Swaziland Country Profile

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Swaziland

The landlocked Kingdom of Swaziland is the only absolute monarchy in Africa. The country is ruled by King Mswati III who rules by decree over his people.

Swaziland

has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world and an estimated 70% of people live below the poverty line.

Freedom of speech is restricted, all political parties are banned and any opposition to the monarchy is heavily punished. Swaziland is a beautiful country ravaged by poor governance and HIV/AIDS.

Swaziland Campaign

ACTSA campaigns for democracy and human rights in Swaziland.

To take action or to read more about our campaigns democracy and rights, visit our Swaziland campaign page.

Swazi mountains

The Facts

Capital: Mbabane
Major religion: Christianity
Main Languages: SisSwati and English
Key exports: sugar, wood pulp, minerals
Government: ruled by monarch assisted by appointed Prime Minister and cabinet
King: Mswati III
Most recent House of Assembly elections: 2008
Next scheduled House of Assembly elections: 2013

The Figures

HIV prevalence: 26.1% aged 15-49 (UK: 0.2%)
Adult literacy rate: 80% aged 15 and older (UK: >99%)
GDP per capita: US$5,058 (UK: US$34,340)
Life expectancy at birth: 47 years (UK: 80 years)
Under-five mortality rate: 83 per 1,000 live births (UK: 6 per 1,000 live births)
2010 Human Development Index Ranking (out of 169 countries): 121

For information on Swaziland's history, politics, economy and more, view ACTSA's full Swaziland Country Profile.

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Swaziland Profile