Swaziland Information

Information

•  Full name: Kingdom of Swaziland.

•  Capital City: Mbabane.

•  Language: Swati and English.

•  Currency: Lilangeni.

•  Religion: Christian and indigenous beliefs.

•  National Anthem: “Nkulunkulu Mnikati Wetibusiso TemaSwati”.

•  Newspaper: Times of Swaziland, Swaziland Observer and 20 Minuten.

•  Places to Visit: Lobamba, Mbabane, Hlane Royal National Park, Malolotja Nature Reserve and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

•  Transport: Airways : the Matsapha International Airport is also called Manzini. The airlines available are Swazi Airlink (daily between Johannesburg and Matsapha) and Swazi Express Airways to Durban (four times weekly); Roadways : buses ply between Mbabane, Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg to Mlilwane; minibus taxis also ply between Johannesburg and Mbabane.

•  Shopping: Gemstones, carvings, pottery, beadwork, mats, calabashes, batiks, drums, walking sticks, battle-axes, artificial flowers made from natural materials and caftans.

Introduction

the meaning of the word “Swazi” translates as ‘people of Mswati'. Swaziland attained freedom from the British in the year 1968; however, it continues to be a monarchy, with the crown being the absolute legislative, executive and judicial head. Even though a constitution was introduced, 60% of the country falls under the king's grip. The current of Swaziland is King Mswati III, who was crowned in the year 1968.

Location of Swaziland

the country of Swaziland is located in the southern region of the continent of Africa. It also lies in the southern hemisphere. The country is practically encircled by South Africa. However, a tiny margin of its boundary is bordered by the country of Mozambique.

Physical Map of Swaziland

he first feature of the small country of Swaziland is the fact that it is completely landlocked. In fact, it is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere of the continent of Africa. The Swaziland landscape comprises of three types of land forms: savannahs, plateaus and mountains. The landscape is full of tourist attractions like the Ezulwini Valley and the mineral spring called the “Cuddle Puddle”. The country is divided into four distinct topographical regions. They are the Highveld Inkangala, the Peak Timbers, the Middleveld and the the Lowveld. The Lubombo plateau too is a significant landscape that lies to the east of the Lowveld. The four major rivers watering Swaziland are the Usutu, Ngwavuma, Komati, and Mbuluzi.

Climate of Swaziland

the climatic conditions prevalent in Swaziland are dependent on the landscape and altitude of the country. So, different regions in the country sport different temperatures, although the variation is marginal. In general, though, the climate of Swaziland can be branded as temperate sub-tropical. Because the country is located in the southern hemisphere, the country has the reverse climatic pattern of the north. So, the summer months occur between the months of October and May. During this time, the conditions are warm and humid. The winters, which are pleasant and dry, lasts from the month of June to the month of September. Precipitation in the months of October and March are sometimes accompanied with storms.

Flora and Fauna of Swaziland

the country of Swaziland mostly comprises of savannah grasslands. The flora in other regions of the country also has scrub and bush vegetation. In the highlands of Swaziland, however, forest trees can be found. the chief plants in the country are orchids, begonias and aloes. The fauna of the land consists of most of the species that are typical of the African safari. So, though there is not much else to be seen in the areas outside the boundaries of the National Parks, in the protected areas, you can see impala, blue wildebeest, zebra, kudu, hippopotamus and waterbuck. There are crocodiles to be sighted in river and low-lying areas. The avian fauna of the country of Swaziland is abundant and thriving with species like the sacred ibis, European stork and gray heron to be found in plenty.

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