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19 March 2024

Kingdom of Eswatini

Overview

The Kingdom of Eswatini is an independent Monarchy, rich in traditions and heritage, led by King Mswati III, since 1986, as Executive Head of State with parliament and consultation prescribing laws and Customs. Eswatini is a Kingdom in Southern Africa, and covers an area of 17,363 square kilometres. Eswatini is virtually homogenous, most of the population being of the same tribe. Economically, Eswatini trades mainly with South Africa, which receives almost half of Swazi exports and supplies most of its imports.

The valley of heaven "the Ezulwini Valley" in the Highfield of Eswatini is home to the major tourist attractions with exceptional scenic routes. Also found in the valley is a wildlife sanctuary covering 4,500hectares containing a wide variety of mammals, birds, tree plants.

Economic Performance 2016

Eswatini’s economy as measured by nominal GDP at market prices was estimated at R54.7 billion in 2016 compared to R51.3 billion in 2015. The economy recorded a growth of 1.4 per cent in 2016 compared to 0.4 per cent in 2015. The growth in real GDP was mainly reflected in wholesale, retail, hotel and restaurants; and general government sectors that recorded growth of 3.6 per cent and 8.7 per cent, respectively.

The largest industries, as measured by their nominal value added in 2016, was manufacturing accounting for 31.4 per cent of GDP, followed by the general government accounting for 15.8 per cent of GDP.

Economic Indicators 2016

Country size

17 364 km2

GDP at current prices:

R54.7 billion

Population (2017):

1 132 657

GDP per capita:

R48 321

Real economic growth rate:

1.4%

Annual inflation rate:

7.8%

Merchandise imports:

R20.7 billion

Merchandise exports:

R23.9 billion

Feeds

The Swazi Observer
The Times of Swaziland