Data at glance of Eswatini - average on period

History

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. A new constitution that came into effect in 2005 included provisions for a more independent parliament and judiciary, but the legal status of political parties remains unclear, and the kingdom is still considered an absolute monarchy. King MSWATI III renamed the country from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018 to reflect the name most commonly used by its citizens. In 2021, MSWATI III used security forces to suppress prodemocracy protests. A national dialogue and reconciliation process agreed to in the wake of violence has not materialized. In November 2023, King MSWATI III appointed a new prime minister following peaceful national elections. Despite its classification as a lower-middle income country, Eswatini suffers from severe poverty, corruption, and high unemployment. Eswatini has the world's highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, although recent years have shown marked declines in new infections. Eswatini is the only country in Africa that recognizes Taiwan.

Environment

Area: 17,364 sq km km2

Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate

Natural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Ethnic characteristics

Groups: <p>predominantly Swazi; smaller populations of other African ethnic groups, including the Zulu, as well as people of European ancestry</p>

Languages:

Religions: Christian 90% (Zionist - a blend of Christianity and traditional African religions - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other Christian 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Church of Jesus Christ, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%, other 8% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, indigenous, Jewish) (2015 est.)

Government

Capital: Mbabane (administrative capital); Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)

Government type: absolute monarchy

Executive branch

Chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)

Head of government: Prime Minister Russell DLAMINI (since 6 November 2023)

Legislative branch

Description: Parliament (Libandla) - bicameral

Industries

soft drink concentrates, coal, forestry, sugar processing, textiles, and apparel

GDP by sector: Agriculture: 6.8% (2023 est.), Industry: 34.7% (2023 est.), Services: 51.7% (2023 est.)

Trade

Export partners: South Africa 61%, Ireland 4%, Mozambique 4%, Kenya 4%, Nigeria 3% (2023)

Export commodities: scented mixtures, raw sugar, industrial acids/oils/alcohols, garments, wood (2023)

Import partners: South Africa 71%, China 8%, India 4%, USA 2%, Mozambique 1% (2023)

Import commodities: refined petroleum, electricity, plastic products, cotton fabric, garments (2023)

Geography

Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Defence

Military expenditure: 2024: 1.4% of GDP (2024 est.)