Swaziland - At a GlanceCapital: MbabaneArea: 17,363 sq. km Population: 1.2 million Adult literacy: 82.6% male, and 80.8% female Per capita: US$ 5,100 / annum Languages: English (official, government business), SiSwati (official) Religion: Zionist 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%; Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish, and other, 30% Life expectancy: 35.7 years In 1906 the tiny area nestled within South Africa now known as Swaziland became a High Commission Territory ruled by a British commissioner. In 1963 Britain granted limited self-government to Swaziland and in 1968 granted complete independence, with the king as head of state and a parliament which decides on the cabinet and prime minister. In 1973, King Sobhuza II assumed personal rule, a position that strengthened by the adoption of a new constitution in 1978. In 1986 King Maswati III succeeded King Sobhuza. Swaziland?s first parliamentary elections were held in 1993. Swaziland possesses a largely agriculture-based economy, although manufacturing—sugar and wood pulp in particular—has increased since the 1980s and has supported foreign trade, especially since the decline of mining in the country. Swaziland shares a strong trade partnership with South Africa, which provides substantial revenue from customs duties and remittances. Environmental degradation has been detrimental to this small, landlocked country. Swaziland also suffers from the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world, with the disease infecting nearly 40% of the country?s adult population. Sources:
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