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country profile
swaziland

The Kingdom of Swaziland is the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere covering just over 17,000km² with a population of 1, 126,000 in 2005. It is land-locked, surrounded by Mozambique in the east and South Africa on the other borders.  The majority of Swaziland’s population (77%) are based in the rural areas where traditional political and social structures are still dominant. The rural social and economic infrastructure is based on subsistence farming and rearing livestock.  Some income in rural areas is generated from migrant and seasonal labor, and it is common for at least one family member to be employed in the formal sector.  Rural homesteads are distributed sparsely throughout the country resulting in very few social services and infrastructure (roads, schools, clinics, water, electricity).   The major cities, towns and villages are relatively modern and westernized, governed by formal local authorities.

Swaziland inherited a constitution written by the British which was suspended in 1973 by King Sobhuza II who deemed it did not reflect Swazi culture.  Four years later parliament reconvened under a new constitution that vested all power in the King. After the death of Sobhuza, King Mswati III came to power in 1986, who continues to maintain and represent tradition as the ruling monarch.  He runs the Kingdom with the Council of Ministers. Swaziland has a dual system of government. The King appoints the Prime Minister. The Upper House (Senate) has 30 members, 20 appointed by the King and 10 are elected from members of the public by the Lower House. The Lower House (House of Assembly) has the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and 53 members.  There is also the Swazi National Council which represents the traditional government.  All Adult males are entitled to participate in this structure which focuses on traditional law and custom. 

Population
The population in 2005 was estimated at 1, 126,000 people.  More than 40% of the population is under 15 years of age.   About 77% of the people live in rural areas while 23% reside in towns.

HIV /AIDS
Recent statistics estimate that 40% of the population is HIV positive, 66% of which comprise people living below the poverty line. HIV/AIDS has impacted significantly on the 20 to 39 year old age bracket, with an estimated 47% of this group HIV positive. Statistics indicate that the virus is also prevalent in the 15 to 24 age group. NERCHA (National Emergency Response Committee on HIV/AIDS) estimates life expectancy will be 29 years in 2010, a decline from the 2001 life expectancy of 38.2 years.  The country now has approximately 80,000 AIDS orphans and this is expected to double by 2010.

Economy
Unemployment is an increasing problem as the economy struggles with low growth and greater numbers of people falling below the poverty line. There has been a gradual deterioration in economic performance, witnessed by the economic growth rate estimated at 1, 6% during 2002/3 which was a further decline from 1, 8% recorded in 2001/2. A sluggish recovery of the global economy and changing climatic conditions which include periods of drought for the farming community, have continued to have a negative impact on the agriculture sector. As a small land locked country with limited domestic markets, Swaziland’s economic performance depends on export-oriented industries and is thus influenced by global trends, commodity prices, capital and aid flow.

Geography
There are four distinct regions in Swaziland from lush forest in the north west to dry savanna in the east. These represent a surprising ecological variety considering the country’s small size. Summers are hot and wet; winters, dry and cool.  The western Highveld is characterized by mountainous topography and dominated by Swaziland’s forestry industry (Pine and Eucalypt plantations). The Middleveld is the centre of agriculture due to the lower altitude, moderate climate, fertile soils and good rainfall.  The Lowveld makes up the largest proportion of the country (40%) but suffers regular drought conditions.  Irrigation has opened up this area to sugar cane plantations and cattle farming on a commercial scale.  The smallest region known as the Lubombo forms a mountainous border with Mozambique to the east.  

Information from:

• Swaziland Business Year Book 2006
• Millennium Development Goals Country Report Dec. 2003
• Overview of HIV, AIDS in Swaziland, Weekend Observer: June 3rd & 4th, 2006.