Introduction to Eswatini

Quick Overview

Wedged between South Africa and Mozambique, with no access to the sea, Eswatini—despite its tiny size—boasts a surprisingly diverse range of landscapes. Since 2018, the country has been officially known as Eswatini.

Key Facts

Type of place: country.

Location: in Southern Africa, between South Africa and Mozambique.

Latitude/longitude: 26°19' S, 31°8' E.

Local time: Heure : 6536

Capital: Lobamba (legislative) and Mbabane (administrative).

Nature of the state: absolute monarchy.

Official language: English and Swazi.

Currency: lilangeni.

Population: 1,087,200 inhabitants (2018).

Area: 17,364 km²

Density: 64 inhabitants/km²

Highest point:

Lowest point:

Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.

Driving: on the left.

Tourism

Not widely known among Europeans or North Americans, this small monarchy—renamed Eswatini—remains a popular destination for its South African neighbors, thanks to its reserves and "game parks," which have become a hit with this clientele. In 2018, the country recorded 782,000 visitors.

Travel Essentials

Destination:

By air:

Entry requirements: passport.

Currency to bring:

Exchange rate:

Daily "backpacker" budget:

Best for accommodation:

Best for getting around:

Risks:

Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

Interests (out of ): Nature /; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/Holidays .

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

"Quality of life": 148/188 (rank in 2015)

GDP per capita: $10,100 (2017)

Average monthly income: ()

Inflation: +6.2% (2017)

"Official" unemployment: 28% (2014)

Population below poverty line: 63% (2011)

Life expectancy: 57.2 years (2017)

Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: 0 (2017)

Population growth: +0.82% (2018)

Literacy rate: 87.5% (2015)

Urban population: 23.8% (2018)

Press freedom: 152/180 (rank in 2018)

Political regime: authoritarian regime (144/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook