orn/woman (2008 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

38.8% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

220,000 (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

17,000 (2003 est.)

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and
typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2008)

Nationality:

noun: Swazi(s)
adjective: Swazi

Ethnic groups:

African 97%, European 3%

Religions:

Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral
worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican,
Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%

Languages:

English (official, government business conducted in English),
siSwati (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 81.6%
male: 82.6%
female: 80.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years
male: 10 years
female: 10 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

7% of GDP (2005)

Government
Swaziland

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland
conventional short form: Swaziland
local long form: Umbuso weSwatini
local short form: eSwatini

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

name: Mbabane
geographic coordinates: 26 18 S, 31 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during
Standard Time)
note: Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)

Administrative divisions:

4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni

Independence:

6 September 1968 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 September (1968)

Constitution:

signed by the King in July 2005 went into effect on 8 February 2006

Legal system:

based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts and Swazi
traditional law and custom in traditional courts; accepts compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)
head of government: Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso DLAMINI (since
16 October 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by
the monarch
elections: the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by
the monarch from among the elected members of the House of Assembly

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Liband