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Swaziland, officially the Kingdom of Swaziland, is a relatively small, landlocked country in southern Africa.
Bantu migrations in the 15th and 16th centuries from the Great Lakes regions of Eastern Africa formed the initial population base of the country.
As a result of the Anglo Boer war, Britain make Swaziland a protectorate under its direct control. Swaziland eventually gained its independence in 1968.
The country's current head of state (King Mswati III) appoints the prime minister and a small number of representatives for both chambers of parliament. Elections are held every five years to determine the majority of the representatives.
Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King Mswati III, the world's last absolute monarch, to allow political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on these promises in recent years.
The country has faced many criticisms over the past several years, including the purchase of a $50 million luxury jet for the king while hundreds of thousands of Swazis faced starvation due to drought and poor agricultural practices.
In 2004 another drought hit Swaziland. A year later the first constitution of the country was put into place, but it maintained the current ruling of no opposition parties and the king as the ultimate power.
Agriculture, manufacturing and the service industry are the dominant factors of the Swaziland economy, but any economic growth is highly impacted (negatively) by the HIV epidemic. Swaziland (in fact) has the highest HIV infection rate in the world (26% of all adults) and the lowest life expectancy at 32 years of age.
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- Official Name Kingdom of Swaziland
- Population 1,167,834
- Capital City Mbabane (pop. 95,000)
- Currency Lilangeni
- Currency Converter
- Languages Siswati (official), English (official)
- National Day 6 September, Independence Day
- Religions Christian, locals beliefs
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- Land Area 17,200 sq km (6,641 sq miles)
- Highest Point Emlembe (6,109 ft.) (1,862 m)
- Lowest Point Great Usutu River (69 ft.) (21 m)
- Land Divisions 4 districts including: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini and Shiselweni
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The landlocked country of Swaziland is bordered by Mozambique and South Africa.
The Lubombo Mountains stretch along the eastern edge of Swaziland. From there, sloping plains give way to rolling hills, central and west.
The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, and they dominate the western edges of Swaziland.
The country's largest river is the Great Usutu or Lusutfu. Other rivers of note include the Mbuluzi and Ngwavuma. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 26° 49' S, 31° 38' E
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Swaziland has much to offer travelers, although it's not always easy to find accommodation facilities in parts of the country.
That aside, Swaziland is rightly famous for its stunning scenery and well-run wildlife parks and reserves.
Hlane National Park is home to antelopes, lions, elephants, white rhinos, leopards, giraffes, hippos and a wide range of smaller species. Bird life is abundant and includes the highest density of nesting white backed vultures in Africa.
Mlawula Nature Reserve is adjacent to Hlane Royal National Park. It's known for the incredible variety of birds, with over 350 species in residence.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is not to be missed as photo safaris into its game-filled plains are thrilling.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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Known for its sunshiny days, Swaziland seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere: Spring is September - October; Summer is November - March; Fall is April - May and Winter is June - August.
Most of the rain falls in the summer months, while winter is the dry season. Temperatures are usually warm - bordering on hot, with some moderation in the upper elevations and in the winter months.
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A handsome young man, Swaziland...
A Blesbok Antelope, Swaziland...
Mswati III, the King of Swaziland... |
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