ARCHIVE // SZ // 2017

Eswatini

2017 Edition — sovereign

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Communications
Broadcast media [time series]
1 state-owned TV station; satellite dishes are able to access South African providers; state-owned radio network with 3 channels; 1 private radio station (2017)
Internet country code [time series]
.sz
Internet users [time series]
total: 414,724 | percent of population: 28.6% (July 2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 137
Telecommunication systems (Telephone system) [time series]
general assessment: a somewhat modern but not an advanced system | domestic: Swaziland recently awarded a second mobile-cellular service; communication infrastructure has a geographic coverage of about 90% and a rising subscriber base; combined fixed-line and mobile cellular teledensity roughly 70 telephones per 100 persons; telephone system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio relay | international: country code - 268; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2017)
Telephones - fixed lines [time series]
total subscriptions: 42,000 | subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (July 2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 166
Telephones - mobile cellular [time series]
total: 995,000 | subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 69 (July 2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 160
Economy
Agricultural products (Agriculture - products) [time series]
sugarcane, corn, cotton, citrus, pineapples, cattle, goats
Budget [time series]
revenues: $980.1 million | expenditures: $1.443 billion (2016 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-) [time series]
-12.3% of GDP (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 204
Central bank discount rate [time series]
7.25% (31 December 2016) | 6.5% (31 December 2015) | country comparison to the world: 45
Commercial bank prime lending rate [time series]
10.3% (31 December 2016 est.) | 9.04% (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 80
Current account balance [time series]
$26 million (2016 est.) | $280.5 million (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 50
Debt - external [time series]
$468.9 million (31 December 2016 est.) | $390.8 million (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 179
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income (Distribution of family income - Gini index) [time series]
50.4 (2001) | country comparison to the world: 16
Economic overview (Economy - overview) [time series]
A small, landlocked kingdom, Swaziland is bordered in the north, west and south by the Republic of South Africa and by Mozambique in the east. Swaziland depends on South Africa for 60% of its exports and for more than 90% of its imports. Swaziland's currency is pegged to the South African rand, effectively relinquishing Swaziland's monetary policy to South Africa. The government is dependent on customs duties from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) for 49% of revenue; income tax accounts for 27% and a valued added tax for 19% of revenues. Swaziland is a lower middle income country, but its income distribution is highly skewed, with an estimated 20% of the population controlling 80% of the nation’s wealth. As of 2017, more than one-quarter of the adult population was infected by HIV/AIDS; Swaziland has the world’s highest HIV prevalence rate. | Subsistence agriculture employs approximately 70% of the population. The manufacturing sector diversified in the 1980s and 1990s, but manufacturing has grown little in the last decade. Sugar and soft drink concentrate are the largest foreign exchange earners. Mining has declined in importance in recent years. Coal, gold, diamond, and quarry stone mines are small scale, and the only iron ore mine closed in 2014. | With an estimated 28% unemployment rate, Swaziland's need to increase the number and size of small and medium enterprises and to attract foreign direct investment is acute. On 1 January 2015, Swaziland lost its eligibility for benefits under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act after failing to meet benchmarks relating to workers’ rights. | The IMF forecasted that Swaziland’s economy will grow at a slower pace in 2017 because of a region-wide drought, which is likely to hurt Swaziland’s revenue from sugar exports and other agricultural products; tourism and transport sectors will also decline. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and floods are persistent problems. Swaziland’s revenue from SACU receipts also are projected to decline in 2017, making it harder for the government to maintain fiscal balance.
Exchange rates [time series]
emalangeni per US dollar - | 14.6924 (2016 est.) | 14.6924 (2015 est.) | 12.7581 (2014 est.) | 10.8469 (2013 est.) | 8.2 (2012 est.)
Exports [time series]
$1.577 billion (2016 est.) | $1.647 billion (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 145
Exports - commodities [time series]
soft drink concentrates, sugar, timber, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus, and canned fruit
Exports - partners [time series]
South Africa 87.1%, Namibia 4% (2016)
Fiscal year [time series]
1 April - 31 March
GDP (official exchange rate) [time series]
$3.786 billion (2016 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (GDP (purchasing power parity)) [time series]
$11.11 billion (2016 est.) | $10.97 billion (2015 est.) | $10.74 billion (2014 est.) | note: data are in 2016 dollars | country comparison to the world: 155
GDP - composition, by end use [time series]
household consumption: 67.4% | government consumption: 15.6% | investment in fixed capital: 14.1% | investment in inventories: -0.1% | exports of goods and services: 36.6% | imports of goods and services: -33.7% (2015 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin [time series]
agriculture: 6.3% | industry: 45.4% | services: 48.3% (2016 est.)
Real GDP per capita (GDP - per capita (PPP)) [time series]
$9,800 (2016 est.) | $9,900 (2015 est.) | $9,900 (2014 est.) | note: data are in 2016 dollars | country comparison to the world: 138
Real GDP growth rate (GDP - real growth rate) [time series]
0% (2016 est.) | 1.1% (2015 est.) | 3.6% (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 193
Gross national saving [time series]
12.8% of GDP (2016 est.) | 23% of GDP (2015 est.) | 11.6% of GDP (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 106
Household income or consumption by percentage share [time series]
lowest 10%: 1.7% | highest 10%: 40.1% (2010 est.)
Imports [time series]
$1.405 billion (2016 est.) | $1.387 billion (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 170
Imports - commodities [time series]
motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals
Imports - partners [time series]
South Africa 60.3%, China 5.3%, Mozambique 5.1% (2016)
Industrial production growth rate [time series]
1.9% (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 113
Industries [time series]
soft drink concentrates, coal, forestry, sugar processing, textiles, and apparel
Inflation rate (consumer prices) [time series]
8% (2016 est.) | 5% (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 195
Labor force [time series]
427,900 (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 158
Labor force - by occupation [time series]
agriculture: 10.7% | industry: 30.4% | services: 58.9% (2014 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares [time series]
$NA | $203.1 million (31 December 2007) | $199.9 million (31 December 2006)
Population below poverty line [time series]
63% (2010 est.)
Public debt [time series]
27.5% of GDP (2016 est.) | 18.6% of GDP (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 167
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold [time series]
$564.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) | $548 million (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 142
Stock of broad money [time series]
$1.015 billion (31 December 2016 est.) | $848.8 million (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 173
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad [time series]
$NA
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home [time series]
$NA
Stock of domestic credit [time series]
$890.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) | $557.8 million (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 169
Stock of narrow money [time series]
$316.6 million (31 December 2016 est.) | $304.6 million (31 December 2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 179
Taxes and other revenues [time series]
26% of GDP (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 114
Unemployment rate [time series]
28% (2014 est.) | 28% (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 199
Energy
Carbon dioxide emissions (Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy) [time series]
600,000 Mt (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 176
Crude oil - exports [time series]
0 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 214
Crude oil - imports [time series]
0 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 214
Crude oil - production [time series]
0 bbl/day (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 215
Crude oil - proved reserves [time series]
0 bbl (1 January 2017) | country comparison to the world: 215
Electricity - consumption [time series]
1.481 billion kWh (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 149
Electricity - exports [time series]
0 kWh (2016) | country comparison to the world: 218
Electricity - from fossil fuels [time series]
35.6% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 176
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants [time series]
21.4% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 85
Electricity - from nuclear fuels [time series]
0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 212
Electricity - from other renewable sources [time series]
43.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 4
Electricity - imports [time series]
1.08 billion kWh (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 65
Electricity - installed generating capacity [time series]
281,000 kW (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 159
Electricity - production [time series]
431 million kWh (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 170
Electricity access [time series]
population without electricity: 900,000 | electrification - total population: 27% | electrification - urban areas: 40% | electrification - rural areas: 24% (2013)
Natural gas - consumption [time series]
0 cu m (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 150
Natural gas - exports [time series]
0 cu m (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 213
Natural gas - imports [time series]
0 cu m (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 212
Natural gas - production [time series]
0 cu m (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 215
Natural gas - proved reserves [time series]
0 cu m (1 January 2014 es) | country comparison to the world: 210
Refined petroleum products - consumption [time series]
5,000 bbl/day (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 176
Refined petroleum products - exports [time series]
0 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 216
Refined petroleum products - imports [time series]
5,029 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 167
Refined petroleum products - production [time series]
0 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 216
Geography
Area [time series]
total: 17,364 sq km | land: 17,204 sq km | water: 160 sq km | country comparison to the world: 159
Area - comparative [time series]
slightly smaller than New Jersey
Climate [time series]
varies from tropical to near temperate
Coastline [time series]
0 km (landlocked)
Elevation [time series]
mean elevation: 305 m | elevation extremes: lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m | highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m
Environment - current issues [time series]
limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion
International environmental agreements (Environment - international agreements) [time series]
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection | signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Geographic coordinates [time series]
26 30 S, 31 30 E
Geography - note [time series]
landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa
Irrigated land [time series]
500 sq km (2012)
Land boundaries [time series]
total: 546 km | border countries (2): Mozambique 108 km, South Africa 438 km
Land use [time series]
agricultural land: 68.3% | arable land 9.8%; permanent crops 0.8%; permanent pasture 57.7% | forest: 31.7% | other: 0% (2011 est.)
Location [time series]
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Map references [time series]
Africa
Maritime claims [time series]
none (landlocked)
Natural hazards [time series]
drought
Natural resources [time series]
asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
Population distribution (Population - distribution) [time series]
because of its mountainous terrain, the population distribution is uneven throughout the country, concentrating primarily in valleys and plains
Terrain [time series]
mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains
Government
Administrative divisions [time series]
4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni
Capital [time series]
name: Mbabane (administrative capital); Lobamba (royal and legislative capital) | geographic coordinates: 26 19 S, 31 08 E | time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Citizenship [time series]
citizenship by birth: no | citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Swaziland | dual citizenship recognized: no | residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Constitution [time series]
history: previous 1968, 1978; latest signed by the king 26 July 2005, effective 8 February 2006 | amendments: proposed at a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament; passage requires majority vote by both houses and/or majority vote in a referendum, and assent by the king; passage of amendments affecting “specially entrenched” constitutional provisions requires at least three-fourths majority vote by both houses, passage by simple majority vote in a referendum, and assent by the king; passage of “entrenched" provisions requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses, passage in a referendum, and assent by the king (2017)
Country name [time series]
conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland | conventional short form: Swaziland | local long form: Umbuso weSwatini | local short form: eSwatini | etymology: "Land of the Swazi" people; the name "Swazi" derives from 19th century King MSWATI II, under whose rule Swazi territory was expanded and unified
Diplomatic representation from the US [time series]
chief of mission: Ambassador Lisa J. PETERSON (since February 2016) | embassy: corner of MR 103 and Cultural Center Drive, Ezulwini | mailing address: P.O. Box D202, The Gables, H106 | telephone: [268] 2417-9000 | FAX: [268] 2416-3344
Diplomatic representation in the US [time series]
chief of mission: Ambassador Njabuliso Busisiwe Sikhulile GWEBU (since 24 April 2017) | chancery: 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009 | telephone: [1] (202) 234-5002 | FAX: [1] (202) 234-8254
Executive branch [time series]
chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986) | head of government: Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso DLAMINI (since 23 October 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Paul DLAMINI (since 2013) | cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister, confirmed by the monarch | elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from among elected members of the House of Assembly
Flag (Flag description) [time series]
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; blue stands for peace and stability, red represents past struggles, and yellow the mineral resources of the country; the shield, spears, and staff symbolize protection from the country's enemies, while the black and white of the shield are meant to portray black and white people living in peaceful coexistence
Government type [time series]
absolute monarchy
Independence [time series]
6 September 1968 (from the UK)
International law organization participation [time series]
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation [time series]
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Judicial branch [time series]
highest court(s): the Supreme Court of the Judicature comprising the Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 6 justices) and the High Court (consists of the chief justice - ex officio - and at least 12 justices); note - the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in all constitutional matters | judge selection and term of office: justices of the Supreme Court of the Judicature appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission or JSC, a judicial advisory body consisting of the Supreme Court Chief Justice, 4 members appointed by the monarch, and the JSC head; justices of both courts eligible for retirement at age 65 with mandatory retirement at age 75 for Supreme Court justices and at age 70 for High Court justices | subordinate courts: magistrates' courts; National Swazi Courts for administering customary/traditional laws (jurisdiction restricted to customary law for Swazi citizens) | note: the national constitution as amended in 2006 shifted judicial power from the monarch and vested it exclusively in the judiciary
Legal system [time series]
mixed legal system of civil, common, and customary law
Legislative branch [time series]
description: bicameral Parliament or Libandla consists of the Senate (30 seats; 20 members appointed by the monarch and 10 indirectly elected by simple majority vote by the House of Assembly; members serve 5-year terms) and the House of Assembly (65 seats; 55 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed and 10 members appointed by the monarch; members serve 5-year terms) | elections: House of Assembly - last held on 24 August 2013 with a runoff on 20 September 2013 (next scheduled for September 2018) | election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 55
National anthem(s) (National anthem) [time series]
name: "Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (Oh God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi) | lyrics/music: Andrease Enoke Fanyana SIMELANE/David Kenneth RYCROFT | note: adopted 1968; uses elements of both ethnic Swazi and Western music styles
National holiday [time series]
Independence Day (Somhlolo Day), 6 September (1968)
National symbol(s) [time series]
lion, elephant; national colors: blue, yellow, red
Political parties (Political parties and leaders) [time series]
the status of political parties, previously banned, is unclear under the 2006 Constitution; the following are considered political associations: | African United Democratic Party or AUDP [Sibusiso DLAMINI] | Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC [Dr. Alvit DLAMINI] | People's United Democratic Movement or PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU] | Swaziland Democratic Party or SWADEPA [Jan SITHOLE]
Political parties (Political pressure groups and leaders) [time series]
Swaziland United Democratic Front or SUDF | Trade Union Congress of Swaziland or TUCOSWA | Swaziland Solidarity Network or SSN
Suffrage [time series]
18 years of age
Introduction
Background [time series]
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 King MSWATI III, Africa's last absolute monarch, to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in 2006, but the legal status of political parties was not defined and their status remains unclear. Swaziland has surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.
Military and Security
Military and security forces (Military branches) [time series]
Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF): Ground Force (includes Air Wing (no operational aircraft)) (2013)
Military expenditures [time series]
1.81% of GDP (2016) | 1.78% of GDP (2015) | 1.81% of GDP (2014) | 1.88% of GDP (2013) | 1.89% of GDP (2012) | country comparison to the world: 18
Military service age and obligation [time series]
18-30 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; compulsory HIV testing required, only HIV-negative applicants accepted (2012)
People and Society
Age structure [time series]
0-14 years: 35.01% (male 259,646/female 253,976) | 15-24 years: 22.12% (male 164,117/female 160,478) | 25-54 years: 34.6% (male 264,262/female 243,362) | 55-64 years: 4.3% (male 25,319/female 37,763) | 65 years and over: 3.97% (male 22,113/female 36,116) (2017 est.)
Birth rate [time series]
24 births/1,000 population (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 55
Children under the age of 5 years underweight [time series]
5.8% (2014) | country comparison to the world: 84
Contraceptive prevalence rate [time series]
66.1% (2014)
Death rate [time series]
13.2 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 13
Demographic profile [time series]
Swaziland, a small, predominantly rural, landlocked country surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique, suffers from severe poverty and the world’s highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate. A weak and deteriorating economy, high unemployment, rapid population growth, and an uneven distribution of resources all combine to worsen already persistent poverty and food insecurity, especially in rural areas. Erratic weather (frequent droughts and intermittent heavy rains and flooding), overuse of small plots, the overgrazing of cattle, and outdated agricultural practices reduce crop yields and further degrade the environment, exacerbating Swaziland’s poverty and subsistence problems. Swaziland’s extremely high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate – more than 28% of adults have the disease – compounds these issues. Agricultural production has declined due to HIV/AIDS, as the illness causes households to lose manpower and to sell livestock and other assets to pay for medicine and funerals. | Swazis, mainly men from the country’s rural south, have been migrating to South Africa to work in coal, and later gold, mines since the late 19th century. Although the number of miners abroad has never been high in absolute terms because of Swaziland’s small population, the outflow has had important social and economic repercussions. The peak of mining employment in South Africa occurred during the 1980s. Cross-border movement has accelerated since the 1990s, as increasing unemployment has pushed more Swazis to look for work in South Africa (creating a “brain drain” in the health and educational sectors); southern Swazi men have continued to pursue mining, although the industry has downsized. Women now make up an increasing share of migrants and dominate cross-border trading in handicrafts, using the proceeds to purchase goods back in Swaziland. Much of today’s migration, however, is not work-related but focuses on visits to family and friends, tourism, and shopping.
Dependency ratios [time series]
total dependency ratio: 68.8 | youth dependency ratio: 63.5 | elderly dependency ratio: 5.2 | potential support ratio: 19.1 (2015 est.)
Drinking water source [time series]
urban: 93.6% of population | rural: 68.9% of population | total: 74.1% of population | urban: 6.4% of population | rural: 31.1% of population | total: 25.9% of population (2015 est.)
Education expenditure (Education expenditures) [time series]
7.1% of GDP (2014) | country comparison to the world: 12
Ethnic groups [time series]
African 97%, European 3%
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate [time series]
27.2% (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 1
HIV/AIDS - deaths [time series]
3,900 (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 35
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS [time series]
220,000 (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 26
Health expenditure (Health expenditures) [time series]
9.3% of GDP (2014) | country comparison to the world: 34
Hospital bed density [time series]
2.1 beds/1,000 population (2011)
Infant mortality rate [time series]
total: 48.4 deaths/1,000 live births | male: 52.2 deaths/1,000 live births | female: 44.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 34
Languages [time series]
English (official, used for government business), siSwati (official)
Life expectancy at birth [time series]
total population: 52.1 years | male: 52.7 years | female: 51.5 years (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 220
Literacy [time series]
definition: age 15 and over can read and write | total population: 87.5% | male: 87.4% | female: 87.5% (2015 est.)
Major infectious diseases [time series]
degree of risk: intermediate | food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever | vectorborne disease: malaria | water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2016)
Major urban areas - population [time series]
MBABANE (capital) 66,000 (2014)
Maternal mortality ratio (Maternal mortality rate) [time series]
389 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 29
Median age [time series]
total: 21.7 years | male: 21.5 years | female: 21.9 years (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 181
Mother's mean age at first birth [time series]
19.5 years | note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2006/07 est.)
Nationality [time series]
noun: Swazi(s) | adjective: Swazi
Net migration rate [time series]
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 101
Obesity - adult prevalence rate [time series]
16.5% (2016) | country comparison to the world: 124
Physician density (Physicians density) [time series]
0.15 physicians/1,000 population (2009)
Population [time series]
1,467,152 | 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, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 154
Population distribution [time series]
because of its mountainous terrain, the population distribution is uneven throughout the country, concentrating primarily in valleys and plains
Population growth rate [time series]
1.08% (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 102
Religions [time series]
Christian 90% (Zionist - a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%, other 8% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, indigenous religionist, Jewish) (2015 est.)
Sanitation facility access [time series]
urban: 63.1% of population | rural: 56% of population | total: 57.5% of population | urban: 36.9% of population | rural: 44% of population | total: 42.5% of population (2015 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) [time series]
total: 11 years | male: 12 years | female: 11 years (2013)
Sex ratio [time series]
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female | 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female | 15-24 years: 1.02 male(s)/female | 25-54 years: 1.08 male(s)/female | 55-64 years: 0.66 male(s)/female | 65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female | total population: 1 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
Total fertility rate [time series]
2.69 children born/woman (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 68
Urbanization [time series]
urban population: 21.3% of total population (2017) | rate of urbanization: 1.41% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international [time series]
in 2006, Swazi king advocated resorting to ICJ to claim parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa
Transportation
Airports [time series]
14 (2013) | country comparison to the world: 149
Airports - with paved runways [time series]
total: 2 | over 3,047 m: 1 | 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways [time series]
total: 12 | 914 to 1,523 m: 5 | under 914 m: 7 (2013)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix [time series]
3D (2016)
National air transport system [time series]
number of registered air carriers: 1 | inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 | annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 89,791 | annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 0 mt-km (2015)
Railways [time series]
total: 301 km | narrow gauge: 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2014) | country comparison to the world: 123
Roadways [time series]
total: 3,594 km | paved: 1,078 km | unpaved: 2,516 km (2002) | country comparison to the world: 160