Country Profile - SWAZILAND

General Information

Area: 17,363 sq km (6704 sq miles).

Population: 980,722 (1997).

Population Density: 56.5 per sq km.

Capital: Mbabane. Population: 73,000 (UN projection 2000).

GEOGRAPHY: Swaziland is surrounded to the north, west and south by the Mpumulanga of South Africa and to the east by Mozambique. There are four main topographical regions: the Highveld Inkangala, a wide ribbon of partly reforested, rugged country including the Usutu pine forest; the Peak Timbers in the northwest; the Middleveld, which rolls down from the Highveld through hills and fertile valleys; and the Lowveld, or bush country, with hills rising from 170 to 360m (560 to 1180ft). The Lubombo plateau is an escarpment along the eastern fringe of the Lowveld, comprising mainly cattle country and mixed farmland. One of the best-watered areas in southern Africa, Swaziland’s four major rivers are the Komati, Usutu, Mbuluzi and Ngwavuma, flowing west–east to the Indian Ocean.

Government: Constitutional monarchy since 1973. Gained independence from the UK in 1968. Head of State: King Mswati III since 1986. Head of Government: Prime Minister Themba Dlamini since 2003.

Language: English and siSwati.

Religion: 60 per cent Christian, with most of the remainder adhering to traditional beliefs.

Time: GMT + 2.

Electricity: 220/30 volts AC, 50Hz; 15-amp round pin plugs are in use.

Communications:

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

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network. Network operators include Swazi MTN (website: www.swazimtn.sz).

Fax: Many hotels in Mbabame have facilities.

Internet: ISPs include Real Image Internet (website: www.realnet.co.sz).

Telegram: Facilities are available in the capital. However, Telex is often a more efficient and cheaper way to send international communications; machines can be found at post offices and major hotels in Mbabame.

Post: Post offices are in all main centres. Airmail to Europe is unreliable and can take from 2 weeks to 2 months. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1700, Sat 0800-1100.

Press: The English-language newspaper in Swaziland is The Times of Swaziland.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Passport/Visa

Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required?
British Yes No Yes
Australian Yes No Yes
Canadian Yes No Yes
USA Yes No Yes
OtherEU Yes No Yes
Japanese Yes No Yes

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 6 months upon entry required by all.

VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to 60 days:

(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above;

(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who do require a visa);

(c) nationals of Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Norway, Poland, San Marino and Taiwan.

Types of visa and cost: Single-entry: £16. Multiple-entry: £24 (3 months); £38 (6 months); £58 (9 months); £60 (12 months).

Note: Transit passengers should consult their carrying company when making reservations for up-to-date advice on whether a visa is required.

Validity: 3 to 6 months from date of issue for stays of up to 60 days each. Applications for extensions should be submitted to the Chief Immigration Officer in Swaziland.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements: (a) Application form. (b) Two passport-size photos. (c) Fee. (d) Valid passport. (e) Proof of means of support during stay. (f) Letter on headed paper confirming that the visitor holds return or onward tickets. (g) For all visitors except tourists, a letter of invitation from a Swazi national or for business trips, a letter from applicant’s company giving details of the business and confirming the financial responsibility for the applicant.

Working days required: 1 or 2 unless authorisation is required, in which case the application could take several weeks.

Temporary residence: Apply to Chief Immigration Officer.

Money

Currency: Lilangeni (E) = 100 cents. The plural of Lilangeni is Emalangeni. Notes are in denominations of E200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of E5, 2 and 1, and 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The South African Rand is also accepted as legal tender (E1 = 1 Rand) although coins are not accepted.

Currency exchange: Visitors are advised to exchange Emalangeni back into their own currency before leaving Swaziland.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. Several banks will exchange travellers cheques, but to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take them in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Lilangeni against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date Aug ’03 Nov ’03 Feb ’04 May ’04
£1.00= 11.86 11.70 12.87 12.50
$1.00= 7.43 6.89 7.07 7.00

Currency restrictions: The import and export of foreign and local currency is unrestricted.

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1430, Sat 0830-1100.

Duty Free

Duty Free: The following items may be imported into Swaziland without incurring customs duty:

400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 1 bottle (max 750ml) of alcoholic beverage; 284ml of perfume per person; free export of souvenirs and presents.

Note: Married couples travelling together are allowed free import for one person only.

Public Holidays

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. Apr 19 Birthday of King Mswati. Apr 25 National Flag Day. May 1 Labour Day. May 20 Ascension. Jul 22 Birthday of the Late King Sobhuza. Aug/Sep* Umhlanga, Reed Dance Day. Sep 6 Somhlolo Day (Independence Day). Dec/Jan* Incwala Ceremony. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Boxing Day. Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Mar 25 Good Friday. Mar 28 Easter Monday. Apr 19 Birthday of King Mswati. Apr 25 National Flag Day. May 1 Labour Day. May 5 Ascension. Jul 22 Birthday of the Late King Sobhuza. Aug/Sep* Umhlanga, Reed Dance Day. Sep 6 Somhlolo Day (Independence Day). Dec/Jan* Incwala Ceremony. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 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.

Health

Special Precautions Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever No 1
Cholera Yes 2
Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A
Malaria 4 N/A

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over 1 year of age arriving within 6 days from infected areas.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Swaziland. However, cholera is a risk in the country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.

3: Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

4: Malaria risk exists throughout the year (particularly in the rainy season, from November to February) in all Lowveld areas, particularly Big Bend, Mhlume, Simunye and Tshaneni. The predominant falciparum strain is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine.

Food & drink: Mains water is generally safe but bottled or sterilised water is preferable. Drinking water outside major cities and towns may be contaminated. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption; exercise caution if milk is of uncertain provenance. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A is present; hepatitis B is highly endemic and precautions should be taken.
Arthropod-borne diseases such as Crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever, plague, relapsing fever,
Rift valley fever and tick-bite fever have been reported.

The humid climate may provoke asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Rabies is present.

Health care: Although medical facilities are generally limited in Swaziland, Mbabame Clinic is well-equipped to deal with minor problems. Most international visitors will use private services, frequently attached to the larger hotels. The public sector is improving and treatment is available at low cost. In emergency cases, where specialised treatment is required, the patient may be transported to a South African hospital. Health insurance is recommended. Personal medications may be brought into the country, but a doctor’s note is advisable in case of questioning by authorities.

Travel – International

AIR: Swaziland’s national airline is Royal Swazi National Airways Corporation (ZC). Comair operates flights to Johannesburg. Swazi Airlink runs a once- or twice-daily link from Manzini to Johannesburg.

Approximate flight times: From Manzini to Johannesburg is 1 hour; to London is 16 hours (including stopover).

International airports: Manzini (MTS) (Matsapha) is 5km (3 miles) northwest of the city. Airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change, restaurants, car hire (Avis and Hertz) and snack bar. Taxi service to the city centre is available on all arrivals (travel time – 15 minutes).

Departure tax: E20; children under 3 years or age and direct transit passengers are exempt.

ROAD: There are good roads from Johannesburg, Durban and northern KwaZulu-Natal as well as tourist buses running from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. On crossing the border you will be required to show your passport and visa (if required). There is also a token road tax of E5 to be paid. Bus: There is a weekly service from Mbabane and Manzini to Johannesburg (travel time – 8 hours), and a twice-weekly connection from Mbabane to Maputo.

RAIL: A new train service between Durban and Maputo travels through Swaziland stopping at Mpaka, 35km (22 miles) east of Manzini. Departures from Durban are twice weekly (travel time – 16 hours).

Travel – Internal

ROAD: The road system is largely well developed, although there is little street lighting, some roads are winding and roads can be rough in the bush. Small toll charges are set to be introduced on the new highway between Mbabane and Manzini. The maximum speed limit on all roads is 80kph (50mph). The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.15 per cent. Traffic drives on the left. Bus: There are numerous (not always entirely safe) buses connecting the different parts of the country, including non-stop buses. Minibus taxis run shorter routes at slightly higher prices than the buses. Car hire: There are a number of international car hire companies in Swaziland. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.

TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Mbabane to other major towns in Swaziland.

Road
Manzini 0.45
Nhlangano 2.00
Piggs Peak 1.00
Siteki 1.30

Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION: There are some good hotels in Swaziland, some of international standard, but it is necessary to book well in advance. Rates quoted are generally per person based on two people sharing. Expect prices to be significantly higher in peak season (December to January, and Easter). There are also smaller motels and inns, campsites and caravan parks outside the city. For further information, contact the Hotel and Tourism Association of Swaziland, PO Box 462, Oribi Court, Allister Miller Street, Mbabane H100 (tel: (40) 42218; fax: (40) 44516). Grading: The star-grading system is in use.

CAMPING : Camping is possible near almost every tourist attraction and in all the national parks.

Sport & Activities

Wildlife safaris: Guided safaris (either by car on on foot) are available in Swaziland’s nature reserves and game parks (see Resorts & Excursions section). The Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary can also be toured on horseback. Despite its small size, Swaziland offers an interesting variety of terrains and animal species. Prices tend to be lower than in neighbouring South Africa. Whitewater rafting trips are available on the Great Usutu River in the Mkhaya Game Reserve.

Hiking: Popular hikes include the ascent to Malolotsha Falls at Piggs Peak; Sibebe Mountain, a huge granite outcrop that provides a scenic spot for a picnic; and the climb up Emlembe, Swaziland’s highest peak.

General: There is an 18-hole golf course in the Ezulwini Valley attached to the Royal Swazi Sun Hotel and Spa and the Havelock Golf Course. Tennis courts are available at numerous major hotels, notably the Royal Swazi. Several hotels have swimming pools and non-residents are generally permitted to use the facilities.

Social Profile

Food & Drink: Restaurants are found mainly in the larger centres and at hotels. Most serve international cuisine: Greek, Hungarian and Indian food is available. Food stalls in the local markets sell traditional Swazi meat stew and maize meal or stamped mealies and roasted corn on the cob (in season).

There is a good selection of spirits, beers and wines. Traditional Swazi beer can be tasted in rural areas. There are no formal licensing hours.

Nightlife: In the main centres of Mbabane and Ezulwini Valley, there are nightclubs and discos, some with live music and cabaret. The main attraction in Ezulwini Valley is the casino at the Royal Swazi Hotel. There is also a cinema there.

Shopping: There is a modern shopping complex in Mbabane but local markets are always interesting places to shop. Purchases from craft centres include beadwork, basketry, grass and sisal mats, copperware, wooden bowls, local gemstone jewellery, wooden and soapstone carvings, calabashes, knobkerries, battleaxes, walking sticks, karosses (animal skin mats), drums, woven cloth and batik and tie-dye, which are often incorporated into traditional Swazi garments. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300.

Special Events: The following is a selection of special events celebrated annually in Swaziland:

Jan/Dec Incwala (Fruit Ceremony; every year at a time carefully chosen by astrologers, this 4-day ceremony takes place, culminating in a ritual during which the king eats the first fruit of the new season. The ceremony confers the blessing of their ancestors on the nation’s consumption of these fruits), nationwide. Aug/Sep Umhlanga (Reed Dance; an event in which young women pay homage to the Queen Mother), Lombada.

Social Conventions: Traditional ways of life are still strong and Swazi culture in the form of religious music, dance, poetry and craftsmanship plays an important part in daily life. Casual wear is normal although more formal wear is customary at the casino and sophisticated hotels. Visitors wishing to camp near villages should first inform the headman. He can normally help with customs. Photography: Permission to photograph individuals should always be sought. In some cases, a gratuity may be asked for (especially if the subject has gone to some effort to make a show – for example, by wearing traditional regalia). It is prohibited to photograph the Royal Palace, the Royal Family, uniformed police, army personnel, army vehicles or aircraft and bank buildings. Visitors wishing to photograph traditional ceremonies should first contact the Government Information Service, PO Box 338, Mbabane (tel: (40) 42761 or 43251; fax: (40) 43953). Tipping: 10 to 15 per cent of the bill is customary in restaurants and hotels.

Business Profile

Economy: The economy is dominated by and closely linked with that of South Africa, and the country is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (through which the Government receives around half its total revenue). Agriculture is by far the largest part of the economy, employing over 75 per cent of the working population. Sugar, cotton and fruit are the main cash crops. Tobacco and rice are recent additions to the country’s produce, while livestock rearing is traditionally important. The industrial sector, which contributes over 40 per cent of GDP, is mainly concerned with processing agricultural products, largely food and wood products including paper, and also the production of textiles and metal goods. The country’s mining industry produces coal, of which there are extensive reserves, and diamonds but the other main products of asbestos and iron ore have been in long-term decline due to falling export demand. The removal of sanctions against South Africa gave a boost to the Swazi economy but the gains have been undermined by a number of factors: drought, low commodity prices, the impact of widespread HIV/AIDS infection on the workforce, the low value of the South African rand (to which the Swazi currency is linked). Moreover, opposition from the business community to King Mswati’s autocratic rule has made for a poor commercial environment. Unemployment remains at an estimated 40 per cent. The Government has made efforts to attract foreign capital to fund future development, notably through a number of prestige construction and infrastructure projects. Apart from South Africa, which dominates Swazi trade, the most important trading partners are the UK and France.

Business: Lightweight suits are generally expected for business. Appointments are necessary and business cards are exchanged. English is widely spoken in business circles. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1645.

Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Swaziland Industrial Development Co (SIDC), PO Box 886, 5th Floor, Dhlan’ubeka House, Corner Tin & Walker Streets, Mbabane (tel: (40) 44010 or 43391; fax: (40) 45619; e-mail: info@sidc.co.sz; website: www.sidc.co.sz); or Swaziland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PO Box 72, Mbabane (tel: (40) 44408; fax: (40) 45442; e-mail: chamber@business-swaziland.com; website: www.business-swaziland.com/chamber).

Conferences/Conventions: The principal facilities are at the Royal Swazi Convention Centre in the Ezulwini Valley, which has seating for up to 600 people. Several hotels also have facilities for smaller numbers, with back-up services. The Ministry of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section) can supply information.

Climate

Climate: Due to the variations in altitude the weather is changeable. Except in the lowland, it is rarely uncomfortably hot and nowhere very cold, although frosts occasionally occur in the Highveld which has a wetter, temperate climate. The Middleveld and Lubombo are drier and subtropical with most rain from October to March.