2017 Edition

Background

Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King MSWATI III, Africa's last absolute monarch, to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in 2006, but the legal status of political parties was not defined and their status remains unclear. Swaziland has surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

Area

17,364 sq km 17,204 sq km 160 sq km

land

17,204 sq km

total

17,364 sq km

water

160 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Climate

varies from tropical to near temperate

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation

305 m lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m

highest point

Emlembe 1,862 m

mean elevation

305 m

Environment - current issues

limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection Law of the Sea

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified

Law of the Sea

Geographic coordinates

26 30 S, 31 30 E

Geography - note

landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

Irrigated land

500 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

546 km Mozambique 108 km, South Africa 438 km

border countries (2)

Mozambique 108 km, South Africa 438 km

total

546 km

Land use

68.3% arable land 9.8%; permanent crops 0.8%; permanent pasture 57.7% 31.7% 0% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

68.3%

forest

31.7%

other

0% (2011 est.)

Location

Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Map references

Africa

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

drought

Natural resources

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

Population - distribution

because of its mountainous terrain, the population distribution is uneven throughout the country, concentrating primarily in valleys and plains

Terrain

mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Age structure

35.01% (male 259,646/female 253,976) 22.12% (male 164,117/female 160,478) 34.6% (male 264,262/female 243,362) 4.3% (male 25,319/female 37,763) 3.97% (male 22,113/female 36,116) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

35.01% (male 259,646/female 253,976)

15-24 years

22.12% (male 164,117/female 160,478)

25-54 years

34.6% (male 264,262/female 243,362)

55-64 years

4.3% (male 25,319/female 37,763)

65 years and over

3.97% (male 22,113/female 36,116) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

24 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

5.8% (2014)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

66.1% (2014)

Death rate

13.2 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Demographic profile

Swaziland, a small, predominantly rural, landlocked country surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique, suffers from severe poverty and the world’s highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate. A weak and deteriorating economy, high unemployment, rapid population growth, and an uneven distribution of resources all combine to worsen already persistent poverty and food insecurity, especially in rural areas. Erratic weather (frequent droughts and intermittent heavy rains and flooding), overuse of small plots, the overgrazing of cattle, and outdated agricultural practices reduce crop yields and further degrade the environment, exacerbating Swaziland’s poverty and subsistence problems. Swaziland’s extremely high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate – more than 28% of adults have the disease – compounds these issues. Agricultural production has declined due to HIV/AIDS, as the illness causes households to lose manpower and to sell livestock and other assets to pay for medicine and funerals. Swazis, mainly men from the country’s rural south, have been migrating to South Africa to work in coal, and later gold, mines since the late 19th century. Although the number of miners abroad has never been high in absolute terms because of Swaziland’s small population, the outflow has had important social and economic repercussions. The peak of mining employment in South Africa occurred during the 1980s. Cross-border movement has accelerated since the 1990s, as increasing unemployment has pushed more Swazis to look for work in South Africa (creating a “brain drain” in the health and educational sectors); southern Swazi men have continued to pursue mining, although the industry has downsized. Women now make up an increasing share of migrants and dominate cross-border trading in handicrafts, using the proceeds to purchase goods back in Swaziland. Much of today’s migration, however, is not work-related but focuses on visits to family and friends, tourism, and shopping.

Dependency ratios

68.8 63.5 5.2 19.1 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

5.2

potential support ratio

19.1 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

68.8

youth dependency ratio

63.5

Drinking water source

urban: 93.6% of population rural: 68.9% of population total: 74.1% of population urban: 6.4% of population rural: 31.1% of population total: 25.9% of population (2015 est.)

rural

31.1% of population

total

25.9% of population (2015 est.)

urban

6.4% of population

Education expenditures

7.1% of GDP (2014)

Ethnic groups

African 97%, European 3%

Health expenditures

9.3% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

27.2% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

3,900 (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

220,000 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.1 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

48.4 deaths/1,000 live births 52.2 deaths/1,000 live births 44.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

44.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

52.2 deaths/1,000 live births

total

48.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official, used for government business), siSwati (official)

Life expectancy at birth

52.1 years 52.7 years 51.5 years (2017 est.)

female

51.5 years (2017 est.)

male

52.7 years

total population

52.1 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 87.5% 87.4% 87.5% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

87.5% (2015 est.)

male

87.4%

total population

87.5%

Major infectious diseases

intermediate bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever malaria schistosomiasis (2016)

degree of risk

intermediate

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease

malaria

water contact disease

schistosomiasis (2016)

Major urban areas - population

MBABANE (capital) 66,000 (2014)

Maternal mortality rate

389 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

21.7 years 21.5 years 21.9 years (2017 est.)

female

21.9 years (2017 est.)

male

21.5 years

total

21.7 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

19.5 years median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2006/07 est.)

note

median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2006/07 est.)

Nationality

Swazi(s) Swazi

adjective

Swazi

noun

Swazi(s)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

16.5% (2016)

Physicians density

0.15 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

1,467,152 estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.)

note

estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

because of its mountainous terrain, the population distribution is uneven throughout the country, concentrating primarily in valleys and plains

Population growth rate

1.08% (2017 est.)

Religions

Christian 90% (Zionist - a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%, other 8% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, indigenous religionist, Jewish) (2015 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 63.1% of population rural: 56% of population total: 57.5% of population urban: 36.9% of population rural: 44% of population total: 42.5% of population (2015 est.)

rural

44% of population

total

42.5% of population (2015 est.)

urban

36.9% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

11 years 12 years 11 years (2013)

female

11 years (2013)

male

12 years

total

11 years

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1.08 male(s)/female 0.66 male(s)/female 0.64 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.02 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.02 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.08 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.66 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.64 male(s)/female

at birth

1.03 male(s)/female

total population

1 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.69 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Urbanization

21.3% of total population (2017) 1.41% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.41% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

21.3% of total population (2017)

Administrative divisions

4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni

Capital

Mbabane (administrative capital); Lobamba (royal and legislative capital) 26 19 S, 31 08 E UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

26 19 S, 31 08 E

name

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

time difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no both parents must be citizens of Swaziland no 5 years

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

both parents must be citizens of Swaziland

dual citizenship recognized

no

residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Constitution

previous 1968, 1978; latest signed by the king 26 July 2005, effective 8 February 2006 proposed at a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament; passage requires majority vote by both houses and/or majority vote in a referendum, and assent by the king; passage of amendments affecting “specially entrenched” constitutional provisions requires at least three-fourths majority vote by both houses, passage by simple majority vote in a referendum, and assent by the king; passage of “entrenched" provisions requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses, passage in a referendum, and assent by the king (2017)

amendments

proposed at a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament; passage requires majority vote by both houses and/or majority vote in a referendum, and assent by the king; passage of amendments affecting “specially entrenched” constitutional provisions requires at least three-fourths majority vote by both houses, passage by simple majority vote in a referendum, and assent by the king; passage of “entrenched" provisions requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses, passage in a referendum, and assent by the king (2017)

history

previous 1968, 1978; latest signed by the king 26 July 2005, effective 8 February 2006

Country name

Kingdom of Swaziland Swaziland Umbuso weSwatini eSwatini "Land of the Swazi" people; the name "Swazi" derives from 19th century King MSWATI II, under whose rule Swazi territory was expanded and unified

conventional long form

Kingdom of Swaziland

conventional short form

Swaziland

etymology

"Land of the Swazi" people; the name "Swazi" derives from 19th century King MSWATI II, under whose rule Swazi territory was expanded and unified

local long form

Umbuso weSwatini

local short form

eSwatini

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Lisa J. PETERSON (since February 2016) corner of MR 103 and Cultural Center Drive, Ezulwini P.O. Box D202, The Gables, H106 [268] 2417-9000 [268] 2416-3344

chief of mission

Ambassador Lisa J. PETERSON (since February 2016)

embassy

corner of MR 103 and Cultural Center Drive, Ezulwini

FAX

[268] 2416-3344

mailing address

P.O. Box D202, The Gables, H106

telephone

[268] 2417-9000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Njabuliso Busisiwe Sikhulile GWEBU (since 24 April 2017) 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009 [1] (202) 234-5002 [1] (202) 234-8254

chancery

1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009

chief of mission

Ambassador Njabuliso Busisiwe Sikhulile GWEBU (since 24 April 2017)

FAX

[1] (202) 234-8254

telephone

[1] (202) 234-5002

Executive branch

King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986) Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso DLAMINI (since 23 October 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Paul DLAMINI (since 2013) Cabinet recommended by the prime minister, confirmed by the monarch the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from among elected members of the House of Assembly

cabinet

Cabinet recommended by the prime minister, confirmed by the monarch

chief of state

King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)

elections/appointments

the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from among elected members of the House of Assembly

head of government

Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso DLAMINI (since 23 October 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Paul DLAMINI (since 2013)

Flag description

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally; blue stands for peace and stability, red represents past struggles, and yellow the mineral resources of the country; the shield, spears, and staff symbolize protection from the country's enemies, while the black and white of the shield are meant to portray black and white people living in peaceful coexistence

Government type

absolute monarchy

Independence

6 September 1968 (from the UK)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

the Supreme Court of the Judicature comprising the Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 6 justices) and the High Court (consists of the chief justice - ex officio - and at least 12 justices); note - the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in all constitutional matters justices of the Supreme Court of the Judicature appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission or JSC, a judicial advisory body consisting of the Supreme Court Chief Justice, 4 members appointed by the monarch, and the JSC head; justices of both courts eligible for retirement at age 65 with mandatory retirement at age 75 for Supreme Court justices and at age 70 for High Court justices magistrates' courts; National Swazi Courts for administering customary/traditional laws (jurisdiction restricted to customary law for Swazi citizens) the national constitution as amended in 2006 shifted judicial power from the monarch and vested it exclusively in the judiciary

highest court(s)

the Supreme Court of the Judicature comprising the Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 6 justices) and the High Court (consists of the chief justice - ex officio - and at least 12 justices); note - the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in all constitutional matters

judge selection and term of office

justices of the Supreme Court of the Judicature appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission or JSC, a judicial advisory body consisting of the Supreme Court Chief Justice, 4 members appointed by the monarch, and the JSC head; justices of both courts eligible for retirement at age 65 with mandatory retirement at age 75 for Supreme Court justices and at age 70 for High Court justices

note

the national constitution as amended in 2006 shifted judicial power from the monarch and vested it exclusively in the judiciary

subordinate courts

magistrates' courts; National Swazi Courts for administering customary/traditional laws (jurisdiction restricted to customary law for Swazi citizens)

Legal system

mixed legal system of civil, common, and customary law

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament or Libandla consists of the Senate (30 seats; 20 members appointed by the monarch and 10 indirectly elected by simple majority vote by the House of Assembly; members serve 5-year terms) and the House of Assembly (65 seats; 55 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed and 10 members appointed by the monarch; members serve 5-year terms) House of Assembly - last held on 24 August 2013 with a runoff on 20 September 2013 (next scheduled for September 2018) House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 55

description

bicameral Parliament or Libandla consists of the Senate (30 seats; 20 members appointed by the monarch and 10 indirectly elected by simple majority vote by the House of Assembly; members serve 5-year terms) and the House of Assembly (65 seats; 55 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed and 10 members appointed by the monarch; members serve 5-year terms)

election results

House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 55

elections

House of Assembly - last held on 24 August 2013 with a runoff on 20 September 2013 (next scheduled for September 2018)

National anthem

"Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (Oh God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi) Andrease Enoke Fanyana SIMELANE/David Kenneth RYCROFT adopted 1968; uses elements of both ethnic Swazi and Western music styles

lyrics/music

Andrease Enoke Fanyana SIMELANE/David Kenneth RYCROFT

name

"Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (Oh God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi)

note

adopted 1968; uses elements of both ethnic Swazi and Western music styles

National holiday

Independence Day (Somhlolo Day), 6 September (1968)

National symbol(s)

lion, elephant; national colors: blue, yellow, red

lion, elephant; national colors

blue, yellow, red

Political parties and leaders

the status of political parties, previously banned, is unclear under the 2006 Constitution; the following are considered political associations: African United Democratic Party or AUDP [Sibusiso DLAMINI] Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC [Dr. Alvit DLAMINI] People's United Democratic Movement or PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU] Swaziland Democratic Party or SWADEPA [Jan SITHOLE]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Swaziland United Democratic Front or SUDF Trade Union Congress of Swaziland or TUCOSWA Swaziland Solidarity Network or SSN

Suffrage

18 years of age

Agriculture - products

sugarcane, corn, cotton, citrus, pineapples, cattle, goats

Budget

$980.1 million $1.443 billion (2016 est.)

expenditures

$1.443 billion (2016 est.)

revenues

$980.1 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-12.3% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

7.25% (31 December 2016) 6.5% (31 December 2015)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

10.3% (31 December 2016 est.) 9.04% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$26 million (2016 est.) $280.5 million (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$468.9 million (31 December 2016 est.) $390.8 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

50.4 (2001)

Economy - overview

A small, landlocked kingdom, Swaziland is bordered in the north, west and south by the Republic of South Africa and by Mozambique in the east. Swaziland depends on South Africa for 60% of its exports and for more than 90% of its imports. Swaziland's currency is pegged to the South African rand, effectively relinquishing Swaziland's monetary policy to South Africa. The government is dependent on customs duties from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) for 49% of revenue; income tax accounts for 27% and a valued added tax for 19% of revenues. Swaziland is a lower middle income country, but its income distribution is highly skewed, with an estimated 20% of the population controlling 80% of the nation’s wealth. As of 2017, more than one-quarter of the adult population was infected by HIV/AIDS; Swaziland has the world’s highest HIV prevalence rate. Subsistence agriculture employs approximately 70% of the population. The manufacturing sector diversified in the 1980s and 1990s, but manufacturing has grown little in the last decade. Sugar and soft drink concentrate are the largest foreign exchange earners. Mining has declined in importance in recent years. Coal, gold, diamond, and quarry stone mines are small scale, and the only iron ore mine closed in 2014. With an estimated 28% unemployment rate, Swaziland's need to increase the number and size of small and medium enterprises and to attract foreign direct investment is acute. On 1 January 2015, Swaziland lost its eligibility for benefits under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act after failing to meet benchmarks relating to workers’ rights. The IMF forecasted that Swaziland’s economy will grow at a slower pace in 2017 because of a region-wide drought, which is likely to hurt Swaziland’s revenue from sugar exports and other agricultural products; tourism and transport sectors will also decline. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and floods are persistent problems. Swaziland’s revenue from SACU receipts also are projected to decline in 2017, making it harder for the government to maintain fiscal balance.

Exchange rates

emalangeni per US dollar - 14.6924 (2016 est.) 14.6924 (2015 est.) 12.7581 (2014 est.) 10.8469 (2013 est.) 8.2 (2012 est.)

Exports

$1.577 billion (2016 est.) $1.647 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

soft drink concentrates, sugar, timber, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus, and canned fruit

Exports - partners

South Africa 87.1%, Namibia 4% (2016)

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP - composition, by end use

67.4% 15.6% 14.1% -0.1% 36.6% -33.7% (2015 est.)

exports of goods and services

36.6%

government consumption

15.6%

household consumption

67.4%

imports of goods and services

-33.7% (2015 est.)

investment in fixed capital

14.1%

investment in inventories

-0.1%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

6.3% 45.4% 48.3% (2016 est.)

agriculture

6.3%

industry

45.4%

services

48.3% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$9,800 (2016 est.) $9,900 (2015 est.) $9,900 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

0% (2016 est.) 1.1% (2015 est.) 3.6% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$3.786 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$11.11 billion (2016 est.) $10.97 billion (2015 est.) $10.74 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

12.8% of GDP (2016 est.) 23% of GDP (2015 est.) 11.6% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.7% 40.1% (2010 est.)

highest 10%

40.1% (2010 est.)

lowest 10%

1.7%

Imports

$1.405 billion (2016 est.) $1.387 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Imports - partners

South Africa 60.3%, China 5.3%, Mozambique 5.1% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

1.9% (2016 est.)

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

8% (2016 est.) 5% (2015 est.)

Labor force

427,900 (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

10.7% 30.4% 58.9% (2014 est.)

agriculture

10.7%

industry

30.4%

services

58.9% (2014 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA $203.1 million (31 December 2007) $199.9 million (31 December 2006)

Population below poverty line

63% (2010 est.)

Public debt

27.5% of GDP (2016 est.) 18.6% of GDP (2015 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$564.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) $548 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$1.015 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $848.8 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$NA

Stock of domestic credit

$890.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) $557.8 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$316.6 million (31 December 2016 est.) $304.6 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

26% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

28% (2014 est.) 28% (2013 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

600,000 Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2017)

Electricity - consumption

1.481 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2016)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

35.6% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

21.4% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

43.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

1.08 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

281,000 kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

431 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

900,000 27% 40% 24% (2013)

electrification - rural areas

24% (2013)

electrification - total population

27%

electrification - urban areas

40%

population without electricity

900,000

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2014 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

5,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

5,029 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Broadcast media

1 state-owned TV station; satellite dishes are able to access South African providers; state-owned radio network with 3 channels; 1 private radio station (2017)

Internet country code

.sz

Internet users

414,724 28.6% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

28.6% (July 2016 est.)

total

414,724

Telephone system

a somewhat modern but not an advanced system Swaziland recently awarded a second mobile-cellular service; communication infrastructure has a geographic coverage of about 90% and a rising subscriber base; combined fixed-line and mobile cellular teledensity roughly 70 telephones per 100 persons; telephone system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio relay country code - 268; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2017)

domestic

Swaziland recently awarded a second mobile-cellular service; communication infrastructure has a geographic coverage of about 90% and a rising subscriber base; combined fixed-line and mobile cellular teledensity roughly 70 telephones per 100 persons; telephone system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio relay

general assessment

a somewhat modern but not an advanced system

international

country code - 268; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2017)

Telephones - fixed lines

42,000 3 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

3 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

42,000

Telephones - mobile cellular

995,000 69 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

69 (July 2016 est.)

total

995,000

Airports

14 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

2,438 to 3,047 m

1 (2013)

over 3,047 m

1

total

2

Airports - with unpaved runways

7 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m

5

total

12

under 914 m

7 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

3D (2016)

National air transport system

89,791 0 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

0 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

89,791

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

1

number of registered air carriers

1

Railways

301 km 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2014)

narrow gauge

301 km 1.067-m gauge (2014)

total

301 km

Roadways

3,594 km 1,078 km 2,516 km (2002)

paved

1,078 km

total

3,594 km

unpaved

2,516 km (2002)

Military branches

Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF): Ground Force (includes Air Wing (no operational aircraft)) (2013)

Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF)

Ground Force (includes Air Wing (no operational aircraft)) (2013)

Military expenditures

1.81% of GDP (2016) 1.78% of GDP (2015) 1.81% of GDP (2014) 1.88% of GDP (2013) 1.89% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18-30 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; compulsory HIV testing required, only HIV-negative applicants accepted (2012)

Disputes - international

in 2006, Swazi king advocated resorting to ICJ to claim parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa