Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Eswatini
Kingdom of Eswatini
CapitalLobamba
Population1,256,174
GDP$5.2bn
Area17,364 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2023, 2021, 2018, 2005In 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.
Geography
Location
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 17,364 sq km
land: 17,204 sq km
water: 160 sq km
land: 17,204 sq km
water: 160 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries
total: 546 km
border countries: Mozambique 108 km; South Africa 438 km
border countries: Mozambique 108 km; South Africa 438 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
varies from tropical to near temperate
Terrain
mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains
Elevation
highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m
lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m
mean elevation: 305 m
lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m
mean elevation: 305 m
Natural resources
asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
Land use
agricultural land: 69.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 58.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 25.4% (2023 est.)
other: 5.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 58.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 25.4% (2023 est.)
other: 5.2% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
500 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Population 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
Natural hazards
drought
Geography - note
landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa
Population & Society
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
adjective: Swati; note - former term, Swazi, still used among English speakers
Ethnic groups
predominantly Swazi; smaller populations of other African ethnic groups, including the Zulu, as well as people of European ancestry
Languages
English (official, used for government business), siSwati (official)
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.)
Reference: 2015Age 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)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 64.3% (male 341,298/female 390,884)
65 years and over: 4% (2024 est.) (male 16,974/female 28,765)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 55.4 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 49.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.2 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 16 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 49.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.2 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 16 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 24.6 years (2024 est.)
male: 23.4 years
female: 25.8 years
Reference: 2024male: 23.4 years
female: 25.8 years
Population growth rate
0.7% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
22.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
9.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population 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
Major urban areas - population
68,000 MBABANE (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
Maternal mortality ratio
118 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.17 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 65.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 73.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 34.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26.5% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 65.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 73.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 34.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26.5% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.56 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 92.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 84.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 86.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 7.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 15.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 13.8% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 84.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 86.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 7.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 15.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 13.8% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
16.5% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
Tobacco use
total: 8.5% (2025 est.)
male: 16.1% (2025 est.)
female: 1.2% (2025 est.)
male: 16.1% (2025 est.)
female: 1.2% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
5% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Currently married women (ages 15-49)
37.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.1% (2022)
women married by age 18: 1.9% (2022)
men married by age 18: 0% (2022)
Reference: 2022women married by age 18: 1.9% (2022)
men married by age 18: 0% (2022)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 4,459 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 56 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 56 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Edeupa Yerimin | — | 2023-11-04 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Mswati III | — | 1986-04-25 | Current | Reported |
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: note: pronounced ay-swatini or eh-swatini
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: note: pronounced ay-swatini or eh-swatini
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
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
Administrative divisions
4 regions; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni
Legal system
mixed system of civil, common, and customary law
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
Reference: 2006, 2005, 1978, 1968amendment 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
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
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
citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Eswatini
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age
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
Reference: 2023, 1986head 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
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Libandla)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
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: note: four women, one representing each region, elected by the members if representation of elected women is less than 30%
Reference: 2028, 2023number 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: note: four women, one representing each region, elected by the members if representation of elected women is less than 30%
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
Reference: 2028, 2023number 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
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: note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in all constitutional matters
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: note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in all constitutional matters
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
African United Democratic Party or AUDP
Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC
People's United Democratic Movement or PUDEMO
Swazi Democratic Party or SWADEPA
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
Reference: 2022chancery: 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
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)
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)
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
Independence
6 September 1968 (from the UK)
Reference: 1968National holiday
Independence Day (Somhlolo Day), 6 September (1968)
Reference: 1968Flag
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
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
National symbol(s)
lion, elephant
National color(s)
blue, yellow, red
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”
Reference: 1968National 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
Reference: 1968lyrics/music: Andrease Enoke Fanyana SIMELANE/David Kenneth RYCROFT
history: adopted 1968; uses elements of both ethnic Swazi and Western music styles
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eswatini official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Eswatini | — | — | — |
Economy
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
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $12.885 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $12.553 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $12.135 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $12.553 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $12.135 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $10,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $10,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $10,000 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $10,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $10,000 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 6.8% (2023 est.)
industry: 34.7% (2023 est.)
services: 51.7% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023industry: 34.7% (2023 est.)
services: 51.7% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
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: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government 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: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, root vegetables, grapefruits, oranges, milk, pineapples, bananas, beef, sweet potatoes (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
soft drink concentrates, coal, forestry, sugar processing, textiles, and apparel
Industrial production growth rate
0.5% (2023 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2023note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
390,600 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 58.2% (2024 est.)
male: 56% (2024 est.)
female: 60.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 56% (2024 est.)
female: 60.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
58.9% (2016 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2016note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2016: 54.6 (2016 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2016note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.4% (2016 est.)
highest 10%: 42.7% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2016highest 10%: 42.7% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $1.217 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $1.439 billion (2021 est.)
note: 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
Reference: 2021expenditures: $1.439 billion (2021 est.)
note: 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
Public debt
Public debt 2021: 35.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2021note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
24.5% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2021note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $107.534 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$140.972 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $125.318 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$140.972 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $125.318 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $2.174 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $2.095 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $2.132 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $2.095 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $2.132 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
South Africa 61%, Ireland 4%, Mozambique 4%, Kenya 4%, Nigeria 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
scented mixtures, raw sugar, industrial acids/oils/alcohols, garments, wood (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $2.351 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $2.288 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $2.173 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $2.288 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $2.173 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 71%, China 8%, India 4%, USA 2%, Mozambique 1% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, electricity, plastic products, cotton fabric, garments (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $479.261 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $452.352 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $572.282 million (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $452.352 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $572.282 million (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $923.266 million (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: emalangeni per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 18.318 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.454 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.362 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 14.783 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 16.47 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 18.318 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 18.454 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 16.362 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 14.783 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 16.47 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $107.534 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$140.972 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $125.318 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$140.972 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $125.318 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $2.174 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $2.095 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $2.132 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $2.095 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $2.132 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
South Africa 61%, Ireland 4%, Mozambique 4%, Kenya 4%, Nigeria 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
scented mixtures, raw sugar, industrial acids/oils/alcohols, garments, wood (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $2.351 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $2.288 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $2.173 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $2.288 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $2.173 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 71%, China 8%, India 4%, USA 2%, Mozambique 1% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, electricity, plastic products, cotton fabric, garments (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 1.308 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 928.237 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 167.476 million kWh (2023 est.)
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.)
Reference: 2023solar: 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.)
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 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.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 6,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 18.823 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 42,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
118 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.56 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Obesity - adult prevalence rate
16.5% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 8.5% (2025 est.)
male: 16.1% (2025 est.)
female: 1.2% (2025 est.)
male: 16.1% (2025 est.)
female: 1.2% (2025 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of civil, common, and customary law
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: note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in all constitutional matters
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: note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in all constitutional matters
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force (UEDF): Army (includes a small air wing); the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 3,000 active-duty Defense Force (2023)
Reference: 2023Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the UEDF has a light and small inventory of mostly older equipment originating from Europe, South Africa, and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-35 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2023)
Reference: 2023Military - 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 (2024)
Reference: 2024, 1973International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
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
Reference: 2022chancery: 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
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)
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)
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
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1968-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1968-09-24 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
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
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 4,459 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 56 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 56 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
3DC
Airports
16 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Railways
total: 301 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 301 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Reference: 2014narrow gauge: 301 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Environment
Environmental issues
limited supplies of potable water; overhunting depleting wildlife; population growth, deforestation, and overgrazing lead to soil erosion and soil degradation
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
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
varies from tropical to near temperate
Land use
agricultural land: 69.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 58.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 25.4% (2023 est.)
other: 5.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 58.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 25.4% (2023 est.)
other: 5.2% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 24.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.42% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 2.42% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total 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.)
Reference: 2023from 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.)
Particulate matter emissions
16.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 218,200 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 17.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 17.3% (2022 est.)
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.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 20.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.006 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
4.51 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 42,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
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)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.sz
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,149,507 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 1,158,195 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 1,168,929 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 1,179,874 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 1,192,729 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 1,206,593 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 1,218,917 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 1,230,506 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,242,822 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 1,256,174 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $3,722,306,117 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $4,462,640,651 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $4,643,751,059 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $4,617,018,959 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $4,134,677,810 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $4,807,069,277 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $4,746,660,274 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $4,621,191,262 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $4,858,885,841 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $5,160,679,613 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 32,858 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 33,268 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 31,331 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 28,204 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 29,821 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 33,323 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 37,292 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 28,381 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 19,033 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 11,561 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -12,481 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -8,658 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -8,546 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -8,439 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -4,242 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -4,242 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -8,549 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -8,549 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -6,754 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -5,775 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,256,174 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 1,269,859 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 1,230,506 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 33,268 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 2.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 11,561 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -5,775 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 220 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 472 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.113 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -1.784 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -0.798 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | -0.667 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | -1.628 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -2.045 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -1.601 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Male illegal since 22 February 1907 (as the Swaziland Protectorate; not enforced, repeal proposed); Penalty: Unknown; Yes Female always legal | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes / No Hate speech ban, only in broadcasting. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Recognized since 1984 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $5,160,679,613 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $4,108 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 4.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 2.6% | 2019 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 34.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 64.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.7 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 26.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 63.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 53.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 53.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 107.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 90.8% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 82.0% | 2016 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 89.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 1,200 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 64.7% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 7.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 42.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 29.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 139.8 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 2.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 117 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -26.5225° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 31.4659° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -26.4833° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 31.4333° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | South Africa Standard Time, UTC+02:00, Africa/Mbabane | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | absolute monarchy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
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Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:15