Country exposure · SZ

Flag of Eswatini

Eswatini

Africa · Mbabane (administrative capital); Lobamba (royal and legislative capital) · absolute monarchy

What Eswatini means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Eswatini

$25M

U.S. imports, 2025

+11.8%

change in one year

$44M

U.S. exports, 2025

1M

Population

$4.9B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Eswatini makes

America bought $25M in goods from Eswatini in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Cane and beet sugar

cane and beet sugar

$12M47.5%

Fruits, frozen juices

fruit and frozen juices

$4M17.7%

Apparel, textiles, nonwool or cotton

synthetic and performance apparel

$2M9.2%

Apparel, household goods - cotton

cotton clothing and linens

$2M6.3%

Bakery products

$887K3.5%

Cell phones and other household goods, n.e.c.

cell phones and home electronics

$845K3.3%

Measuring, testing, control instruments

$839K3.3%

Metalworking machine tools

$346K1.4%

Industrial machines, other

$287K1.1%

Minimum value shipments

$236K0.9%

2026 so far (through April): $6M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Eswatini

$44M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Agriculture-manufactured, other

$10M

Newsprint

$6M

Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts

$4M

Electric apparatus

$4M

Artwork, antiques, stamps, etc.

$3M

Industrial engines

$3M

Nuts

$3M

Chemicals-organic

$3M

Other foods

$2M

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Eswatini

No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.

Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)

10%

The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

No U.S. tariff action names Eswatini. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.

  1. 2026-04-06

    Section 232 metals coverage expanded

    In effect

    The April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.

    91 FR 18201
  2. 2026-02-24

    IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge

    In effect

    Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).

    91 FR 9437
  3. 2025-11-13

    Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs

    In effect

    Executive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.

    90 FR 54091
  4. 2025-06-04

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%

    In effect

    The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.

    90 FR 24199
  5. 2025-04-05

    Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect

    In effect

    Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063
  6. 2025-03-12

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries

    In effect

    Proclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.

    90 FR 9817

Made for America

What Eswatini makes for America

Eswatini is a direct U.S. source of 1 essential good Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.

Reference

The country itself

Africa · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

A Swazi kingdom was founded in the mid-18th century and ruled by a series of kings, including MSWATI II, a 19th century ruler whose name was adopted for the country and its predominant ethnic group. European countries defined the kingdom’s modern borders during the late-19th century, and Swaziland (as it became known) was administered as a UK high commission territory from 1903 until its independence in 1968. A new constitution that came into effect in 2005 included provisions for a more independent parliament and judiciary, but the legal status of political parties remains unclear, and the kingdom is still considered an absolute monarchy. King MSWATI III renamed the country from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018 to reflect the name most commonly used by its citizens. In 2021, MSWATI III used security forces to suppress prodemocracy protests. A national dialogue and reconciliation process agreed to in the wake of violence has not materialized. In November 2023, King MSWATI III appointed a new prime minister following peaceful national elections. Despite its classification as a lower-middle income country, Eswatini suffers from severe poverty, corruption, and high unemployment. Eswatini has the world's highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, although recent years have shown marked declines in new infections. Eswatini is the only country in Africa that recognizes Taiwan.

Regional map of Eswatini

Geography

Location
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Area
17,364 sq km
Climate
varies from tropical to near temperate
Terrain
mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains
Natural resources
asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Natural hazards
drought

People & society

Population
1,137,268 (2025 est.)
Nationality
liSwati (singular), emaSwati (plural); note - former term, Swazi(s), still used among English speakers
Ethnic groups
predominantly Swazi; smaller populations of other African ethnic groups, including the Zulu, as well as people of European ancestry
Languages
English (official, used for government business), siSwati (official)
Religions
Christian 90% (Zionist - a blend of Christianity and traditional African religions - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other Christian 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Church of Jesus Christ, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%, other 8% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, indigenous, Jewish) (2015 est.)
Median age
24.8 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
60.7 years (2024 est.)
Literacy
90.8% (2022 est.)

Economy

Economic overview
landlocked southern African economy; South African trade dependent and currency pegging; CMA and SACU member state; COVID-19 economic slowdown; growing utilities inflation; persistent poverty and unemployment; HIV/AIDS labor force disruptions
Industries
soft drink concentrates, coal, forestry, sugar processing, textiles, and apparel
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, root vegetables, grapefruits, oranges, milk, pineapples, bananas, beef, sweet potatoes (2023)
Exports - partners
South Africa 61%, Ireland 4%, Mozambique 4%, Kenya 4%, Nigeria 3% (2023)
Imports - partners
South Africa 71%, China 8%, India 4%, USA 2%, Mozambique 1% (2023)

Government

Government type
absolute monarchy
Capital
Mbabane (administrative capital); Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)
Independence
6 September 1968 (from the UK)
Constitution
previous 1968, 1978; latest signed by the king 26 July 2005, effective 8 February 2006
Executive branch
King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)
Legislative branch
Parliament (Libandla)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction
Background
A Swazi kingdom was founded in the mid-18th century and ruled by a series of kings, including MSWATI II, a 19th century ruler whose name was adopted for the country and its predominant ethnic group. European countries defined the kingdom’s modern borders during the late-19th century, and Swaziland (as it became known) was administered as a UK high commission territory from 1903 until its independence in 1968. A new constitution that came into effect in 2005 included provisions for a more independent parliament and judiciary, but the legal status of political parties remains unclear, and the kingdom is still considered an absolute monarchy. King MSWATI III renamed the country from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018 to reflect the name most commonly used by its citizens. In 2021, MSWATI III used security forces to suppress prodemocracy protests. A national dialogue and reconciliation process agreed to in the wake of violence has not materialized. In November 2023, King MSWATI III appointed a new prime minister following peaceful national elections. Despite its classification as a lower-middle income country, Eswatini suffers from severe poverty, corruption, and high unemployment. Eswatini has the world's highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, although recent years have shown marked declines in new infections. Eswatini is the only country in Africa that recognizes Taiwan.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Eswatini due to crime and civil unrest. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 30 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
(268) 2417-9000, US Embassy Mbabane, Corner of MR 103 and Cultural Center Drive, Ezulwini, P.O. Box D202, The Gables, H106, Eswatini; https://sz.usembassy.gov/; ConsularMbabane@state.gov
Telephone Code
268
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies from tropical to near temperate
Currency (Code)
Emalangeni (SZL)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): M
Major Languages
English (used for government business), siSwati
Major Religions
Christian 90% (Zionist - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Hlane Royal National Park; Mbuluzi Game Reserve; Mlawula Nature Reserve; Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary; Malolotja Nature Reserve, Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, cricket
Cultural Practices
If sitting on the ground, it is considered very rude to point one's feet at another person.
Tipping Guidelines
Service charges are not normally included in bills, but tips of 10% are customary.
Souvenirs
Woven rugs, clay pots, sisal woven baskets, traditional dyed cloth or hand-loomed mohair items, glass-bead or precious-metal jewelry, carved wooden statues, sheet-metal toys
Traditional Cuisine
Karoo roast ostrich steak — thinly sliced ostrich steaks marinated in red wine and juniper berries with salt and pepper then fried in butter and served with onions sautéed with peppercorns, white wine, and heavy cream; traditionally accompanied with a pumpkin and ground maize mash
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Geography
Location
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Geographic coordinates
26 30 S, 31 30 E
Map references
Africa
Area - total
17,364 sq km
Area - land
17,204 sq km
Area - water
160 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries - total
546 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Mozambique 108 km; South Africa 438 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
varies from tropical to near temperate
Terrain
mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains
Elevation - highest point
Emlembe 1,862 m
Elevation - lowest point
Great Usutu River 21 m
Elevation - mean elevation
305 m
Natural resources
asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
Land use - agricultural land
69.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 58.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
25.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
5.2% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
500 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
because of its mountainous terrain, the population distribution is uneven throughout the country, concentrating primarily in valleys and plains as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
drought
Geography - note
landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa
People and Society
Population - total
1,137,268 (2025 est.)
Population - male
557,204
Population - female
580,064
Nationality - noun
liSwati (singular), emaSwati (plural); note - former term, Swazi(s), still used among English speakers
Nationality - adjective
Swati; note - former term, Swazi, still used among English speakers
Ethnic groups
predominantly Swazi; smaller populations of other African ethnic groups, including the Zulu, as well as people of European ancestry
Languages
English (official, used for government business), siSwati (official)
Religions
Christian 90% (Zionist - a blend of Christianity and traditional African religions - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other Christian 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Church of Jesus Christ, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%, other 8% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, indigenous, Jewish) (2015 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
31.6% (male 180,328/female 179,840)
Age structure - 15-64 years
64.3% (male 341,298/female 390,884)
Age structure - 65 years and over
4% (2024 est.) (male 16,974/female 28,765)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
52.2 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
44.7 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
7.5 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
13.3 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
24.8 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
23.4 years
Median age - female
25.8 years
Population growth rate
0.87% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
20.66 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
8.3 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-3.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
because of its mountainous terrain, the population distribution is uneven throughout the country, concentrating primarily in valleys and plains as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization - urban population
24.8% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
2.42% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
68,000 MBABANE (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.03 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
0.87 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.59 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
118 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
38 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
40.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
32.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
60.7 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
58.7 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
62.8 years
Total fertility rate
2.64 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.3 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 98% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 65.5% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 73.5% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 34.5% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 26.5% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
11.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.56 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 92.4% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 84.2% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 86.2% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 7.6% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 15.8% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 13.8% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
16.5% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
7.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
2.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
5.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
8.5% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
16.1% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
1.2% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
5% (2021 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
36.4% (2022 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
0.1% (2022)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
1.9% (2022)
Child marriage - men married by age 18
0% (2022)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
19.2% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy - total population
90.8% (2022 est.)
Literacy - male
91.1% (2022 est.)
Literacy - female
90.4% (2022 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Kingdom of Eswatini
Country name - conventional short form
Eswatini
Country name - local long form
Umbuso weSwatini
Country name - local short form
eSwatini
Country name - former
Swaziland
Country name - etymology
the country name derives from 19th century King MSWATI II, under whose rule Swati territory was expanded and unified
Country name - note
note: pronounced ay-swatini or eh-swatini
Government type
absolute monarchy
Capital - name
Mbabane (administrative capital); Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)
Capital - geographic coordinates
26 19 S, 31 08 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
the origin of the name is unclear; it may come from the Mbabane River next to the city, whose name is said to derive from the word lubabe , a type of shrub; another theory cites a local chief, Mbabane KUNENE, as the source of the name
Administrative divisions
4 regions; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni
Legal system
mixed system of civil, common, and customary law
Constitution - history
previous 1968, 1978; latest signed by the king 26 July 2005, effective 8 February 2006
Constitution - amendment process
proposed at a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament; passage requires majority vote by both houses and/or majority vote in a referendum, and assent of the king; passage of amendments affecting "specially entrenched" constitutional provisions requires at least three-fourths majority vote by both houses, passage by simple majority vote in a referendum, and assent of the king; passage of "entrenched" provisions requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses, passage in a referendum, and assent of the king
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
both parents must be citizens of Eswatini
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age
Executive branch - chief of state
King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Russell DLAMINI (since 6 November 2023)
Executive branch - cabinet
Cabinet recommended by the prime minister, confirmed by the monarch; at least one-half of the cabinet membership must be appointed from among elected members of the House of Assembly
Executive branch - election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from among members of the House of Assembly
Legislative branch - legislature name
Parliament (Libandla)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name
House of Assembly
Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats
74 (59 directly elected; 4 indirectly elected; 10 appointed)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system
plurality/majority
Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date
9/29/2023
Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber
21.6%
Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election
September 2028
Legislative branch - lower chamber - note
note: four women, one representing each region, elected by the members if representation of elected women is less than 30%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name
Senate
Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats
30 (10 indirectly elected; 20 appointed)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date
11/6/2023
Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber
46.7%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election
November 2028
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 4 justices) and the High Court (consists of the chief justice ex officio and 4 justices)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
justices of the Supreme Court and High Court appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), a judicial advisory body consisting of the Supreme Court Chief Justice, 4 members appointed by the monarch, and the chairman of the Civil Service Commission; justices of both courts eligible for retirement at age 65 with mandatory retirement at age 75
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
magistrates' courts; National Swazi Courts for administering customary/traditional laws (jurisdiction restricted to customary law for Swazi citizens)
Judicial branch - note
note: the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in all constitutional matters
Political parties
political parties exist but conditions for their operations, particularly in elections, are undefined, legally unclear, or culturally restricted; the following are considered political associations: African United Democratic Party or AUDP Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC People's United Democratic Movement or PUDEMO Swazi Democratic Party or SWADEPA
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Kennedy Fitzgerald GROENING (7 June 2022)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
1712 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 234-5002
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 234-8254
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant) Chargé d’Affaires Marc WEINSTOCK (since August 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
Corner of MR 103 and Cultural Center Drive, Ezulwini, P.O. Box D202, The Gables, H106
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
2350 Mbabane Place, Washington DC 20521-2350
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
(268) 2417-9000
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[268] 2416-3344
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
ConsularMbabane@state.gov Homepage - U.S. Embassy in Eswatini (usembassy.gov)
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
6 September 1968 (from the UK)
National holiday
Independence Day (Somhlolo Day), 6 September (1968)
Flag
description: three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple-width), and blue; the red band is edged in yellow, with a large black-and-white shield in the center that covers two horizontal spears and a staff with feather tassels meaning: blue stands for peace and stability, red for past struggles, and yellow for the mineral resources of the country; the shield, spears, and staff symbolize protection from enemies, and the shield colors stand for ethnic groups living in peaceful coexistence
National symbol(s)
lion, elephant
National color(s)
blue, yellow, red
National coat of arms
the national coat of arms was adopted in 1968 after independence from the United Kingdom; two national symbols, the lion (representing the king of Eswatini) and the elephant (representing the queen mother), support a traditional Nguni shield; above the shield is the king's lidlabe , or crown of feathers, and at the bottom is Eswatini's motto, Siyinqaba , or "We are the fortress”
National anthem(s) - title
"Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (O God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Andrease Enoke Fanyana SIMELANE/David Kenneth RYCROFT
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 1968; uses elements of both ethnic Swazi and Western music styles
Economy
Economic overview
landlocked southern African economy; South African trade dependent and currency pegging; CMA and SACU member state; COVID-19 economic slowdown; growing utilities inflation; persistent poverty and unemployment; HIV/AIDS labor force disruptions
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$12.885 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$12.553 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$12.135 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
2.6% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
3.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
1.1% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$10,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$10,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$10,000 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$4.892 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2019
2.6% (2019 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2018
4.8% (2018 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2017
6.2% (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
6.8% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
34.7% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
51.7% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
64% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
19.5% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
16.1% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
3.1% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
48.7% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-51.4% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, root vegetables, grapefruits, oranges, milk, pineapples, bananas, beef, sweet potatoes (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
soft drink concentrates, coal, forestry, sugar processing, textiles, and apparel
Industrial production growth rate
0.5% (2023 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
390,600 (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
34.4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
35.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
35.4% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
58.2% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
56% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
60.3% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
58.9% (2016 est.)
Population below poverty line - note
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2016
54.6 (2016 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
1.4% (2016 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
42.7% (2016 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2023
1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2021
2.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$1.217 billion (2021 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$1.439 billion (2021 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2021
35.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Public debt - note
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
24.5% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
$107.534 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$140.972 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2021
$125.318 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2023
$2.174 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$2.095 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - Exports 2021
$2.132 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
South Africa 61%, Ireland 4%, Mozambique 4%, Kenya 4%, Nigeria 3% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
scented mixtures, raw sugar, industrial acids/oils/alcohols, garments, wood (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2023
$2.351 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$2.288 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - Imports 2021
$2.173 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
South Africa 71%, China 8%, India 4%, USA 2%, Mozambique 1% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, electricity, plastic products, cotton fabric, garments (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$479.261 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$452.352 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021
$572.282 million (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external - Debt - external 2023
$923.266 million (2023 est.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
emalangeni per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
18.318 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
18.454 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
16.362 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
14.783 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
16.47 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
82.3% (2022 est.)
Electricity access - electrification - urban areas
86.1%
Electricity access - electrification - rural areas
81.6%
Electricity - installed generating capacity
285,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
1.308 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
928.237 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
167.476 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
3.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
4.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
54.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
37.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - production
253,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
202,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
4,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
201,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - proven reserves
4.644 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
6,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
18.823 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
35,600 (2024 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
3 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
1.74 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
140 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
1 state-owned TV station; satellite dishes can access South African providers; state-owned radio network with 3 channels; 1 private radio station (2019)
Internet country code
.sz
Internet users - percent of population
58% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
34,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
3 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
3DC
Airports
16 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Railways - total
301 km (2014)
Railways - narrow gauge
301 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force (UEDF): Army (includes a small air wing); the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) (2025)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
1.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
1.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
1.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 3,000 active-duty Defense Force (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the UEDF has a small inventory of mostly older light weapons and equipment originating from Europe, South Africa, Taiwan, and the US (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-35 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025)
Military - note
the UEDF’s primary mission is external defense, which includes mostly securing the borders; it also has domestic security responsibilities, including protecting members of the royal family; the king is the UEDF commander in chief and holds the position of minister of defense, although the UEDF reports to the Army commander and principal undersecretary of defense for day-to-day operations; the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is responsible for maintaining internal security as well as migration and border crossing enforcement; it is under the prime minister, although the king is the force’s titular commissioner in chief; the UEDF was originally created in 1973 as the Royal Swaziland Defense Force (2025)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
4,459 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
56 (2024 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues
limited supplies of potable water; overhunting depleting wildlife; population growth, deforestation, and overgrazing lead to soil erosion and soil degradation
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
varies from tropical to near temperate
Land use - agricultural land
69.5% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 58.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
25.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
5.2% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
24.8% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
2.42% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
1.326 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
410,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
916,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
16.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
218,200 tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
17.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
41.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
20.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
1.006 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
4.51 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)