are also several golf clubs with excellent courses, such as the Royal Swazi golf course.
In this small landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies more than 60 percent of the population. Manufacturing features a number of agroprocessing factories. The mining industry has declined over the past few years due to the depletion of iron ore reserves and the diminishing worldwide demand for asbestos due to health issues.
Sugar, soft drink concentrates, citrus and wood pulp are the major exports, mainly to South Africa, from which Swaziland receives almost all (90 percent) of its imports.
The total value of exports to the EU, Mozambique and South Africa amounts to approximately US$700 million and the imports from Japan, South Africa, the UK and the USA amounts to around US$835 million. Imports are mainly food, chemicals, machinery and motor vehicles. There is a stock exchange in Mbabane that trades on Mondays to Fridays between 10H00 and 12H00.
Tourism Investment opportunities: Accommodation, Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Iconic attraction: Swazi Cultural Village in the Mantenga Nature Reserve.
Places to see: Ezulwini and Malkerns Valleys, Hlane Royal National Park, Swazi Cultural Village in Mantenga Nature Reserve, King Sobhuza II Memorial Park, Mlwawula and Malolotja Nature Reserves.
Climate: Rainfall from December to April. Summer temperatures reach 40o C in the Lowvel, and winter temperatures on the Highveld drop to belwo 15o C.
Currency: Lilangeni (Linked to the South African Rand (ZAR))
Time zone: GMT +2
National Day: 6 September 1968