An Introduction to Swaziland
Sometimes called Ngwane or Swatini, the Kingdom of Swaziland lies on the border of South Africa. The country and its people are named after the 19th Century King Mswati II - 'the greatest of the Swazi fighting kings'. The area has been inhabited since prehistory, with the Swazi people descending from the southern Bantu who migrated from Central Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. See full country profile.Latest Research News from Africa
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GOVERNMENT: Monarchy
AREA: 17,364 sq km
POPULATION: 1,370,424 (July 2011 est.)
MAJOR LANGUAGE: English, SiSwati
Some business and general info
The Market Research Industry
Trade and Industry in Swaziland
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Sometimes called Ngwane or Swatini, the Kingdom of Swaziland lies on the border of South Africa. The country and its people are named after the 19th Century King Mswati II - 'the greatest of the Swazi fighting kings'. The area has been inhabited since prehistory, with the Swazi people descending from the southern Bantu who migrated from Central Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries.
The Boer War saw the United Kingdom make Swaziland a protectorate under its 'irect control, lasting until 1968 when it became independent. The head of state is the king, who appoints the prime minister and a small number of representatives for both chambers of parliament. Elections are held every five years to determine the majority of the representatives. A new constitution was adopted in 2005.
GDP: $6.055 billion (2010 est.) - $4,500 per capita (2010 est.)
Religions African Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%
Currency: Lilangeni (SZL) - GBP 1 = SZL 10.84
Telephone Code: +268
Federation of Swaziland Employers & Chamber of Commerce
BBC Country Profile
Lonely Planet Guide
MR Association(s):
The MR industry in the Sadec Region (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zambia) turned over $9m USD in 2009 - a growth of 0.7% on 2008 (The industry in the region has grown by a steady $1m USD a year since 2005 ($5m USD)
Source: ESOMAR
The economy of Swazliand features strong service and manufacturing industries, and agriculture. Around 75% of the population are employed in subsistence farming, while 60% live on less than the equivalent of $1.25 a day. Growth and economic stability are endangered by the HIV epidemic in the country which has got so bad that if it continues, the UN Development Program says the 'longer term existence of Swaziland as a country will be seriously threatened.' The infection rate is the highest in the world - 26.1% of adults (over 50% in adults in their twenties) are HIV Positive.
Email me:
laurence@mrweb.com
