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SWAZILAND
Also known as:
Kingdom of Swaziland,
Umbuso weSwatini
Quick Facts
| Location |
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa |
| Size |
total: 17,363 sq km
land: 17,203 sq km
water: 160 sq km |
| Capitals |
Mbabane; note - Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital |
| Languages |
English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official) |
| Ethnic groups |
African 97%, European 3% |
| Population |
1,173,900 (July 2005 est.) |
| Religion |
Zionist (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship) 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish and other 30% |
| Chief of State |
King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986) |
| Government type |
monarchy; independent member of Commonwealth |
| GDP |
$6.018 billion (2004 est.) |
| Industries |
mining (coal, raw asbestos), wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textile and apparel |
| Currency |
lilangeni (SZL) |
| Internet country code |
.sz |
| Time zone |
UTC/GMT +2 hours |
On this page, you will find:
- Country- Map, Flag & Coat of Arms
- Introduction
- Journey Element 1: Nature & Wildlife (Natural Environment; Plants & Wildlife)
- Journey Element 2: Life & Society (History, Society & Culture, Government & Politics)
- Journey Element 3: Trade, Travel & Economy (Transportation, Communication, Economy, Tourism)
- Journey Element 4: Highlights, Current Events & Helpful Links (Highlights & amazing statistics, Current events, Other Helpful Links)
Country- Map, Flag & Coat of Arms
| Map |
Map in context (From Wikipedia) |
| Flag |
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 |
Coat of Arms |
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Introduction
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 the monarchy (one of the oldest on the continent) to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy. Swaziland recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection
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Journey Element 1: Nature & Wildlife
Natural Environment
| Climate |
- varies from tropical to near temperate
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| Geographic coordinates |
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| Land boundaries |
- total: 535 km
border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km
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| Location |
- Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
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| Natural resources |
- asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
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| Size |
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| Terrain |
- mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains
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| Additional information |
- landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa
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Plants & Wildlife
| Animals |
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| Flora |
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National parks & reserves |
- Malolotja National Park
Mlawula National Park
Mantenga National Park
Hawane National Park
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Journey Element 2: Life & Society
History Overview
Human remains and artifacts from more than 100,000 years ago have been found in Swaziland. Evidence of agriculture and iron use dates from about the 4th century, and people speaking languages ancestral to current Sotho and Nguni languages began settling no later than the 11th century. The ruling Dlamini lineage had chiefships in the region in the 18th century. An enlarged Swazi kingdom was established by Sobhuza I in the early 19th century. Soon thereafter the first whites started to settle in the area. In the 1890s the South African Republic in the Transvaal claimed sovereignty over Swaziland but never fully established power. After the South African War of 1899–1902, Swaziland became a British protectorate. The country was eventually granted independence on September 6, 1968. Since then, Swaziland has seen a struggle between pro-democracy activists and the totalitarian monarchy. From Wikipedia.
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Significant dates & events
| year |
event |
| Early history |
According to tradition, the people of the present Swazi nation migrated south before the 16th century to what is now Mozambique. |
| 1750 |
Following a series of conflicts with people living in the area of modern Maputo, the Swazis settled in northern Zululand around this time. |
| 1800s |
Unable to match the growing Zulu strength, the Swazis moved gradually northward and established themselves in the area of modern or present Swaziland.
They consolidated their hold under several able leaders. The most important was Mswati II, from whom the Swazis derive their name. |
| 1840s |
Under his leadership in the 1840s, the Swazis expanded their territory to the northwest and stabilized the southern frontier with the Zulus.
Contact with the British came early in Mswati's reign, when he asked British authorities in South Africa for assistance against Zulu raids into Swaziland. It also was during Mswati's reign that the first whites settled in the country. Following Mswati's death, the Swazis reached agreements with British and South African authorities over a range of issues, including independence, claims on resources by Europeans, administrative authority, and security. |
| 1894 |
South Africans administered the Swazi interests. |
| 1902 |
The British assumed control. |
| 1903 |
Swaziland becomes a British protectorate. |
| 1921 |
After more than 20 years of rule by Queen Regent Lobatsibeni, Sobhuza II became Ngwenyama (lion) or head of the Swazi nation.
The same year, Swaziland established its first legislative body--an advisory council of elected European representatives mandated to advise the British high commissioner on non-Swazi affairs. |
| 1944 |
The high commissioner conceded that the council had no official status and recognized the paramount chief, or king, as the native authority for the territory to issue legally enforceable orders to the Swazis.
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| 1960s |
In the early years of colonial rule, the British had expected that Swaziland would eventually be incorporated into South Africa. After World War II, however, South Africa's intensification of racial discrimination induced the United Kingdom to prepare Swaziland for independence.
Political activity intensified during this time.
Several political parties were formed and jostled for independence and economic development. The largely urban parties had few ties to the rural areas, where the majority of Swazis lived. The traditional Swazi leaders, including King Sobhuza II and his Inner Council, formed the Imbokodvo National Movement (INM), a political group that capitalized on its close identification with the Swazi way of life.
Responding to pressure for political change, the colonial government scheduled an election in mid-1964 for the first legislative council in which the Swazis would participate. In the election, the INM and four other parties, most having more radical platforms, competed in the election. The INM won all 24 elective seats. |
| 1966 |
Having solidified its political base, INM incorporated many demands of the more radical parties, especially that of immediate independence.
The U.K. Government agreed to discuss a new constitution. A constitutional committee agreed on a constitutional monarchy for Swaziland, with self-government to follow parliamentary elections in 1967 |
| 1968 |
Swaziland became independent on September 6. |
| 1972 |
Swaziland's post-independence elections were held in May. The INM received close to 75% of the vote. The Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) received slightly more than 20% of the vote, which gained the party three seats in parliament. |
| 1973 |
In response to the NNLC's showing, King Sobhuza repealed the 1968 constitution on April 12, and dissolved parliament. He assumed all powers of government and prohibited all political activities and trade unions from operating. He justified his actions as having removed alien and divisive political practices incompatible with the Swazi way of life. |
| 1979 |
In January, a new parliament was convened, chosen partly through indirect elections and partly through direct appointment by the King. |
| 1982 |
King Sobhuza II died in August. Queen Regent Dzeliwe assumed the duties of the head of state. |
| 1984 |
An internal dispute led to the replacement of the Prime Minister and eventual replacement of Dzeliwe by a new Queen Regent Ntombi. Ntombi's only child, Prince Makhosetive, was named heir to the Swazi throne. Real power at this time was concentrated in the Liqoqo, a supreme traditional advisory body that claimed to give binding advice to the Queen Regent. |
| 1985 |
In October, Queen Regent Ntombi demonstrated her power by dismissing the leading figures of the Liqoqo. Prince Makhosetive returned from school in England to ascend to the throne and help end the continuing internal disputes. |
| 1986 |
He was enthroned as Mswati III on April 25. Shortly afterwards he abolished the Liqoqo. |
| 1987 |
In November, a new parliament was elected and a new cabinet appointed. |
| 1988-1989 |
An underground political party, the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) criticized the King and his government, calling for democratic reforms. In response to this political threat and to growing popular calls for greater accountability within government, the King and the Prime Minister initiated an ongoing national debate on the constitutional and political future of Swaziland.
This debate produced a handful of political reforms, approved by the King, including direct and indirect voting, in the 1993 national elections. |
| 1992 |
PUDEMO rejects the second commission's proposals. King Mswati dissolves parliament and announces he will govern by decree until the elections. |
| 1993 |
Elections are held. |
| 1996 |
PUDEMO announces a campaign of civil disobedience, citing the government's failure to respond to demands for a multi-party system and constitutional change. Strike action again takes place.
King Mswati announces a Constitutional Review Commission to draft proposals for a new constitution. |
| 1997 |
Elections are held in November. |
| 2001 |
The king forbids men from sleeping with teenage girls for the next five years to help stem the AIDS crisis. |
| 2004 |
Prime minister declares a humanitarian crisis after three years of erratic rainfall.
In March,
UN Aids envoy says Swaziland has the world's highest rate of HIV infection.
Swaziland's Court of Appeals resumed hearing cases in late 2004 after a two-year absence in protest of the government's refusal to abide by the court's decisions in two important rulings. |
| 2005 |
On July, 2005 King Mswati III ratified Swaziland's constitution. This is Swaziland's first constitution in over 30 years. The document maintains a ban on political parties. |
Society & Culture
The majority of the population is ethnic Swazi, mixed with a small number of Zulus and non-Africans. Traditionally Swazis have been subsistence farmers and herders, but most now work in the growing urban formal economy and in government. Some Swazis work in the mines in South Africa. Christianity in Swaziland is sometimes mixed with traditional beliefs and practices. Most Swazis ascribe a special spiritual role to the monarch.
The country's official languages are Siswati (a language related to Zulu) and English. Government and commercial business is conducted mainly in English.
| Arts and crafts |
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| Dance |
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| Dress |
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| Ethnic groups |
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| HIV/AIDS |
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| Infant mortality rate |
- total: 69.27 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 72.51 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 65.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)
- (Compare to other countries)
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| Languages |
- English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)
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| Life expectancy at birth |
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| Literacy (age 15 and over can read & write) |
- total population: 81.6%
male: 82.6%
female: 80.8% (2003 est.)
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| Music |
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| Myths and legends |
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| Nationality |
- noun: Swazi(s)
adjective: Swazi
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| Population |
- 1,173,900
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 and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2005 est.)
- (Compare to other countries)
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| Population growth rate |
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| Religion |
- Zionist (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship) 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish and other 30%
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School enrollment
(% relevant age group) From UNESCO. |
- Net primary enrollment: 77.5% (2000)
- Net secondary enrollment: 32.3% (2000)
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| Sports |
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| Total fertility rate |
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| Typical dishes |
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Government & Politics
On July 26, 2005 King Mswati III ratified Swaziland's constitution. At the time he said the constitution would go into effect in six months' time, but there have been reports that implementation will be delayed. This is Swaziland's first constitution in over 30 years.
According to Swazi law and custom, the monarch holds supreme executive, legislative, and judicial powers. In general practice, however, the monarch's power is delegated through a dualistic system: modern, statutory bodies, like the cabinet; and less formal traditional government structures. The king must approve legislation passed by parliament before it becomes law. The prime minister, who is head of government, and the cabinet, which is recommended by the prime minister and approved by the king, exercise executive authority. At present, parliament consists of a 65-seat House of Assembly (55 members are elected through popular vote; 10 are appointed by the king) and 30-seat Senate (10 members are appointed by the House of Assembly, and 20 are appointed by the king). House of Assembly elections were last held October 2003.
For local administration Swaziland is divided into four regions, each with an administrator appointed by the king. Parallel to the government structure is the traditional system consisting of the king and his advisers, traditional courts, and 55 tinkhundla (subregional districts in which traditional chiefs are grouped).
Swaziland is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), with which the U.S. began negotiating a free trade agreement in May 2003. The other members of SACU are Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and South Africa.
| Administrative Divisions |
- 4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni
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| Capitals |
- Mbabane; note - Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital
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| Executive branch |
- chief of state: chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)
head of government: Prime Minister Absolom Themba DLAMINI (since 14 November 2003)
cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch
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| Government type |
- monarchy; independent member of Commonwealth
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| Holidays and special events |
- Jan 1 New Year’s Day
- Good Friday (changes)
- Easter Monday (changes)
- Apr 19 Birthday of King Mswati
- Apr 25 National Flag Day
- May 1 Labour Day
- Ascension (changes)
- Jul 22 Birthday of the Late King Sobhuza
- Umhlanga, Reed Dance Day (changes)
- Sep 6 Somhlolo Day (Independence Day)
- Incwala Ceremony (changes)
- Dec 25 Christmas Day
- Dec 26 Boxing Day
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| Independence |
- 6 September 1968 (from UK)
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| Legislative branch |
- bicameral Parliament or Libandla, an advisory body, consists of the Senate (30 seats - 10 appointed by the House of Assembly and 20 appointed by the monarch; members serve five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (65 seats - 10 appointed by the monarch and 55 elected by popular vote; members serve five-year terms)
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| Major cities |
- Mbabane; Manzini; Big Bend
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| National anthem |
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Journey Element 3: Trade, Travel & Economy
Swaziland ranks among the more prosperous countries in Africa. Most of the high-level economic activity is in the hands of non-Africans, but ethnic Swazis are becoming more active. Small entrepreneurs are moving into middle management positions. Although 70% of Swazis live in rural areas, nearly every homestead has a wage earner. The past few years have seen wavering economic growth, which has been exacerbated by the economy's inability to create new jobs at the same rate that new job seekers enter the market. This is due largely in part to the country's population growth rate, which strains the natural heritage and the country's ability to provide adequate social services, such as health care and education. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and floods are persistent problems.
Nearly 60% of Swazi territory is held by the Crown in trust of the Swazi nation. The balance is privately owned, much of it by foreigners. The question of land use and ownership remains a very sensitive one. For Swazis living on rural homesteads, the principal occupation is either subsistence farming or livestock herding. Culturally, cattle are important symbols of wealth and status, but they are being used increasingly for milk, meat, and profit.
Swaziland enjoys well-developed road links with South Africa. It also has railroads running east to west and north to south. The older east-west link, called the Goba line, makes it possible to export bulk goods from Swaziland through the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. Until recently, most of Swaziland's imports were shipped through this port. Conflict in Mozambique in the 1980s diverted many Swazi exports to ports in South Africa. A north-south rail link, completed in 1986, provides a connection between the Eastern Transvaal rail network and the South African ports of Richard's Bay and Durban.
The sugar industry, based solely on irrigated cane, is Swaziland's leading export earner and private-sector employer. Soft drink concentrate is the country's largest export earner, followed by wood pulp and lumber from cultivated pine forests. Pineapple, citrus fruit, and cotton are other important agricultural exports.
Swaziland mines coal and diamonds for export. There also is a quarry industry for domestic consumption. Mining contributes about 1.8% of Swaziland's GDP each year but has been declining in importance in recent years.
Recently, a number of industrial firms have located at the industrial estate at Matsapha near Manzini. In addition to processed agricultural and forestry products, the fast-growing industrial sector at Matsapha also produces garments, textiles, and a variety of light manufactured products. The Swaziland Industrial Development Company (SIDC) and the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA) have assisted in bringing many of these industries to the country. Government programs encourage Swazi entrepreneurs to run small and medium-sized firms. Tourism also is important, attracting visitors mostly from Europe and South Africa.
From the mid-1980s, foreign investment in the manufacturing sector boosted economic growth rates significantly. Beginning in mid-1985, the depreciated value of the currency increased the competitiveness of Swazi exports and moderated the growth of imports, generating trade surpluses. During the 1990s, the country often ran small trade deficits. South Africa and the European Union are major customers for Swazi exports.
Swaziland became eligible for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2000 and qualified for the apparel provision in 2001. AGOA has created over 30,000 jobs, mostly for women, in Swaziland's apparel industry. However, the industry suffered in 2005, due to both increased global competition as a result of the end of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) and the strong Rand (Swaziland's currency is linked to the South African Rand at par), which reduced exports.
Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and the Republic of South Africa form the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), where import duties apply uniformly to member countries. Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa also are members of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) in which repatriation and unrestricted funds are permitted. Swaziland issues its own currency, the lilangeni (plural: emalangeni), which is at par with the South African rand.
Transportation
| Airports |
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| Highways |
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| Ports and Harbors |
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Communication
Fixed lines
& mobile telephones
(per 1,000 people)
(From ITU) |
- 64.7 m (2000)
- 128.5 m (2003)
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| International dialing code |
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| Internet country code |
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| Internet users |
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| Media |
Press
TV
Radio
- Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Service
- Trans World Radio
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Personal computers
(per 1,000 people)
(From ITU) |
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Telephone avg cost-
local call
(US$ per 3 min)
(From ITU) |
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Telephones -
main lines in use |
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Telephones -
mobile cellular |
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Time zone |
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Economy
| Agriculture products |
- sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, citrus, pineapples, sorghum, peanuts; cattle, goats, sheep
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| Currency (code) |
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| Exchange rates |
- emalangeni per US dollar - 6.4597 (2004), 7.5648 (2003), 10.5407 (2002), 8.6092 (2001), 6.9398 (2000)
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| Exports commodities |
- soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit
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| Exports partners |
- South Africa 59.7%, EU 8.8%, US 8.8%, Mozambique 6.2% (2004)
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| Fiscal year |
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| GDP |
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| GDP- real growth rate |
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| Imports commodities |
- motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals
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| Imports partners |
- South Africa 95.6%, EU 0.9%, Japan 0.9%, Singapore 0.3% (2004)
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| Industries |
- mining (coal, raw asbestos), wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textile and apparel
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| Inflation rate |
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| Population below poverty line |
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| Unemployment rate |
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Tourism
| Popular destinations |
- Lobamba
- Malolotja Nature Reserve
- Mbabane
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
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| Tourist arrivals (From WTO) |
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| Visas |
- Many travelers don't require a visa, and those who do can get them for free at the airport.
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| World Heritage sites |
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Journey Element 4: Highlights, Current Events & Helpful Links
Highlights & amazing statistics
| Animals |
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| Cities |
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| Economy |
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| Environment |
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| History |
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| Famous people |
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Current events
Other Helpful Links
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