SWAZILAND
WELCOME
The landlocked Kingdom of Swaziland is the only absolute monarchy in Africa. The country is ruled by King Mswati III who rules by decree over his people. Swaziland has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world and an estimated 70% of people live below the poverty line.
Freedom of speech is restricted, all political parties are banned and any opposition to the monarchy is heavily punished. Swaziland is a beautiful country ravaged by poor governance and HIV/AIDS.
The Facts
Capital: Mbabane
Major religion: Christianity
Main Languages: SiSwati and English
Key exports: sugar, minerals
Government: ruled by monarch assisted by appointed Prime Minister and cabinet
King: Mswati III
Most recent House of Assembly elections: 2013
Next scheduled House of Assembly elections: 2018
The Figures
HIV prevalence: 26.1% aged 15-49 (UK: 0.2%)
Adult literacy rate: 80% aged 15 and older (UK: >99%)
GDP per capita: US$5,058 (UK: US$34,340)
Life expectancy at birth: 47 years (UK: 80 years)
Under-five mortality rate: 83 per 1,000 live births (UK: 6 per 1,000 live births)
2010 Human Development Index Ranking (out of 169 countries): 121
US State Department Human Rights Report 2016 - Swaziland can be found here.
