World · permanent entity record · WZ

Eswatini

Thirty-second orientation

Eswatini at a glance

Capital: Mbabane (administrative capital); Lobamba (royal and legislative capital); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 1,256,174; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 17,364 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: liSwati (singular), emaSwati (plural); note - former term, Swazi(s), still used among English speakers; adjective: Swati; note - former term, Swazi, still used among English speakers; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: absolute monarchy; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: English (official, used for government business), siSwati (official); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Eswatini through time

1968-09-24
Admitted to the United Nations
Eswatini became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	1,256,174World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 1,137,268 (2025 est.) male: 557,204 female: 580,064CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-20

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $5.2 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $4,108; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 64.3 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 26.7%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 89.3%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 63.4%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Mbabane (administrative capital); Lobamba (royal and legislative capital); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 17,364 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 1,256,174; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: emalangeni; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: English (official, used for government business), siSwati (official); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: liSwati (singular), emaSwati (plural); note - former term, Swazi(s), still used among English speakers; adjective: Swati; note - former term, Swazi, still used among English speakers; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: absolute monarchy; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1968-09-24; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Africa.”
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Christian 90% (Zionist - a blend of Christianity and traditional African religions - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other Christian 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Church of Jesus Christ, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%, other 8% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, indigenous, Jewish) (2015 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: blue, red, yellow, black, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: lion, elephant; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Emlembe · 6,109 ft (1,862 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Great Usutu River · 69 ft (21 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-20 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: A Swazi kingdom was founded in the mid-18th century and ruled by a series of kings, including MSWATI II, a 19th century ruler whose name was adopted for the country and its predominant ethnic group. European countries defined the kingdom’s modern borders during the late-19th century, and Swaziland (as it became known) was administered as a UK high commission territory from 1903 until its independence in 1968. A new constitution that came into effect in 2005 included provisions for a more independent parliament and judiciary, but the legal status of political parties remains unclear, and the kingdom is still considered an absolute monarchy. King MSWATI III renamed the country from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018 to reflect the name most commonly used by its citizens. In 2021, MSWATI III used security forces to suppress prodemocracy protests. A national dialogue and reconciliation process agreed to in the wake of violence has not materialized. In November 2023, King MSWATI III appointed a new prime minister following peaceful national elections. Despite its classification as a lower-middle income country, Eswatini suffers from severe poverty, corruption, and high unemployment. Eswatini has the world's highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, although recent years have shown marked declines in new infections. Eswatini is the only country in Africa that recognizes Taiwan.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geographic coordinates: 26 30 S, 31 30 E; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Map references: Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area: total : 17,364 sq km land: 17,204 sq km water: 160 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land boundaries: total: 546 km border countries (2): Mozambique 108 km; South Africa 438 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maritime claims: none (landlocked); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Elevation: highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m mean elevation: 305 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 69.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 58.1% (2023 est.) forest: 25.4% (2023 est.) other: 5.2% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Irrigated land: 500 sq km (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: because of its mountainous terrain, the population distribution is uneven throughout the country, concentrating primarily in valleys and plains as shown in this population distribution map; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural hazards: drought; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geography - note: landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

People and Society33 fields

Population: total: 1,137,268 (2025 est.) male: 557,204 female: 580,064; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nationality: noun: liSwati (singular), emaSwati (plural); note - former term, Swazi(s), still used among English speakers adjective: Swati; note - former term, Swazi, still used among English speakers; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ethnic groups: predominantly Swazi; smaller populations of other African ethnic groups, including the Zulu, as well as people of European ancestry; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Languages: English (official, used for government business), siSwati (official); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Religions: Christian 90% (Zionist - a blend of Christianity and traditional African religions - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other Christian 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Church of Jesus Christ, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%, other 8% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, indigenous, Jewish) (2015 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 31.6% (male 180,328/female 179,840) 15-64 years: 64.3% (male 341,298/female 390,884) 65 years and over: 4% (2024 est.) (male 16,974/female 28,765); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 52.2 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 44.7 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 7.5 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 13.3 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Median age: total: 24.8 years (2025 est.) male: 23.4 years female: 25.8 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population growth rate: 0.87% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Birth rate: 20.66 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Death rate: 8.3 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Net migration rate: -3.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: because of its mountainous terrain, the population distribution is uneven throughout the country, concentrating primarily in valleys and plains as shown in this population distribution map; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 24.8% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.42% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major urban areas - population: 68,000 MBABANE (capital) (2018); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 118 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 38 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 40.7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 32.5 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 60.7 years (2024 est.) male: 58.7 years female: 62.8 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total fertility rate: 2.64 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 1.3 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 98% of population (2022 est.) rural: 65.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 73.5% of population (2022 est.) urban: 2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 34.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 26.5% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Health expenditure: 7% of GDP (2021) 11.3% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Physician density: 0.56 physicians/1,000 population (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 92.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 84.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 86.2% of population (2022 est.) urban: 7.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 15.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 13.8% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 16.5% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 7.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 2.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 5.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Tobacco use: total: 8.5% (2025 est.) male: 16.1% (2025 est.) female: 1.2% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 5% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 36.4% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 0.1% (2022) women married by age 18: 1.9% (2022) men married by age 18: 0% (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Education expenditure: 6% of GDP (2024 est.) 19.2% national budget (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Literacy: total population: 90.8% (2022 est.) male: 91.1% (2022 est.) female: 90.4% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Environment10 fields

Environmental issues: limited supplies of potable water; overhunting depleting wildlife; population growth, deforestation, and overgrazing lead to soil erosion and soil degradation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 69.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 58.1% (2023 est.) forest: 25.4% (2023 est.) other: 5.2% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 24.8% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.42% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 1.326 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 410,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 916,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 16.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 218,200 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 17.3% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 41.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 20.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 1.006 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total renewable water resources: 4.51 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Government25 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Eswatini conventional short form: Eswatini local long form: Umbuso weSwatini local short form: eSwatini former: Swaziland etymology: the country name derives from 19th century King MSWATI II, under whose rule Swati territory was expanded and unified note: pronounced ay-swatini or eh-swatini; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Government type: absolute monarchy; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Capital: 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) etymology: the origin of the name is unclear; it may come from the Mbabane River next to the city, whose name is said to derive from the word lubabe, a type of shrub; another theory cites a local chief, Mbabane KUNENE, as the source of the name; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Administrative divisions: 4 regions; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legal system: mixed system of civil, common, and customary law; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Constitution: history: previous 1968, 1978; latest signed by the king 26 July 2005, effective 8 February 2006 amendment process: 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 of 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 of the king; passage of "entrenched" provisions requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses, passage in a referendum, and assent of the king; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Eswatini dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986) head of government: Prime Minister Russell DLAMINI (since 6 November 2023) cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister, confirmed by the monarch; at least one-half of the cabinet membership must be appointed from among elected members of the House of Assembly election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from among members of the House of Assembly; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Parliament (Libandla) legislative structure: bicameral; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch - lower chamber: chamber name: House of Assembly number of seats: 74 (59 directly elected; 4 indirectly elected; 10 appointed) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 9/29/2023 percentage of women in chamber: 21.6% expected date of next election: September 2028 note: four women, one representing each region, elected by the members if representation of elected women is less than 30%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch - upper chamber: chamber name: Senate number of seats: 30 (10 indirectly elected; 20 appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 11/6/2023 percentage of women in chamber: 46.7% expected date of next election: November 2028; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 4 justices) and the High Court (consists of the chief justice ex officio and 4 justices) judge selection and term of office: justices of the Supreme Court and High Court appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), a judicial advisory body consisting of the Supreme Court Chief Justice, 4 members appointed by the monarch, and the chairman of the Civil Service Commission; justices of both courts eligible for retirement at age 65 with mandatory retirement at age 75 subordinate courts: magistrates' courts; National Swazi Courts for administering customary/traditional laws (jurisdiction restricted to customary law for Swazi citizens) note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in all constitutional matters; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Political parties: political parties exist but conditions for their operations, particularly in elections, are undefined, legally unclear, or culturally restricted; the following are considered political associations: African United Democratic Party or AUDP Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC People's United Democratic Movement or PUDEMO Swazi Democratic Party or SWADEPA; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kennedy Fitzgerald GROENING (7 June 2022) chancery: 1712 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 234-5002 FAX: [1] (202) 234-8254 email address and website: swaziland@compuserve.com; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) Chargé d’Affaires Marc WEINSTOCK (since August 2025) embassy: Corner of MR 103 and Cultural Center Drive, Ezulwini, P.O. Box D202, The Gables, H106 mailing address: 2350 Mbabane Place, Washington DC 20521-2350 telephone: (268) 2417-9000 FAX: [268] 2416-3344 email address and website: ConsularMbabane@state.gov Homepage - U.S. Embassy in Eswatini (usembassy.gov); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International organization participation: 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Independence: 6 September 1968 (from the UK); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National holiday: Independence Day (Somhlolo Day), 6 September (1968); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Flag: description: three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple-width), and blue; the red band is edged in yellow, with a large black-and-white shield in the center that covers two horizontal spears and a staff with feather tassels meaning: blue stands for peace and stability, red for past struggles, and yellow for the mineral resources of the country; the shield, spears, and staff symbolize protection from enemies, and the shield colors stand for ethnic groups living in peaceful coexistence; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National symbol(s): lion, elephant; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National color(s): blue, yellow, red; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National coat of arms: the national coat of arms was adopted in 1968 after independence from the United Kingdom; two national symbols, the lion (representing the king of Eswatini) and the elephant (representing the queen mother), support a traditional Nguni shield; above the shield is the king's lidlabe, or crown of feathers, and at the bottom is Eswatini's motto, Siyinqaba, or "We are the fortress”; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (O God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi) lyrics/music: Andrease Enoke Fanyana SIMELANE/David Kenneth RYCROFT history: adopted 1968; uses elements of both ethnic Swazi and Western music styles; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Economy31 fields

Economic overview: landlocked southern African economy; South African trade dependent and currency pegging; CMA and SACU member state; COVID-19 economic slowdown; growing utilities inflation; persistent poverty and unemployment; HIV/AIDS labor force disruptions; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $12.885 billion (2024 est.) $12.553 billion (2023 est.) $12.135 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 2.6% (2024 est.) 3.4% (2023 est.) 1.1% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP per capita: $10,400 (2024 est.) $10,200 (2023 est.) $10,000 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $4.892 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (2019 est.) 4.8% (2018 est.) 6.2% (2017 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 6.8% (2023 est.) industry: 34.7% (2023 est.) services: 51.7% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 64% (2023 est.) government consumption: 19.5% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.1% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: 3.1% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 48.7% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -51.4% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Agricultural products: sugarcane, maize, root vegetables, grapefruits, oranges, milk, pineapples, bananas, beef, sweet potatoes (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industries: soft drink concentrates, coal, forestry, sugar processing, textiles, and apparel; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 0.5% (2023 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Labor force: 390,600 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Unemployment rate: 34.4% (2024 est.) 35.1% (2023 est.) 35.4% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 58.2% (2024 est.) male: 56% (2024 est.) female: 60.3% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population below poverty line: 58.9% (2016 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 54.6 (2016 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.4% (2016 est.) highest 10%: 42.7% (2016 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Remittances: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.) 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.) 2.8% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Budget: revenues: $1.217 billion (2021 est.) expenditures: $1.439 billion (2021 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Public debt: 35.9% of GDP (2021 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 24.5% (of GDP) (2021 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Current account balance: $107.534 million (2023 est.) -$140.972 million (2022 est.) $125.318 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports: $2.174 billion (2023 est.) $2.095 billion (2022 est.) $2.132 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - partners: South Africa 61%, Ireland 4%, Mozambique 4%, Kenya 4%, Nigeria 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - commodities: scented mixtures, raw sugar, industrial acids/oils/alcohols, garments, wood (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports: $2.351 billion (2023 est.) $2.288 billion (2022 est.) $2.173 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - partners: South Africa 71%, China 8%, India 4%, USA 2%, Mozambique 1% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, electricity, plastic products, cotton fabric, garments (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $479.261 million (2023 est.) $452.352 million (2022 est.) $572.282 million (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Debt - external: $923.266 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exchange rates: emalangeni per US dollar - 18.318 (2024 est.) 18.454 (2023 est.) 16.362 (2022 est.) 14.783 (2021 est.) 16.47 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Energy6 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 82.3% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 86.1% electrification - rural areas: 81.6%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 285,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 1.308 billion kWh (2023 est.) imports: 928.237 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 167.476 million kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 3.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 4.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 54.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 37.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coal: production: 253,000 metric tons (2023 est.) consumption: 202,000 metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 4,000 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 201,000 metric tons (2023 est.) proven reserves: 4.644 billion metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 6,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 18.823 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 35,600 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1.74 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 140 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station; satellite dishes can access South African providers; state-owned radio network with 3 channels; 1 private radio station (2019); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet country code: .sz; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 58% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 34,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transportation4 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 3DC; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Airports: 16 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Heliports: 1 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Railways: total: 301 km (2014) narrow gauge: 301 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Military and Security6 fields

Military and security forces: Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force (UEDF): Army (includes a small air wing); the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.7% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: estimated 3,000 active-duty Defense Force (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the UEDF has a small inventory of mostly older light weapons and equipment originating from Europe, South Africa, Taiwan, and the US (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military service age and obligation: 18-35 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military - note: the UEDF’s primary mission is external defense, which includes mostly securing the borders; it also has domestic security responsibilities, including protecting members of the royal family; the king is the UEDF commander in chief and holds the position of minister of defense, although the UEDF reports to the Army commander and principal undersecretary of defense for day-to-day operations; the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is responsible for maintaining internal security as well as migration and border crossing enforcement; it is under the prime minister, although the king is the force’s titular commissioner in chief; the UEDF was originally created in 1973 as the Royal Swaziland Defense Force (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transnational Issues1 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 4,459 (2024 est.) IDPs: 56 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.

Eswatini at a glance

Eswatini through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile