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Kingdom of Swaziland

History

Government Observers

Country Facts

Swaziland is one of the world's last remaining absolute monarchies, with the king ruling by decree over his subjects who live mainly in rural areas and maintain traditional ways of life. The nation's historical roots date back to the early nineteenth century when the Swazi people were pushed northward by the expanding Zulu empire. By the 1840’s, the Swazis were powerful enough to undergo a northwestern expansion and successfully demarcate their territorial boundaries with their Zulu neighbors. Under the skilled leadership of King Mswati II, Swaziland was able to maintain its independence until 1894.

Originally administered by South Africa's Boer republic, Swaziland came under British colonial control in 1903 after the Boers were defeated in 1902 by the British. It was not until 1944 that the colonial government finally recognized the Swazi monarch as the territory's traditional authority with the legal right to issue directives to the Swazi people. This development was followed by the realization, on the part of the United Kingdom, that Swaziland could not be incorporated into the Union of South Africa because of the intensification of the latter's post-WWII racial politics. By the early 1960’s, the push for independence was underway with the emergence of several nationalist political parties. The Imbokodvo National Movement (INM) garnered the greatest support because it closely identified itself with traditional forms of Swazi life, which were still widespread in the rural areas, where the vast majority of Swazis live.

In 1968, Swaziland became independent and executive authority was constitutionally vested in the king. It was King Sobhuza II, who had been the Swazi monarch since 1921, that assumed leadership of Swaziland. Sobhuza led a successful campaign to regain a considerable portion of the land that was appropriated by the British during the colonial period. In an attempt to preserve the power of the monarch, he also banned all political parties and trade unions. The death of Sobhuza in 1982 marked the beginning of internal disputes over control of the monarchy. In 1986, Prince Makhosetive assumed the kingship under the title of King Mswati III. It has been under his reign, and because of widespread political activism, that Swaziland has begun a process of democratic reforms. However, these reforms have been slow in materializing and limited in their scope and this has increased the tension between opposition groups and the Mswati led government. The future of Swaziland largely depends on how and when this tension is resolved.

Chairman's Statement:

Unlike some of its regional neighbors, Swaziland has yet to undrape its diamond potential as Botswana and South Africa has, subsequently the verdict regarding its diamond potential is still out. In the meantime, Swazi’s government continues to play a significant leadership role in ensuring that the regions diamond production is favorable to regional ADC members.

Head of State: His Majesty King MSWATI III (Makhosetive Dlamini)

Minister of Natural Resources & Energy: Princess TSANDZILE

Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy

P.O. Box 57

Mbabane, Swaziland

Telephone: +268 46 244

Fax: +268 42 436

Population: 1354,051

Capital: Mbabane

Major languages: siSwati and English (both are official languages)

Major religions: Christianity, Indigenous Belief Systems, Islam

Life expectancy: 53 years (men), 61 years (women)

Monetary unit: 1 Lilangeni = 100 cents

Main exports: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Average annual income: US $1,290

Internet domain: .sz

International dialing code: +268