Swaziland, consisting mostly of high plateaus and mountains, is in southern Africa. In 1949 the British government rejected a South African request for control of this small, landlocked nation. Independence was granted in 1968. The death of King Sobhuza in 1982 led to the coronation of 18-year-old King Mswati III in 1986. The king is an absolute monarch with supreme executive, legislative, and judicial powers. Nearly 60 percent of Swazi territory is held by the crown.
Fast Facts
- Population:
- 1,138,000
- Capital:
- Mbabane (administrative); 70,000—Lobamba (legislative and royal); 4,400
- Area:
- 17,363 square kilometers (6,704 square miles)
- Language:
- English, siSwati
- Religion:
- Indigenous beliefs, Roman Catholic, Muslim
- Currency:
- Lilangeni
- Life Expectancy:
- 45
- GDP per Capita:
- U.S. $4,800
- Literacy Percent:
- 82
ECONOMY
- Industry: Mining (coal), wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates
- Agriculture: Sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco; cattle
- Exports: Soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn
CIA- The World Factbook
