Swaziland

With its multitude of great peaks, beautiful waterfalls and lush forests, The Kingdom of Swaziland is often known as the "Switzerland of Africa." The smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere, roughly the size of New Jersey, Swaziland's diverse terrain makes it perfect for climbing, hiking or camping. Other activities offered at major resorts are golf, tennis, squash and a variety of wildlife tours. In addition, travelers find that expeditions to some of the most exciting National parks in the world—the Hlane Royal National Park, the Mlawula Nature Reserve, Hawana Park, and the Malolotja Nature Reserve—are amongst the best things to do in Swaziland.

Climate
The rainy season is from December to April. May through August is usually cool with frosts in June and July, while the hottest month is October. Generally speaking, rain falls mostly during the summer months, often in the form of thunderstorms, which cool off the hot days. The Kingdom is divided into three distinct regions, the highland region has a humid, near temperate climate, the middleland is sub-tropical and somewhat drier, and the lowland is almost tropical and definitely sub-humid.

Arts and Crafts
Some of the Kingdom’s most celebrated venues are its traditional art and craft outlets, which feature the unique handcraft industry. The local craftspeople are skilled at creating souvenirs commemorating African Holidays or simply decorative figures to bring home as a special keepsake. The formal craft sector produces a multitude of goods, including hand-woven and knitted fabrics, tapestries, screen-printed items, jewelry, ornamental candles and glassware.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Like other African nations, Swaziland has a number of protected nature reserves and game parks open to visitors. A substantial effort is underway to bring wildlife back to these parks, and to educate those not yet aware of these national treasures. Located roughly halfway between Mbabane and Manzini lives the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The altitude of the park ranges from 670 to 1456m and supports a wide variety of wildlife. Travel through the park is possible by private car but also can be arranged by an open four-wheel drive vehicle. The Sangaweni Gate allows convenient access to The Rest Camp, Nyonyane Camp and the Backpackers Lodge. The expansive complex also includes a craft center in which the local community sells items made from the raw materials found in the park.

Spas
There are a number of thermal springs in Swaziland, including the Cuddle Puddle in the Ezulwini Valley. Surrounded by pleasant grass, the alkaline, soda carbonate water swimming pool produces a relaxing and invigorating experience. In addition, the Swazi Spa Health and Beauty Studio features a series of dome-shaped concrete buildings modeled after traditional Swazi thatched huts. You will find a sauna, can take your pick of massages, therapeutic baths or enjoy the solarium and gymnasium.

Sporting Activities
Sporting activities are enjoyed year-round in Swaziland due to its tremendous climate. Championship golf, tennis, squash, lawn bowls, horse-riding, hiking, water sports and fishing are just a few of the things a visitor can look forward to on their trip. Cricket is played at country clubs but the most popular team sport is soccer throughout the country.

Casinos
Another major attraction in Swaziland is it’s casinos. These are located at the Royal Swazi Sun Hotel complex, in the heart of the Ezulwini Valley, at the Nhlangano Sun in the South, and at the Protea Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino in the North. There are the traditional "fruit machines" and their derivatives with rolling drums, and electronic poker and blackjack machines. The casinos, which often charge a fee for non-hotel guests, are otherwise free and elegantly informal. As with most casinos, personnel are always on hand to lend the novice their friendly advice.

Location: Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Area-comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey

Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate

Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Natural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Geography—note: landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

Population: 985,335 (July 1999 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Swazi(s)
adjective: Swazi

Ethnic groups: African 97%, European 3%

Religions: Christian 60%, indigenous beliefs 40%

Languages: English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)

Country name:
conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland
conventional short form: Swaziland

Government type: monarchy; independent member of Commonwealth

Capital: Mbabane
note: Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital

Constitution: none; constitution of 6 September 1968 was suspended 12 April 1973; a new constitution was promulgated 13 October 1978, but was not formally presented to the people; since then a few more outlines for a constitution have been compiled but so far none have been accepted

Legal system: based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts and Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Flag description: 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

Economy—overview: In this small landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies more than 60% of the population. Manufacturing features a number of agroprocessing factories. Exports of soft drink concentrate, sugar and wood pulp are the main earners of hard currency. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa from which it receives nearly all of its imports and to which it sends more than half of its exports. Remittances from Swazi workers in South African mines supplement domestically earned income by as much as 20%. The government is trying to improve the atmosphere for foreign investment.

Industries: mining (coal and asbestos), wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates

Currency: 1 lilangeni (E) = 100 cents

Telephone system:
domestic: system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio relay
international: satellite earth station? Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Railways:
total: 297 km; note—includes 71 km which are not in use
narrow gauge: 297 km 1.067-m gauge

Highways:
total: 3,810 km
paved: N/A
unpaved: N/A

Waterways: none

Ports and harbors: none

Military branches: Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (Army), Royal Swaziland Police Force

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