Country Profile: Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. As of 2025, it has a population of approximately 1.1 million, with a significant portion of its citizens facing severe poverty and high unemployment rates. The country's economy is closely tied to South Africa, while its political structure remains an absolute monarchy, with a recent history of political unrest and calls for greater democracy. Despite its challenges, Eswatini has made improvements in healthcare, particularly in reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

Geography

Eswatini is situated in Southern Africa, surrounded almost entirely by South Africa and bordered to the east by Mozambique. The country covers an area of 17,364 sq km, with a landscape predominantly characterized by mountains and hills, and featuring a tropical to near temperate climate. As a landlocked nation, it has no coastline and experiences natural hazards such as drought.

Elevation Range: From the lowest point at 21 m (Great Usutu River) to the highest point at 1,862 m (Emlembe).
Natural Resources: Abundant in resources like asbestos, coal, and hydropower.
Land Use: 69.5% of land is designated for agriculture.
Irrigated Land: Approximately 500 sq km was irrigated as of 2012.

People and Society

Eswatini's population is estimated to be 1,137,268 in 2025, with a majority belonging to the Swazi ethnic group. The country has a high urbanization rate of 24.8% and a median age of 24.8 years. A large portion of the population adheres to Christianity, with various denominations present. Despite a high literacy rate of 90.8%, the country faces significant social issues, including high dependency ratios and health challenges related to HIV/AIDS.

Languages: English and siSwati are both official languages.
Life Expectancy: Approximately 60.7 years as of 2024.
Birth Rate: Estimated at 20.66 births per 1,000 population in 2025.
Unemployment Rate: High, at 34.4% in 2024.

Economy

Eswatini's economy is characterized by dependence on South African trade and currency, along with challenges from poverty and high unemployment. In 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $12.885 billion, with a GDP per capita of $10,400. The economy is primarily driven by the services sector, followed by industry and agriculture, which is vital for food security.

Inflation Rate: Estimated at 2.6% in 2019.
Exports: $2.174 billion in 2023, predominantly to South Africa.
Main Industries: Soft drink concentrates, textiles, and sugar processing.
Public Debt: Estimated at 35.9% of GDP in 2021.

Government

Eswatini operates as an absolute monarchy, with King MSWATI III serving as the head of state since 1986. The nation's governance structure includes a mixed legal system and a bicameral Parliament, though political parties face significant restrictions. The recent appointment of a new prime minister underscores ongoing political developments in the kingdom.

Capital: Mbabane (administrative) and Lobamba (royal).
Suffrage: Available to citizens aged 18 and above.
Constitution: Effective since 2006, it provided some legal reforms.
Independence: Gained on September 6, 1968.

Military and Security

The Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force is the military organization, which encompasses army and police forces. Military expenditure is noted at 1.4% of GDP in 2024, and the defense forces are primarily focused on external and internal security.

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,000 in 2025.
Military Service Age: Voluntary service available for ages 18-35.
Equipment: Comprised mostly of older light weapons and equipment.
Security Role: Includes domestic security and border protection.

Energy

Energy infrastructure in Eswatini includes a significant reliance on hydropower, which accounts for a substantial portion of its electricity generation capacity. Approximately 82.3% of the population has access to electricity, with an installed generating capacity of around 285,000 kW in 2023.

Electricity Consumption: 1.308 billion kWh in 2023.
Imports: 928.237 million kWh of electricity in 2023.
Coal Production: Estimated at 253,000 metric tons for 2023.
Renewable Energy: 54.4% of installed capacity derived from hydroelectric sources.

Environment

Eswatini faces various environmental challenges including limited potable water supplies and deforestation. The government is a party to several international environmental agreements and undertakes efforts to mitigate issues related to soil erosion and degradation.

Total Renewable Water Resources: Estimated at 4.51 billion cubic meters in 2022.
Carbon Emissions: Emitted 1.326 million metric tonnes in 2023.
Municipal Solid Waste: 218,200 tons generated annually with a recycling rate of 17.3%.
Agricultural land: 69.5% of total land area is used for agriculture as of 2023.

Transportation

Eswatini's transportation network includes a limited number of roads and railways, as well as air travel facilities. The country has a total of 16 airports and 301 km of railway.

Airports: 16 airports are operational as of 2025.
Railways: Entire railway system is 301 km long.
Heliports: 1 heliport available as of 2025.

Communications

The communications sector in Eswatini is growing, with substantial mobile and internet subscriptions. Approximately 58% of the population uses the internet, enhancing connectivity across the country.

Mobile Subscriptions: 1.74 million as of 2024.
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 35,600 total in 2024.
Broadband Subscriptions: 34,000 fixed broadband subscribers in 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,137,268 (2025 est.)
Area	17,364 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$12.885 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita	$10,400 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	34.4% (2024 est.)
Birth rate	20.66 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life expectancy	60.7 years (2024 est.)
Electrification rate	82.3% (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate	38 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita	18.823 million Btu/person (2023 est.)