The Kingdom of Swaziland is bordered by Mozambique to the northeast, and by the Republic of South Africa on all other sides. Swaziland is one of the smallest of the African countries, and its population is largely ethnic Swazis.
The area that is now Swaziland has been inhabited for thousands of years, perhaps as far back as 200,000 years. However, the current inhabitants of the land are the progeny of more recent arrivals. Around 500 AD, Nguni groups had made their way to the region during the Bantu migrations, and one of these groups settled in the area that is now Mozambique, founding the Dlamini Dynasty. In the mid-1700s, they moved southwest to what is now Swaziland, which became the center of Swazi culture.
The autonomy of Swaziland was threatened by British and Dutch rule over South Africa during the 1800s and early 1900s. Despite pressure from the neighboring Zulu people, increasing number of Europeans looking for land, traders, and missionaries, the Swazis held together, although their territory was greatly diminished as the British and the Boers competed for power and land.
In 1902, the Boers withdrew following the Anglo-Boer War, and the British took control of Swaziland as a protectorate. During British rule, much of the administration of Swaziland was carried out from South Africa until 1906, when Britain partitioned Swaziland into European and African areas, with the Europeans getting two-thirds of the land.
Under the leadership of King Sobhuza II, the Swazis were able to take advantage of the weakening power of the British Empire in the early 20th century, and to resist being incorporated into the Union of South Africa. They were able to regain much of their original territory, by purchase and through pressure on the British government. After sixty-six years of British rule, Swaziland achieved independence in 1968.
Swaziland's first constitution was largely a British creation, and it was suspended by the king in 1973. Four years later, all power was vested in the king. At the time of his death in 1982, King Sobhuza II was the world's longest-reigning monarch. Mswati III ascended to the throne in 1986 and, as of this writing, in December of 2017, he is still king.
The government of Swaziland is an absolute monarchy, with the king serving as head of state. By Swazi tradition, the king rules along with his mother, with the king acting as the administrative head of state, while the latter serves as the spiritual head of state. Traditionally, the king's mother held real power, and was capable of counterbalancing the authority of the king, but in recent years her role has become largely symbolic.
The king appoints the prime minister from among the members of the legislature, and also appoints a minority of the legislators to parliament. The Swaziland Senate is made up of thirty members, some of which are appointed by the king, while others are elected by the lower house. The House of Assembly has sixty-five seats, ten of which are appointed by the king, while the others are elected. Terms of office run for five years.
Swaziland's judicial system includes four regional magistrates, a high court, and a court of appeal. Judges are appointed by the king, and are generally expatriates from South Africa. As a separate system, national courts deal with minor offenses and violations of custom.
Swaziland's military is used during political protests, and for border security, but has never been involved in a foreign war.
Swaziland is administratively divided into four regional districts: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni, each managed by a regional administrator. Local governments are divided into rural and urban councils. The urban councils serve much like municipalities, while rural governments may be compared to townships.
The official languages of Swaziland are Swati and English, with English as the official written language, and the language used in schools and business. Swati is the common language of conversation, although Zulu, Tsonga, and Afrikaans are also used.
The most common religion is Christianity, which claims 83% of the population, various Protestant denominations being the most common. Traditional religions are practiced by about 15% of the population, and Islam is practiced by about 2%.
The average life expectancy of a resident of Swaziland is just over fifty years. HIV/AIDS is a big problem, with Swaziland having the highest HIV infection rate in the world. Tuberculosis also claims lives, as many patients have a multi-drug resistant strain.
Primary schools are free but not compulsory. School enrollment rates are above 90%, although just over 80% reach the 5th grade. The country has more than eight hundred schools, at the primary, secondary and high school levels, and one public university, the University of Swaziland.
Recommended Resources
Founded by Charmain Coertzen, who came to Swaziland from South Africa in 1998, the Christian mission has grown to include a community church, a no-tuition school for local children, a farm, and a garden. Current and future projects are highlighted, and an overview of its school, profiles of some of the children and adults who have been assisted through the ministry, and support information are included.
http://www.elshaddaiswazi.org/
Built around a large thatch dining hall with an adjoining kitchen, used to host events, the Matsapha, Swaziland facilities now includes standard guest suites, self-catering chalets, and backpacker’s accommodations, conference and meeting facilities, wedding and event venues, and three restaurants, one catering to large groups of people who come for large events. Its locations, a gallery of photographs, and an overview of its services are put forth.
http://www.esibayenilodge.com/
Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland
Swaziland is a Monarchy governed by a king, whose political and legal system is a balance between traditional institutions and Western methods of governance. The country’s governmental structure is set forth, an introduction to its king, and its national symbols are highlighted, along with a guide to the government’s ministries and departments, access to various reports and documents, and electronic services.
http://www.gov.sz/
JA Swaziland is a member of JA Worldwide, established in Swaziland in 2007, and officially launched by the Minister of Education and Training in 2009, as an organization that offers business and entrepreneurial education programs for Swaziland residents aged fourteen to thirty-five. Its mission, objectives, and programs are highlighted, including sponsorships, news, and a gallery of photographs.
http://www.jaswaziland.org/
The travel and tourist guide presents an interactive map showing guest accommodations in Swaziland. with photos, descriptions, a list of amenities, prices, and web addresses for each, along with a profile of the country, each of its four regions, and attractions and activities within each. Also included is a discussion of the people of Swaziland, their culture, arts and crafts, and wildlife, as well as travel information.
http://www.thekingdomofswaziland.com/
His Majesty, the King of Swaziland is introduced in his official website, including biographical data, an introduction to the Queen Mother, and an overview of the governance of the Kingdom of Swaziland, including governmental ministries, the constitution, and the history and culture of the country. Business opportunities are discussed, and the nation’s foreign missions are included.
http://thekingofswaziland.com/
The renovated guest house features a variety of suites, including a deluxe family suite, deluxe suite, and a double king room, in downtown Ezulwini, Swaziland. Room descriptions, photographs, and a gallery of photographs show the guest suites and common areas, and its location is shown on a map. Area attractions and activities are included, along with contacts, and online bookings.
http://www.mogiafrica.com/
Situated near the city center of Mbabane, Swaziland, the hotel offers fifty-two rooms of various configurations, an on-site restaurant, meeting and conference facilities, satellite television, free WiFi, and secure parking. Guest accommodations are described in detail, with photographs, a list of amenities and services, menus, and an overview of its social responsibility programs. Rooms may be booked online.
http://mountaininn.sz/en/
The multi-faith, Christian-based, independent school is located about five kilometers from its primary school campus in Mbabane, Swaziland. Its foundational courses, compulsory subjects, optional classes, and Form 5 level courses are highlighted, the school’s code of conduct is set forth, and an overview of its sports and recreational programs is included. Admissions policies are outlined.
http://www.sifundzanihigh.ac.sz/
Swazi Live is a directory of guest accommodations and businesses in Swaziland, as well as Swaziland news and classified advertisements. Its accommodation directory features hotels, lodges, campgrounds, game parks, and other places to stay throughout the country, along with businesses and other commercial enterprises, industries, and services. New sites may be suggested for inclusion in the directory.
http://www.swazilive.com/
Specializing in adventure tourism in Swaziland, the destination management company employs a multi-discipline team offering daily tours, activities, and team-building programs, as well as regular event management, film industry location management services, and custom itineraries, including white water rafting, caving, canopy tours, mountain biking, cultural tours, safaris, walking trails, and activities for single travelers, groups or families.
http://www.swazitrails.co.sz/
The guide to Swaziland accommodations, tourism and tourist destinations, businesses, attractions, and events are set forth, along with historical information about the country and some of its key places, information about game reserves, cultural activities, medical services, craft and art galleries, maps, and travel tips. Advertising specials, monthly specials, and a blog are included.
http://www.swazilandhappenings.co.za/
Hotels and other accommodations in Swaziland may be found by hotel name or location, and popular hotels are highlighted, with photographs, descriptions, a list of features and amenities, guest reviews, comments, ratings, prices, and special offers. Reservations may be made through the site. An interactive map showing hotels in Swaziland is included, and comparisons may be made with prices and offers from other travel sites.
http://www.swazilandhotels.co.za/
Swaziland Posts & Telecommunications Corporation
SPTC was established in 1986 as a division of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology for the Government of Swaziland, and is made up of SwaziTelecom, which offers global communication services, and SwaziPost, the country's written communications and parcel delivery services, such as the Post Office. Its executive management and board of directors are posted, along with annual reports, tenders, and job vacancies.
http://www.sptc.co.sz/
Supporting the education of children and adults in Swaziland, SSP was started in 2008 by John Tibbs and Jack Dobson, former rectors of All Saints parish and cathedral in Mbabane, Swaziland. The charity complies with all statutory requirements, with minimal financial overheads. Its projects are highlighted, including instructions, newsletters, and annual project reports from 2011.
http://www.swazilandschoolsprojects.org/
A division of the Swaziland Posts & Telecommunications Corporation, SwaziTelecom provides global communications services to Swaziland. Its site features a history of Swaziland, as well as its geography, traditions, and general information, as well as a telephone directory and search, information about obtaining a print directory, maps, and links to government sites, tourism resources, the Bank of Swaziland, and other agencies and ministries.
http://www.swazidirectory.co.sz/
Published by the Swazi Observer Group, the newspaper was established in 1981, and is published seven days a week, and distributed through all four regions of Swaziland, including rural and urban areas. For full access to its content, readers may subscribe to either the print version or the electronic edition, which includes news, business features, sports, entertainment features, and opinion.
http://new.observer.org.sz/
Created through an act of Parliament in 1982, UNISWA is the national university of Swaziland that was developed from the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland. Its history, campuses, maps, and directions are set forth, along with its admissions policies, academic faculties and institutes, undergraduate and graduate programs, research programs, and library facilities are discussed.
https://www.uniswa.sz/
