SWAZILAND

Compiled from the October 2003 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Kingdom of Swaziland

PROFILE
PEOPLE
HISTORY
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
ECONOMY
FOREIGN RELATIONS
U.S.-SWAZILAND RELATIONS
TRAVEL

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 17,363 sq. km. (6,704 sq. miles); slightly smaller than New Jersey.

Major cities: Mbabane (capital, pop. 60,000), Manzini (principal commercial city, pop. 65,000).

Terrain: Mountainous plateau to savanna.

Climate: Near temperate to tropical.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Swazi(s).

Population: (2002) 1 million.

Annual growth rate: (2002) 2%.

Ethnic groups: The overwhelming majority of the population is Swazi.

Religion: It is estimated that the population is 35% Protestant, 30% Zionist (indigenous), 25% Roman Catholic, 1% Islamic, with the remaining 9% divided between other beliefs.

Official languages: Siswati and English.

Education: Years compulsory—none. Attendance—65% primary and 44% secondary. Literacy—79%.

Health: Infant mortality rate (2001)—89/1,000. Life expectancy—33 years.

Work force: Agriculture and forestry—21.4%; construction—6.1%; distribution—10.5%; finance—8.3%; manufacturing—20.1%; mining and quarry—1%; services—32.6%; transport—2.9%.

Government

Type: Monarchy.

Independence: September 6, 1968.

Constitution: No constitution in effect. In 2001 His Majesty King Mswati III appointed a committee to draft a new constitution. The draft was released for comment in May 2003. It is currently undergoing review before coming to a vote for ratification. The means by which the vote of ratification will take place has not yet been determined.

Branches: Executive—monarch (head of state), prime minister (head of government), cabinet (appointed by the king at the recommendation of the prime minister). Legislative—Parliament consisting of the House of Assembly (65 members: 55 elected, 10 appointed by the king) and senate (30 members: 10 elected from the House of Assembly, 20 appointed by the king) Judicial—a dual court system of traditional courts under chiefs and a Roman-Dutch system comprising magistrates courts, high court, court of appeals.

Administrative subdivisions: 4 regions, 9 municipal governments, and 55 tinkhundla centers (traditional administrative units).

Political parties: None permitted by law.

Suffrage: Universal after 18.

Economy

GDP: (2003) $2.08 billion.

GDP real growth rate: (2001) 1.8%.

Per capita income: (2001) $1,294.

Inflation: (2002) 12%.

Natural resources: coal, diamonds, quarry stone, timber, talc.

Agriculture: (9.6% of GDP) Products—sugarcane, corn, citrus fruits, livestock, wood, pineapple, tobacco, rice, peanuts.

Manufacturing: (36.3% of GDP) Types—sugar refining, light manufactured goods, wood pulp, textiles, ginned cotton, processed foods, consumer goods.

Trade: (2002) Exports—$820 million: soft drink concentrates, sugar, pulp, canned fruits, cotton yarn. Major markets—South Africa, EU, Mozambique, U.S. Imports—$938 million: chemicals, clothing, foodstuffs, machinery, motor vehicles, petroleum products.

PEOPLE

The majority of the population is ethnic Swazi, mixed with a small number of Zulus and non-Africans. Traditionally Swazis have been subsistence farmers and herders, but most now work in the growing urban formal economy and in government. Some Swazis work in the mines in South Africa. Christianity in Swaziland is sometimes mixed with traditional beliefs and practices. Most Swazis ascribe a special spiritual role to the monarch.

The country's official languages are Siswati (a language related to Zulu) and English. Government and commercial business is conducted mainly in English.

HISTORY

According to tradition, the people of the present Swazi nation migrated south before the 16th century to what is now Mozambique. Following a series of conflicts with people living in the area of modern Maputo, the Swazis settled in northern Zululand in about 1750. Unable to match the growing Zulu strength, the Swazis moved gradually northward in the 1800s and established themselves in the area of modern or present Swaziland.

They consolidated their hold under several able leaders. The most important was Mswati II, from whom the Swazis derive their name. Under his leadership in the 1840s, the Swazis expanded their territory to the Northwest and stabilized the southern frontier with the Zulus.

Contact with the British came early in Mswati's reign, when he asked British authorities in South Africa for assistance against Zulu raids into Swaziland. It also was during Mswati's reign that the first whites settled in the country. Following Mswati's death, the Swazis reached agreements with British and South African authorities over a range of issues, including independence, claims on resources by Europeans, administrative authority, and security. South Africans administered the Swazi interests from 1894 to 1902. In 1902 the British assumed control.

In 1921 Swaziland established its first legislative body—an advisory council of elected European representatives mandated to advise the British high commissioner on non-Swazi affairs. In 1944, the high commissioner conceded that the council had no official status and recognized the paramount chief, or king, as the native authority for the territory to issue legally enforceable orders to the Swazis.

In 1921, after more than 20 years of rule by Queen Regent Lobatsibeni, Sobhuza II became Ngwenyama (lion) or head of the Swazi nation. In the early years of colonial rule, the British expected that Swazil and would eventually be incorporated into South Africa. After World War II, however, South Africa's intensification of racial discrimination induced the United Kingdom to prepare Swaziland for independence. Political activity intensified in the early 1960s. Several political parties were formed and jostled for independence and economic development. The largely urban parties had few ties to the rural areas, where the majority of Swazis lived. The traditional Swazi leaders, including King Sobhuza II and his Inner Council, formed the Imbokodvo National Movement (INM), a political group that capitalized on its close identification with the Swazi way of life. Responding to pressure for political change, the colonial government scheduled an election in mid-1964 for the first legislative council in which the Swazis would participate. In the election, the INM and four other parties, most having more radical platforms, competed in the election. The INM won all 24 elective seats.

Having solidified its political base, INM incorporated many demands of the more radical parties, especially that of immediate independence. In 1966, the U.K. Government agreed to discuss a new constitution. A constitutional committee agreed on a constitutional monarchy for Swaziland, with self-government to follow parliamentary elections in 1967. Swaziland became independent on September 6, 1968. Swaziland's post-independence elections were held in May 1972. The INM received close to 75% of the vote. The Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) received slightly more than 20% of the vote which gained the party three seats in parliament.

In response to the NNLC's showing, King Sobhuza repealed the 1968 constitution on April 12, 1973 and dissolved parliament. He assumed all powers of government and prohibited all political activities and trade unions from operating. He justified his actions as having removed alien and divisive political practices incompatible with the Swazi way of life. In January 1979, a new parliament was convened, chosen partly through indirect elections and partly through direct appointment by the king.

King Sobhuza II died in August 1982, and Queen Regent Dzeliwe assumed the duties of the head of state. In 1984, an internal dispute led to the replacement of the prime minister and eventual replacement of Dzeliwe by a new Queen Regent Ntombi. Ntombi's only child, Prince Makhosetive, was named heir to the Swazi throne. Real power at this time was concentrated in the Liqoqo, a supreme traditional advisory body that claimed to give binding advice to the Queen Regent. In October 1985, Queen Regent Ntombi demonstrated her power by dismissing the leading figures of the Liqoqo. Prince Makhosetive returned from school in England to ascend to the throne and help end the continuing internal disputes. He was enthroned as Mswati III on April 25, 1986. Shortly afterwards he abolished the Liqoqo. In November 1987, a new parliament was elected and a new cabinet appointed.

In 1988 and 1989, an underground political party, the Peoples' United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) criticized the king and his government, calling for democratic reforms. In response to this political threat and to growing popular calls for greater accountability within government, the king and the prime minister initiated an ongoing national debate on the constitutional and political future of Swaziland. This debate produced a handful of political reforms, approved by the king, including direct and indirect voting, in the 1993 national elections.

The government also has been criticized by both domestic groups and international observers for significant interference starting in late 2002 with the independence of the judiciary, Parliament and freedom of the press. Swaziland has been without a Court of Appeals since the Court's resignation en masse in December 2002 in protest of the government's refusal to abide by the Court's decisions in two important rulings. Other related events have been the resignation of the Chief Justice, the removal of two other Justices of the High Court, interference by the Palace with Parliament, and the official announcement of new censorship rules.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

According to Swazi law and custom, the monarch holds supreme executive, legislative, and judicial powers. In general practice, however, the monarch's power is delegated through a dualistic system: modern, statutory bodies, like the cabinet, and less formal traditional government structures. At present, parliament consists of a 65-seat House of Assembly (55 members are elected through popular vote; 10 are appointed by the king) and 30-seat Senate (10 members are appointed by the House of Assembly, and 20 are appointed by the king). The king must approve legislation passed by parliament before it becomes law. The prime minister, who is head of government, and the cabinet, which is recommended by the prime minister and approved by the king, exercises executive authority.

For local administration Swaziland is divided into four regions, each with an administrator appointed by the king. Parallel to the government structure is the traditional system consisting of the king and his advisers, traditional courts, and 55 Tinkhundla (subregional districts in which traditional chiefs are grouped).

Swaziland is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) which the U.S. began negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with in May 2003. The other members of SACU are Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa.

Principal Government Officials
Last Updated: 12/3/03

King: Mswati III,

Prime Minister: Dlamini, Absalom Themba

Dep. Prime Min.: Shabangu, Albert

Min. for Agriculture: Fakudze, Mtiti

Min. for Economic Planning: Dlamini, Absalom Muntu, Rev.

Min. for Education: Simelane, Constance

Min. for Enterprise & Employment: Dlamini, Lufto

Min. for Finance: Sithole, Majozi

Min. for Foreign Affairs & Trade: Dlamini, Mabili David

Min. for Health: Shongwe, Sipho

Min. for Home Affairs: Prince Gabheni

Min. for Housing & Urban Development: Sukati, Dumsile

Min. for Justice: Dlamini, David, Prince

Min. for Natural Resources: Nkambule, Mfomfo

Min. for Public Service & Information: Msibi, Themba

Min. for Public Works & Transport: Shongwe, Elijah

Min. for Tourism & Environment: Shongwe, Thandie

Governor, Central Bank: Dlamini, Martin

Ambassador to the US: Kanya, Mary Madzandza

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Mamba, Clifford Sibusiso

Swaziland maintains an embassy in the United States at Suite 3M, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-362-6683; fax. 202-244-8059). Swaziland's UN Mission is at 866 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017 (tel. 212-371-8910)

ECONOMY

Swaziland ranks among the more prosperous countries in Africa. Most of the high-level economic activity is in the hands of non-Africans, but ethnic Swazis are becoming more active. Small entrepreneurs are moving into middle management positions. Although 70% of Swazis live in rural areas, nearly every homestead has a wage earner. The past few years have seen wave ring economic growth, which has been exacerbated by the economy's inability to create new jobs at the same rate that new job seekers enter the market. This is due largely in part to the country's population growth rate that strains the natural heritage and the country's ability to provide adequate social services, such as health care and education. Over-grazing, soil depletion, drought, and floods are persistent problems.

Nearly 60% of Swazi territory is held by the Crown in trust of the Swazi nation. The balance is privately owned, much of it by foreigners. The questions of land use and ownership remains a very sensitive one. For Swazis living on rural homesteads, the principal occupation is either subsistence farming or livestock herding. Culturally, cattle are important symbols of wealth and status, but they are being used increasingly for milk, meat, and profit.

Swaziland enjoys well-developed road links with South Africa. It also has railroads running east to west and north to south. The older east-west link, called the Goba line, makes it possible to export bulk goods from Swaziland through the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. Until recently, most of Swaziland's imports were shipped through this port. Conflict in Mozambique in the 1980s diverted many Swazi exports to ports in South Africa. A north-south rail link, completed in 1986, provides a connection between the Eastern Transvaal rail network and the South African ports of Richard's Bay and Durban.

The sugar industry, based solely on irrigated cane, is Swaziland's leading export earner and private-sector employer. Soft drink concentrate (a U.S. investment) is the country's largest export earner, followed by wood pulp and lumber from cultivated pine forests. Pineapple, citrus fruit, and cotton are other important agricultural exports.

Swaziland mines coal and diamonds for export. There also is a quarry industry for domestic consumption. Mining contributes about 1.8% of Swaziland's GDP each year but has been declining in importance in recent years.

Recently, a number of industrial firms have located at the industrial estate at Matsapha near Manzini. In addition to processed agricultural and forestry products, the fast-growing industrial sector at Matsapha also produces garments, textiles, and a variety of light manufactured products. The Swaziland Industrial Development Company (SIDC) and the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA) have assisted in bringing many of these industries to the country. Government programs encourage Swazi entrepreneurs to run small and medium-sized firms. Tourism also is important, attracting more than 424,000 visitors annually (mostly from Europe and South Africa).

From the mid-1980s foreign investment in the manufacturing sector boosted economic growth rates significantly. Since mid-1985, the depreciated value of the currency has increased the competitiveness of Swazi exports and moderated the growth of imports, generating trade surpluses. During the 1990s, the country often ran small trade deficits. South Africa and the European Union are major customers for Swazi exports. The United States is a significant market for Swazi sugar, a market that would presumably extend to textiles should Swaziland become a beneficiary of the African Growth Opportunity Act.

Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and the Republic of South Africa form the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), where import duties apply uniformly to member countries. Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa also are members of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) in which repatriation and unrestricted funds are permitted. Swaziland issues its own currency, the lilangeni (plural: emalangeni), which is at par with the South African rand.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Swaziland is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), COMESA, and SADC. Eleven accredited ambassadors or honorary consuls are resident in the country. Swaziland maintains diplomatic missions in Brussels, Copenhagen, Kuala Lumpur, London, Maputo, Nairobi, Pretoria, Taipei, the United Nations, and Washington.

U.S.-SWAZILAND RELATIONS

The United States of America seeks to maintain and strengthen the good bilateral relations that have existed since the kingdom became independent in 1968. U.S. policy stresses continued economic and political reform and improved industrial relations.

In the past, the United States assisted Swaziland in institutional and human resources development, agricultural development, and the expansion of the rural health sector and rural water systems. Assistance presently focuses on education and military training but also helps in private sector development and HIV and AIDS awareness. The U.S. Government sends about 30 Swazi professionals to the United States each year, from both the public and private sectors, primarily for masters and doctorate degrees.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

Mbabane (E), 7th Fl., Central Bank Bldg., Warner Street • P.O. Box 199, Mbabane, Swaziland, Tel [268] 404-6441/5, Fax 404-5959. E-mail: [email protected]

Last Modified: Monday, October 07, 2002

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet
May 22, 2003

Country Description: Swaziland is a small, developing nation in southern Africa. Several well-developed facilities for tourism are available. The capital is Mbabane.

Entry and Exit Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not generally required for tourists and business travelers coming to Swaziland for short visits (less than 60 days) on standard U.S. passports. For further information on visa requirements, contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland, 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009; phone (202) 234-5002.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry and departure.

Safety and Security: Civil unrest and disorder are rare. However, in recent years, differences between the government and various civic groups, including labor unions, have led to mass labor strikes which can disrupt services for days at a time. The most recent strike took place in March 2003 and lasted two days. U.S. citizens should maintain a low profile, avoid political rallies and street demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times.

Crime Information: Petty street crime, primarily theft of money and personal property, occurs with some frequency. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings. A typical mugging in Mbabane involves a group of young males that surrounds a victim. Purse snatchers will often work in teams of two, with one person acting as a diversion.

Do not display or carry unnecessary valuables in public. Cell phones are a target for thieves and should be kept in a purse or backpack. Money should only be converted at authorized currency exchanges and never with street vendors.

Armed carjackings have occasionally occurred in Manzini, but less frequently in Mbabane and the outlying areas of the country. Travelers are urged not to try to fight off robbers. Automobile doors should remain locked at all times, and valuables should be placed in the trunk or under seats and out of view. When stopped at a stop sign, leave adequate maneuver room between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Travelers who are victims of crime should immediately report the incident to the nearest police station. If there is an emergency, the police can be contacted by dialing '999'.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas,
in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited throughout Swaziland. Although the Mbabane Clinic in the capital is small, it is well equipped and well staffed for minor procedures. For advanced care, Americans often choose to go to South Africa where better facilities and specialists exist. Most prescription drugs are available locally or can be imported from South Africa, but travelers are advised to bring sufficient quantities of their own required medication. While not necessary, a doctor's note describing the medication may be helpful if questioned by authorities.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

Other Health Information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Swaziland is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Swaziland has a basic network of paved, two-lane routes, including a new, divided super-highway between the two largest cities, Mbabane and Manzini, and a new highway connecting Mbabane with the closest border post with South Africa. However, the remaining are dirt roads, even in urban areas. Several other factors make driving in Swaziland hazardous. Cars drive on the left side of the road in Swaziland. Many drivers travel at high rates of speed, well above the generally-posted limit of 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour. Except on stretches of highway, there is little lighting. Poor visibility is exacerbated by frequent fog and severe storms, especially in the Highveld where Mbabane is located. Free-range cattle and people attempting to hitch rides along the roadways pose further hazards, especially at night.

Take extra care while driving at night, as rural and suburban areas are poorly lit and pose additional safety hazards due to pedestrians and animals crossing the road. Many vehicles are poorly maintained and lack headlights.

For additional information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Swazi driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Embassy of Swaziland.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Swaziland, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Swaziland's civil aviation authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at 618-229-4801.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Swazi law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Swaziland are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.

Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living in or visiting Swaziland are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Swaziland and obtain updated information on travel and security within Swaziland. The U.S. Embassy is located in the Central Bank Building on Warner Street in the capital city of Mbabane. The mailing address is Box 199, Mbabane, Swaziland. The telephone number is (268) 404-6441/5; fax (268) 404-5959. The U.S. Embassy website is http://usembassy.state.gov/mbabane/.