40 years of independence

2008-09-05 15:22

Johannesburg - Herewith a factfile on Swaziland, ahead of Saturday's (40-40) double celebration of 40 years of independence and King Mswati III's 40th birthday.

Geographical location: Swaziland is a landlocked country in the eastern flank of South Africa, where it also shares a border with Mozambique. It spans 17 364km².

Ruler: King Mswati III

System of government: Absolute monarchy

Population: 1.14 million inhabitants (2007)

Capital: Mbabane

History: Swaziland is the third smallest and one of the least populated countries on the African continent. It became independent from colonial rulers Britain in 1968. Five years after independence Swaziland's ruler king Sobhuza II withdrew the British designed constitution and restored the traditional system of government, in which all effective power remains in the hands of the royals.

Sobhuza's death in 1982 was followed by a power struggle within the royal family. In 1986 his teenage heir, Prince Makhosetive, was installed as King Mswati III.

Mswati has often been criticised for his extravagant lifestyle. He has faced many protests and demands for democratic reforms.

To address the criticism, Mswati III appointed a committee to draft a new constitution in 2001. Released in 2003, it fell short of the hope for democratic reform, as it banned opposition political parties and allowed the king to retain absolute governing powers.

Language: English (official language) and Siswati

Religion: Christianity (82.7%), traditional beliefs and other religions 17.3%

Currency: Lilangeni

Key trading partners: South Africa, US and EU

HIV/Aids figures: HIV infection rate is close to 40% according to UN figures. HIV prevalence among 20-30 year olds is nearing 50%.

Poverty: 69% of the population live below the poverty line.

- AFP