Country Profile: Swaziland

Last updated: 5 June 2007

Country information

Map of Swaziland

Area: 17,363 sq km
Population: 1,136,334 million (2006 est)
Capital city: Mbabane, population 67,200 (2002)
People: Swazi
Languages: English and SiSwati
Religion(s): Christianity and indigenous beliefs
Currency: Lilangeni (plural: Emalangeni)
Major political parties: Officially none, however the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC), a progressive grouping of the centre left, and the more conservative Sive Siyinqaba cultural organisation have had unofficial representation in Parliament. A 1973 ban on political parties appears to have been superceded by the King’s Proclamation bringing a new Constitution into effect on 8 February 2006.
Government: Absolute Monarchy, assisted by Cabinet and by traditional counsellors
Head of State: King Mswati III
Prime Minister: Absalom Themba Dlamini
Foreign Minister: Mathendele Dlamini
Membership of international groupings/organisations: African Union (AU), Commonwealth, Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).