Swaziland Travel Guide

Swaziland — Country and Tourist Information

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Country Facts

Location: Southern Africa.
Language: English and Swati.
Area: 17,363 sq km (6,704 sq miles).
Time Zone: 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.
Population: 1.1 million (official estimate 2008).
Population Density: 65 per sq km.
Capital City: Mbabane. Population: 72,000 (estimate 2008).
Government: Constitutional monarchy since 1973. Gained independence from the UK in 1968.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Themba Dlamini since 2003.
Head of State: King Mswati III since 1986.
Religion: 70% Zionist (mix of Christianity and traditional beliefs).

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.

Communications

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.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.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2010-December 2011 period.
2010
25 Dec Christmas Day
26 Dec Boxing Day

2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
19 Apr Birthday of King Mswati III
22 Apr Good Friday
25 Apr National Flag Day
25 Apr Easter Monday
2 May Labor Day
2 Jun Ascension
22 Jul Birthday of the Late King Sobhuza
1 Aug * Umhlanga, Reed Dance Day
6 Sep Somhlolo Day (Independence Day)
1 Dec * Incwala Ceremony
25 Dec Christmas Day
26 Dec Boxing Day

2012
1 Jan New Year’s Day
6 Apr Good Friday
9 Apr Easter Monday
19 Apr Birthday of King Mswati III
25 Apr National Flag Day
1 May Labor Day
17 May Ascension
22 Jul Birthday of the Late King Sobhuza
1 Aug * Umhlanga, Reed Dance Day
6 Sep Somhlolo Day (Independence Day)
1 Dec * Incwala Ceremony
25 Dec Christmas Day
26 Dec Boxing Day
* The dates of the Umhlanga and Incwala ceremonies vary according to local sightings of the moon. Contact the embassy/high commission for further details.