Eswatini
Eswatini is a landlocked absolute monarchy in Southern Africa known for its rich cultural traditions and mountainous landscapes. Recent estimates indicate a population of approximately 1.3 million people, with a GDP per capita projected at $4,146. The country borders Mozambique and South Africa and covers a total land area of 17,364 km² (6,704 sq mi).
Where is Eswatini?
Eswatini
- Continent
- Africa
- Country
- Eswatini
- Coordinates
- -26.50°, 31.50°
Population Details
- Population
- 1.3M
- Area
- 17,364 km²
- Density per km²
- 73 / km²
- Growth rate
- +1.00%
- Annual growth
- +12.6K people
- Daily growth
- +34.59 people
- World population share
- 0.02%
Population Trend
Historical series from 1960 to 2026
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Eswatini
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Mbabane
- Region
- Africa
- Area
- 17,364 km²
- Languages
- English, Swazi
- Currency
- Swazi lilangeni (L), South African rand (R)
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
The economy is characterized by its integration with regional markets, particularly South Africa, through a shared customs union and currency ties. Current figures show an annual GDP growth rate of 3.0%, while the GDP per capita ranks global 147 of 212 and regional (Africa) 13 of 54. However, the nation faces a significant labor challenge with an unemployment rate of 34.2%, which ranks global 1 of 186. Key industries include agriculture and manufacturing, supported by natural resources such as coal, timber, and quarry stone.
Society
Human development in Eswatini is marked by an adult literacy rate of 90.75%, which ranks global 99 of 170. Current health data indicates a life expectancy at birth of 64.3 years, placing the nation at a rank of global 190 of 215. Digital access is expanding steadily across the country, with internet users comprising 63.4% of the population, a figure that ranks global 148 of 212.
Climate & Environment
Eswatini features a subtropical climate that varies significantly by altitude, with the western Highveld reaching elevations of 1,862 m (6,109 ft) at Emlembe. The region experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with most rainfall occurring from October to March during the warm summer months.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- absolute monarchy
- Independence
- 1968-09-06 (United Kingdom)
Eswatini is one of the world's last absolute monarchies, where the King, known as the Ngwenyama, holds supreme authority over the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. King Mswati III has ruled since 1986, succeeding his father, King Sobhuza II. The political system operates under a unique non-partisan framework called the Tinkhundla system, which emphasizes traditional Swazi law and custom alongside modern statutory bodies. While there is a bicameral parliament consisting of a House of Assembly and a Senate, its role is primarily advisory; the King appoints the Prime Minister and several members of both legislative chambers. Political parties are generally restricted from participating in elections, which take place every five years. The monarch also exercises authority through the appointment of judges and traditional chiefs. This dual system of governance seeks to maintain indigenous heritage within a modern administrative context, although the centralized power of the monarchy remains a focal point of domestic political discourse.
History
The history of Eswatini is defined by the migration of the Swazi people into the region during the 18th century under the leadership of Ngwane III. The kingdom expanded and consolidated its territory during the 19th century, notably under King Mswati II, from whom the nation derives its name. During the colonial era, the territory became a British protectorate following the Second Boer War, a status that lasted for more than 60 years. Eswatini gained full independence from the United Kingdom on 6 September 1968. King Sobhuza II, who reigned for 82 years, became a pivotal figure who sought to preserve traditional Swazi identity while navigating post-colonial development. In 1973, he suspended the British-designed constitution to restore the traditional system of governance. Following his death, his son Mswati III was crowned in 1986. To mark the 50th anniversary of independence and the King’s 50th birthday, the monarch officially renamed the country from Swaziland to the Kingdom of Eswatini in 2018. Recent history has seen the nation focus on economic diversification and managing public health crises, while balancing the preservation of ancient cultural traditions with contemporary political and social pressures.
Notable Facts
- Eswatini is the last absolute monarchy in Africa, with the King reigning alongside the Queen Mother, who is known as the Ndlovukati or 'She-Elephant.'
- The country is home to Sibebe Rock, which is the world's second-largest monolith, a massive granite outcrop located just north of the capital city, Mbabane.
- The annual Umhlanga, or Reed Dance, is a major cultural event attracting tens of thousands of participants in a traditional ceremony that honors the Queen Mother.
- The nation contains the world's oldest known mine, the Ngwenya Mine, where evidence of iron ore extraction dates back more than 42,000 years.
- Despite its small land area of 17,364 km² (6,704 sq mi), the country features four distinct geographic regions with varying climates, including the mountainous Highveld and subtropical Lowveld.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Emlembe (1,862 m)
- Lowest Point
- Great Usutu River (21 m)
- Coastline
- 0 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in EswatiniExplore weather and climate data for cities in Eswatini
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Mbabane
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C / 16°C | 27°C / 17°C | 18days (275 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 82% Humid | Good | View Details |
| February | 24°C / 16°C | 26°C / 17°C | 20days (230 mm) Wet | 8.7h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| March | 24°C / 15°C | 26°C / 16°C | 16days (132 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 84% Humid | Good | View Details |
| April | 22°C / 12°C | 23°C / 12°C | 13days (123 mm) Wet | 8.8h Good | 82% Humid | Good | View Details |
| May best | 21°C / 9°C | 20°C / 8°C | 6days (42 mm) Good | 9.5h Good | 75% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| June best | 19°C / 7°C | 17°C / 4°C | 4days (17 mm) Good | 9.5h Good | 67% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| July best | 19°C / 6°C | 17°C / 4°C | 4days (16 mm) Good | 9.4h Good | 63% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| August best | 21°C / 8°C | 19°C / 6°C | 6days (24 mm) Good | 9.3h Good | 65% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 22°C / 11°C | 22°C / 9°C | 9days (58 mm) Wet | 9.3h Good | 70% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| October | 22°C / 12°C | 23°C / 11°C | 15days (118 mm) Wet | 8.9h Good | 76% Humid | Good | View Details |
| November | 23°C / 14°C | 25°C / 14°C | 19days (153 mm) Wet | 9.2h Good | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| December | 24°C / 15°C | 26°C / 16°C | 23days (233 mm) Wet | 8.9h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 24°C / 16°C . Feb: 24°C / 16°C . Mar: 24°C / 15°C . Apr: 22°C / 12°C . May: 21°C / 9°C . Jun: 19°C / 7°C . Jul: 19°C / 6°C . Aug: 21°C / 8°C . Sep: 22°C / 11°C . Oct: 22°C / 12°C . Nov: 23°C / 14°C . Dec: 24°C / 15°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 275 mm. Feb: 230 mm. Mar: 132 mm. Apr: 123 mm. May: 42 mm. Jun: 17 mm. Jul: 16 mm. Aug: 24 mm. Sep: 58 mm. Oct: 118 mm. Nov: 153 mm. Dec: 233 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Eswatini is approximately 1.3M (2024).
The capital of Eswatini is Mbabane.
Eswatini's GDP per capita is $4.1K (2024).
Life expectancy in Eswatini is 64.26 years (2024).
Eswatini covers 17,364 km² (6,704 sq mi).
Eswatini has a moderate population density of 73 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Eswatini's population is growing steadily at 1.0% per year, in line with global averages.
Based on GDP per capita, Eswatini falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $4.1K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Eswatini's intentional homicide rate is 12.5 per 100,000 people, above the global average.
Eswatini has 2 official languages: English, Swazi.
Eswatini uses the Swazi lilangeni (L) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Eswatini are May, June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.
Recent estimates show Eswatini has a population of approximately 1.3 million people. This reflects an annual growth rate of about 1.0% and a population density of 73.7 people per km² (191 per sq mi). The nation currently holds a population rank of global 158 of 215 and regional (Africa) 49 of 54.
The unemployment rate in Eswatini is high at 34.2%, based on the latest available data. This figure places the country at a rank of global 1 of 186 when measuring from the largest percentage to the smallest. This significant labor challenge persists despite steady annual GDP growth of approximately 3.0%.
Current records indicate that Eswatini maintains a high adult literacy rate of 90.75%. This educational achievement places the country at a rank of global 99 of 170. The nation's commitment to education has helped it maintain a strong literacy level compared to many other countries within the Southern Africa subregion.
The average life expectancy at birth in Eswatini is currently 64.3 years according to recent estimates. This places the country at a rank of global 190 of 215. While the nation faces public health hurdles, it continues to work toward improving health outcomes for its approximately 1.3 million residents.
Latest projections show that Eswatini has a GDP per capita of $4,146. This economic indicator ranks the country 13 of 54 in Africa and 147 of 212 globally. In terms of total economic output, the nation holds a GDP rank of global 168 of 212 and regional (Africa) 42 of 54.
Recent data indicates that 63.4% of the population in Eswatini are internet users. This level of digital connectivity gives the country a rank of global 148 of 212 for internet penetration. Connectivity is particularly important for the urban population, which currently accounts for approximately 26.2% of the total 1.3 million residents.
The estimated 2026 population of Eswatini is 1,267,700 people. This figure is projected from the latest official 2024 data of 1,242,822. The country maintains a steady annual growth rate of approximately 1%, reflecting a stabilizing demographic trend as the nation continues to recover from previous public health challenges.
Eswatini currently holds the global rank of 158 out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it is the 49th most populous country in Africa and is the smallest nation by population in the Southern Africa subregion, where it ranks 6th out of 6.
The current estimated 2026 population density is 73.7 people per km² (191 per sq mi). This places Eswatini 134th in the world for population density. The highest concentrations of people are found in the Middleveld region, particularly around the urban corridor between Mbabane and Manzini.
The population of Eswatini is growing at an annual rate of 0.99%. Latest estimates show a net increase of approximately 34 people per day, which is the result of roughly 81 daily births minus 26 daily deaths. This growth is consistent with a moderate demographic transition.
The fertility rate in Eswatini is 2.7 births per woman according to the latest 2024 data. This rate has declined significantly over the last few decades from historical highs. The current rate ranks Eswatini 64th globally for fertility, as the nation moves toward smaller family sizes.
Approximately 26.2% of Eswatini's population lives in urban areas, making it one of the least urbanized countries in the world. Recent data ranks the country 200th out of 215 for urbanization. The majority of citizens reside in rural communities and traditional homesteads throughout the kingdom.
All Indicators
Explore Eswatini's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
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