
Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is relatively small in area, similar in size to Kuwait. Swaziland is a landlocked country, bordered by South Africa on three sides except to the east, where it borders Mozambique.
Official Name: Umbuso weSwatini
Short Form: Swatini
International Short Form: Swaziland
Country Calling Code: +268
Capital City: Mbabane (capital, pop. 60 000), Lobamba (the royal and legislative capital)
Other Cities: Manzini (principal commercial city)
Government Type: Monarchy
Independence: 6 September 1968 (from UK)
Nationality: Swazi(s).
Population: 1.1 million (2004).
Ethnic Groups: Swazis 97%, European 3%.
Religion: 35% Protestant, 30% African Zionist, 25% Roman Catholic, 1% Muslim and Hinduism.
Languages: Swazi and English.
Natural Resources: Asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc.
Agriculture Products: Sugarcane, cotton, maize, rice, citrus, pineapples, sorghum, peanuts, cattle.
Industries: Mining (coal, raw asbestos), textiles, wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates.
Currency: Emalangeni (SZL)
Source: www.nationsonline.org/Africa; www.bbc.com/ Swaziland Profile; other.