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.
![SWAZILAND](https://cdn.face2faceafrica.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/wz_large_locator.gif)
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
Source: The National Geographic
CIA- The World Factbook