Swaziland Country & Tourist Information

Location
Southern Africa.

Area
17,363 sq km (6,704 sq miles).

Population
1.1 million (official estimate 2008).

Population Density
65 per sq km.

Capital
Mbabane.
Population: 72,000 (estimate 2008).

Government
Constitutional monarchy since 1973. Gained independence from the UK in 1968.

Language
English and Swati.

Religion
70% Zionist (mix of Christianity and traditional beliefs).

Time
GMT + 2.

Electricity
220/30 volts AC, 50Hz; South African/Indian-style plugs with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin are in use.

Head of Government
Prime Minister Themba Dlamini since 2003.

Head of State
King Mswati III since 1986.

Recent History
The King’s long-awaited constitution to ‘end Swaziland’s constitutional crisis’ came into effect in February 2006. However it was a disappointment to democratic reformers attempting to wrest control from the monarchy, as it is unclear on the staus of opposition political parties, which are banned in the kingdom.

Telephone
Country code: 268. Outgoing international calls must go through the international operator. Public telephones are available.

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone operators. Coverage is mostly good, but can be patchy in rural areas.

Internet
Internet facilities are very scarce outside of Mbabane, Manzini, Ezulwini Valley and the Malkerns Valley.

Media
Swaziland is an absolute monarchy, and for this reason freedom of the press does not exist in the same way as in democratic societies. Any criticism of the king is regarded as disrespectful and is not tolerated within the media.

Post
Post offices are in all main centers. Airmail to Europe is unreliable and can take from two weeks to two months.

Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1600, Sat 0800-1100.

Press
• The English-language newspapers in Swaziland are The Swazi Observer and The Times of Swaziland.

Radio
• State-run Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Service operates The Siswati Channel, The English Channel and The Information Service.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day. 
10 Apr Good Friday. 
13 Apr Easter Monday.
19 Apr Birthday of King Mswati III.
25 Apr National Flag Day.
1 May Labor Day. 
21 May Ascension.
22 Jul Birthday of the Late King Sobhuza.
Aug/Sep* Umhlanga, Reed Dance Day.
6 Sep Somhlolo Day (Independence Day).
Dec/Jan* Incwala Ceremony.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day. 
2 Apr Good Friday. 
5 Apr Easter Monday.
19 Apr Birthday of King Mswati III.
25 Apr National Flag Day.
1 May Labor Day. 
13 May Ascension.
22 Jul Birthday of the Late King Sobhuza.
Aug/Sep* Umhlanga, Reed Dance Day.
6 Sep Somhlolo Day (Independence Day).
Dec/Jan* Incwala Ceremony.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

Note
* The dates of the Umhlanga and Incwala ceremonies vary according to local sightings of the moon. Contact the embassy/high commission for further details.

Contact Information:

Swaziland Tourism Authority
PO Box A1030, Swazi Plaza, Mbabane H100, Swaziland
Tel: (40) 49693/75.
Website: www.welcometoswaziland.com

Kingdom of Swaziland High Commission in the UK
20 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6LB, UK
Tel: (020) 7630 6611.
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1630, Fri 0900-1600 (by appointment only).

Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland in the USA
1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Tel: (202) 234 5002.
Website: www.swazilandembassyus.com


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