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About Swaziland : Facts about Swaziland
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Serene and beautiful, Swaziland is renowned for its beauty and peaceful environment. Travellers are drawn to the land for many reasons: Its natural diversity, its breathtaking vistas, and its famously friendly locals. King Mswati III presides over the land, which is imbued with a strong African identity and informed by traditional values.
Exploring the country reveals a juxtaposition of game-rich expanses and bustling villages. The former provides excellent wildlife and photographic opportunities for visitors, while the latter, arts and crafts, fresh vegetable markets and traditional medicine are defining features. Natural attractions in Swaziland include its waterfalls and lush, forested ravines. The country is also well-known for its hand-crafted candles and Ngwenya glass sculptures.
Swaziland has a fascinating history and landscape. If you’re a visitor to the country, you may be keen to know more about the Kingdom:
• Read important travel information on Swaziland – including details about its major cities, languages, climate, culture, business hours and public holidays.
• Discover facts about Swaziland and its heritage.
• Find your way using Swaziland maps.
• Read on to learn more about the Swazi history, Swaziland currency and other information about Swaziland.
Swaziland history in brief
During the 15th and 16th centuries, African people of Nguni descent migrated southward from Central Africa. Eventually, during the mid-18th century, a group of them settled in the area which is now Swaziland. These people, the Nkosi Dlamini, became known as the Swazis, and today both names live on in the country. Nkosi means ‘king’ and Dlamini is the surname of the royal family. The country derives its actual name from a later king, Mswati I, but another name, Ngwane, is an alternative word for Swaziland.
Geography and climate
The Kingdom of Swaziland is a land-locked country, bordered by Mozambique in the east and South Africa on the other sides. It has a subtropical climate, with average summer temperatures of 15–25 degrees Celsius, and average winter temperatures of 15-19 degrees Celsius. Rainfall at higher altitudes varies from 1,000 to 1,600mm annually, while in the lower areas, it averages 500 to 600mm annually. The country’s highest point is Emlembe at 1,862m, and the lowest is the Great Usuthu River at 21m. The Swazi landscape boasts a variety of habitats and many types of flora and fauna.
Swaziland currency and conversions
In Swaziland, the unit of currency is the Lilangeni (E1 – 100 cents), and its value is on a par with the South African Rand’s. The South African Rand can be used in the Kingdom of Swaziland (notes only). Local notes are issued in denominations of E200 (green), E100 (brown), E50 (orange), E20 (maroon) and E10 (blue). There are E5, E2, E1 in gold coins and 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c pieces in silver coins.
Swaziland maps
Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, covering an area of just 17,000 square kilometres. Explore a Swaziland map to find the best places of interest and orientate yourself in this small but diverse monarchy.
Be sure to explore the region’s top attractions, find out about Swaziland tours, or book accommodation in Swaziland.
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