Swaziland (SWAH-zee-lahnd), kingdom (6,705 sq mi/17,366 sq km; 1990 estimated population 760,000; 2004 estimated population 1,169,241), SE Africa, bordered on the S, W, and N by South Africa and on the E by Mozambique; administrative (cap.) Mbabane; royal and parliamentary capital of Lobamba.
Geography
The country is generally mountainous, with steppe-like plateaus descending from the high veld (3,500 ft/1,067 m–5,000 ft/1,524 m) in the W through the middle veld (1,500 ft/457 m–3,000 ft/914 m) and the low veld (500 ft/152 m–1,500ft/457 m), then rising to rolling plateau of Lebombo Mountains. Emlembe, Swaziland’s highest point (6,109 ft/1,862 m) is in NW, on the South African border. Swaziland contains four districts: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni. Swaziland is drained by the Lomati, Komati, Great Usutu, and Mbuluzi rivers. The Sand River and Mnjoli dams in the N, are used for irrigation; Luphoohlo-Ezulwini Hydroelectric Project (50 mw capacity) is in the W center. Hlane Royal National Park and Mlawula Nature Reserve are in NE, Malolotja Nature Reserve is in NW, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is in the W center, Mkhaya Game Reserve is in E center.
Population
English and SiSwati (a branch of Nguni) are the official languages. About 70% of the population is Christian; 20% practice traditional religions.
Economy
There is excellent agriculture and ranching land; sugarcane, citrus fruit, rice, cotton, corn, sorghum, pineapples, tobacco, vegetables are the major crops. Cattle (a major export), goats, sheep, and hogs are raised. Most Swazis are engaged in subsistence and local-market farming on communally owned land that is allocated by chiefs. Sugarcane, grown on plantations, became Swaziland’s leading export in the late 1980s. Plantations of pine and eucalyptus, mainly in the high veld, yield wood, pulp, and timber. Numerous sawmills exist in this area. Mineral resources include asbestos, coal, pottery clay, and diamonds; stone quarrying is also important. Many Swazis are employed in South Africa’s mines and industries. Iron ore in the Ngwenya Hills in NW, once Swaziland’s leading mineral export, ceased production in 1979. Industry consists chiefly of food processing (soft-drink concentrates are Swaziland’s third-largest export), and manufacture of light consumer goods. The industrial estate at Masapa, W of Manzini, is Swaziland’s main industrial center. A N-S railroad line in E Swaziland connects with seaports in South Africa and Mozambique; and E-W railroad line through central Swaziland terminates at Masapa Industrial Estate. Tourism has experienced slow but steady growth, with two hotel complexes and three casinos opening since the 1980s. Swaziland’s major trading partners are South Africa and Great Britain. The unit of currency is the lilangeni, which is tied to the South African rand.
History
Swazi ancestors probably moved S into the Mozambique area prior to the 16th century. Fleeing Zulu attacks in the early 19th century, they settled in present-day Swaziland. The territory was guaranteed independence by Great Britain (1881), and the Boer-governed South African Republic (1884), but became embroiled in British-Boer disputes. In 1894 it was made a protectorate of the South African Republic; after the South African War (1907), it became a High Commission Territory governed by a British commissioner. Limited self-government was not granted until 1963. Swaziland became a kingdom under a new constitution four years later. On September 6, 1968, Swaziland achieved complete independence, but retained membership in the Britsh Commonwealth of Nations. The king is the head of state. Parliament is partly elected and partly chosen by the king and the 1993 elections were not considered open; the prime minister is elected by Parliament. King Sobhuza II reigned 1921–1983. His successor, King Mswati III was crowned in 1986. In 1992, severe drought conditions threatened Swaziland with famine. Swaziland has remained a stable and peaceful country amid the recent tensions of the S section of Africa.
Government
King Mswati III is still the ruler and chief of state. Prime Minister Absolom Themba Dlamini heads the government.
