GENERAL
Official name of the state
Kingdom of Swaziland.
Capital
Mbabane.
Geography
According to a2zgov, Swaziland borders South Africa to the north, west and south and Mozambique to the east. The country is divided into four geographical regions: the Inkangala Highlands, a strip of partially reforested, rugged landscape, including the Usutu pine forest; the Peak Forests to the northwest; the Mittelveld, which gently descends from the Hochveld over hills to fertile valleys, and the Unterveld or scrubland with 170-360 m high hills. On the eastern edge of the Unterveld there is the Lubombo Plateau, which is mainly used as pasture and arable land. Swaziland is one of the best irrigated countries in southern Africa. The four largest rivers, Komati, Usutu, Mbuluzi and Ngwavuma, flow from west to east and flow into the Indian Ocean.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy (in the Commonwealth) since 1973. Constitution of 2006. Parliament (Libandla): National Assembly with 65 members and Senate with 30 members. Independent since 1968 (former British protectorate).
Head of state
King Mswati III, since 1986.
Head of government
Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, since 2008.
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
South Africa Standard Time: CET +3
MONEY
Currency
1 lilangeni = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: E, SZL (ISO code). The plural of Lilangeni is Emalangeni. Banknotes are available in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 E; Coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 E as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. South African banknotes (rand) are also accepted as currency and are linked to the Namibian dollar and the lilangeni.
Credit cards
MasterCard and Visa are most widely accepted in large hotels, some shops, and car rental companies in larger cities. American Express and Diners Club are often not accepted. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. The card should never be left out of sight in the event of credit card fraud.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
EC cards with the Maestro symbol are accepted worldwide. ATMs are located in the capital, Mbabane, Manzini, and a few other large cities.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m., Sat 8.30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions.
Currency Exchange
The exchange rate in the country is the cheapest. Emalangeni should be exchanged for the local currency before leaving the country. US dollars and euros are easily exchanged in banks.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official languages are Siswati and English.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Swaziland duty-free (adults only):
200 cigarettes and 20 cigars and 250 g of tobacco;
1 liter of alcoholic beverages and 2 liters of wine;
50 ml perfume and 250 ml eau de toilette.
Gifts up to a value of 1000 E (except for the above-mentioned goods and televisions).
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
English is widely spoken in business circles. Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4.45 p.m.
Economy
Commercial Section of the Embassy of Swaziland
188 Avenue W. Churchill, B-1180 Brussels
Tel: (02) 343 68 73, 347 57 25
Swaziland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 72, Malagwane Hill, Mbabane
Tel: (040) 4 44 08.
Internet: www.business-swaziland.com
Swaziland Industrial Development Co (SIDC)
PO Box 886, Dhlan’ubeka House, 5th floor, Tin / Walker Streets, Mbabane
Tel: (040) 440 10.
Internet: www.sidc.co.sz
Business contacts
Commercial Section of the Embassy of Swaziland
188 Avenue W. Churchill, B-1180 Brussels
Tel: (02) 343 68 73, 347 57 25
Swaziland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 72, Malagwane Hill, Mbabane
Tel: (040) 4 44 08.
Internet: www.business-swaziland.com
Swaziland Industrial Development Co (SIDC)
PO Box 886, Dhlan’ubeka House, 5th floor, Tin / Walker Streets, Mbabane
Tel: (040) 440 10.
Internet: www.sidc.co.sz
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing. There are public card and pay phones. Further information can be found on the homepage of Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (Internet: www.swazi.net).
Cellphone
GSM 900.
Internet
Main provider: Real Image Internet (Internet: www.realnet.co.sz).
Post Office
Few post offices. Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks on the way. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-11 a.m. There is the Phutfumani Couriers express courier. Further information can be found on the homepage of Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (Internet: www.swazi.net).
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Beadwork, basketry, grass and sisal mats, copper articles, wooden bowls, gemstone jewelry, wood and soapstone carvings, bottle gourds, bodywork (leather mats), drums, woven fabrics, batiks and printed fabrics.
Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are nightclubs and discos in Mbabane and the Ezulwini Valley. The main attraction in the Ezulwini Valley is the casino at the Royal Swazi Sun Hotel and Spa. There is also a cinema there.
CULTURE
Religion
Zionists (mix of Christianity and ancestor worship) (40%), Catholics (20%), Muslims (10%), Bantur religions, Mormons, Jews and others.
Social rules of conduct
Clothing: Casual clothing is appropriate; more elegant clothing is expected only in casinos and high-end hotels.
Taking pictures: Always ask for permission before taking a picture; a small amount of money may be expected. Photographs of the royal palace, royal family, uniformed police, military personnel and military facilities are prohibited. If you want to photograph traditional ceremonies, you should contact the Government Information Service (PO Box 338, Mbabane, Tel: (040) 4 27 61) beforehand.
Tip: 10% is added to all hotel and restaurant bills.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Different depending on the altitude; however, it only becomes uncomfortably hot or cold in low altitudes. Frost can occur in the highlands, although the climate here is generally temperate. Subtropical, drier climate in middle locations.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +268 Area (sqkm) 17364 Population 1435613 Population density (per sqkm) 83 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999
