Swaziland: economy, political system, population, science and culture. Swaziland map in Russian
Basic moments
The surface is the Veld plateau (height up to 1445 m), descending in ledges from west to east. The climate is transitional from subtropical to tropical, arid. Average monthly temperatures in summer are 20-24 °C, in winter 12-15 °C, precipitation is from 500 to 1400 mm per year. Savannah. In con. 1830s A large association of Swazi tribes arose on the territory of Swaziland. In 1903-1968. Swaziland was a British protectorate. Independent state since 1968.
Economically underdeveloped agricultural country. Main crops: corn, sugar cane, citrus fruits, pineapples, cotton. Transhumance-grazing livestock farming. Mining of asbestos, coal, iron ore. In place of cleared indigenous forests, artificial forest plantations have been created. Logging. Sugar, wood processing, fruit canning factories. Main foreign trade partners: South Africa, Canada, USA, Great Britain. The monetary unit is lilangeni.
Nature
The surface of Swaziland is highlands, sloping east towards the coastal plain of Mozambique in three stages: High Veldt (1000–1500 m above sea level), Middle Weld (400–800 m) and Low Weld (150–300 m). The High Veld, located in the west, is characterized by rugged terrain, with individual peaks exceeding 1800 m, the highest point being Mount Emlembe (1862 m). The Middle Weald has a level surface and is favorable for agriculture. The Low Veld is famous for its rich pastures and forests, bounded in the east by the Lebombo Mountains.
Swaziland has significant mineral reserves - diamonds, asbestos, gold, iron, coal, kaolin, tin, pyrophyllite, semi-precious stones (beryl, quartz, etc.) and talc.
Dense river network, the largest rivers are Komati, Ngwavuma, Umbeluzi, Usutu. The main rivers of Swaziland cut through these mountains and flow into the Indian Ocean.
The High Veldt region is characterized by a subtropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 16° to 22° C and an average annual rainfall of 1200–1400 mm or more. The Middle Weld and Lebombo Mountains are in the transitional climate zone, while the Low Veld is in the tropical climate zone with average temperatures of 20–24° C and average annual precipitation of 500–700 mm.
Flora – meadow in the High Veldt region and forest savannah in the eastern part of the country (various acacias, including Australian, American pines, baobabs, gum trees, xerophytic shrubs, eucalyptus, etc.)
Fauna – there are different types of antelopes (including antelopes), hippopotamuses, white rhinoceroses, zebras, crocodiles. The tsetse fly is widespread throughout the area.
Culture
The origins of fine art in Swaziland began long before our era. e. In the caves and grottoes of the Drakensberg Mountains, Bushmen rock paintings have been preserved - images of people, animals or fantastic creatures, made with mineral and earthen paints, as well as lime and soot diluted with water and animal fat.
Among the crafts and arts, pottery, blacksmithing, metal processing (bronze and copper), weaving baskets and mats from grass and straw, leather goods production, as well as wood and horn carving are common. Products of folk craftsmen are presented in the exhibition of the National Museum of Swaziland in Lobamba (founded in 1972).
Music. Playing musical instruments, singing and dancing are closely associated with the daily life of the Swazi people. Traditional rituals are accompanied by singing and dancing (women’s dance with knives, “reeds” - the dance of girls during the initiation rite, etc.).
The first schools were opened at Christian missions in the beginning. 19th century
The education system is underdeveloped and education is not compulsory. Children attend primary schools (the duration of education is 7 years) from the age of 6. Secondary education (5 years) begins at the age of 13 and takes place in two stages - three and two years. Primary education covers 98% of children of the corresponding age (2002). The higher education system includes the University of Swaziland (located in the suburb of Manzini Kwaluseni, opened in 1964 as part of the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, received the status of an independent university in 1976), agricultural and pedagogical institutes. In 2002, 18.4% of state funds were allocated from the budget for the needs of the education system. In 2003, 81.6% of the population was literate (82.6% of men and 80.8% of women).
Swaziland is one of the African countries with the highest incidence of AIDS - 38.8% (2003). In 2003, there were 220 thousand people with AIDS and HIV-infected people, 17 thousand people died. AIDS has been officially declared a national disaster. In order to limit the spread of the disease, in 2001 King Mswati III issued a decree prohibiting underage girls from having sex.
The lack of clean drinking water (about 40% of the population has constant access to it) leads to outbreaks of intestinal infectious diseases. In 2000, health care expenditures amounted to 4.2% of GDP.
In the UN report on the humanitarian development of the planet in 2001, Swaziland was ranked 133rd.
60% of the population are Christians (mostly Protestants), about 40% adhere to traditional African beliefs (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors, forces of nature, etc.), there is a small Muslim community. There are also a small number of Baha'i adherents. The spread of Christianity began at the beginning of the 19th century.
Policy
The constitution of 2005 is in force. The head of state is the king, who has the supreme legislative and executive powers. The heir to the throne in Swaziland is a prince chosen by members of the royal family. In the event of the death of the king or the minority of the heir to the throne, the country is ruled by the Queen Mother.
Legislative power is partially exercised by a bicameral parliament, which consists of the House of Assembly (65 deputies) and the Senate (30 deputies). Parliament performs the functions of an advisory body under the king, since it does not adopt, but only discusses bills introduced by the government. In addition, the king has the right to veto decisions of parliament. 10 members of the House of Assembly are appointed by the king, and 55 are elected by the population based on a complex two-tier system. Candidates for voting are nominated by traditional local councils, which are composed of chiefs. 20 members of the Senate are appointed by the king, and 10 are elected by the House of Assembly. The term of office of both houses of parliament is 5 years.
In practice, state decisions are made by the king after they are discussed in the Libandla (National Council, whose members are representatives of the court nobility, the king and the queen mother) and Likoko (a narrow circle of the most trusted members of the royal family).
Executive power is exercised by the government and the prime minister, who is appointed by the king from among the deputies of the House of Assembly.
The national flag is a rectangular panel consisting of three horizontal stripes: two blue (top and bottom) and one red between them. The red stripe is bordered on both sides by narrow yellow stripes. Superimposed in the center of the red stripe is the image of a large black and white shield, which covers two parallel spears and a staff decorated with tassels.
The basis of foreign policy is the policy of non-alignment. The main foreign policy partners are the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique. Relations with Mozambique are complicated due to the influx of Mozambican refugees.
The issue of establishing bilateral diplomatic relations between the USSR and Swaziland was first discussed in con. 1970s during an unofficial visit to the country by an employee of the Soviet Union embassy in Mozambique. King Sobhuza II, under pressure from the then South African government, refused the proposed contacts. Diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Swaziland were established on November 19, 1999.
Kingdom Swaziland- the smallest state on the continent, located in southeast Africa. In the east it borders with Mozambique, in the southeast, south, west and north - with the Republic of South Africa. Administrative division. The state is divided into 4 districts
The name comes from the ethnonym of the people - Swazi.
Capital
Mbabane (administrative), Lobam-ba (royal residence).
Square
Population
1100 thousand people
Form of government
A constitutional monarchy.
Head of State
Supreme legislative body
The bicameral parliament (Libondla) consists of the Senate and the House of Assembly.
Supreme executive body
A government accountable to the king.
Big cities
Official language
Swazi, English.
Religion
60% are Catholics, 30% are pagans.
Ethnic composition
90% are Swazis, 2.3% are Zulus, 2.1% are Europeans.
Currency
Lilangeni (plural - emalangeni) 100 cents.
Climate
The climate is transitional from subtropical to tropical, humid in the summer. Average monthly temperatures range from + 12°C to + 20°C in summer. Precipitation falls 500-700 mm per year in the east and 1200-1400 mm in the west.
Flora
In the west, the vegetation is a typical savanna with acacia and baobab trees; in the east, thickets of xerophytic shrubs predominate. West High Veldo is a country of mountain meadows. The flora includes 2.4 thousand species - from lichens to ficus and magnolias.
Fauna
Representatives of the animal world are typical of the African savannah - blue buffalos, antelopes, zebras, hippos, and a large number of crocodiles live in the rivers.
Rivers and lakes
The country's largest rivers are the Komati, Great Usutu and Umbeluzi.
Attractions
In Lobamba - the National Museum of Swaziland, the Parliament building, the Queen Mother's village. The Malotolsa National Park and Waterfall are well known.
Useful information for tourists
Swaziland is a unique country where modern, vibrant life is organically intertwined with ancient traditions and rituals that form the basis of the existence of its people - the Swazis. The best way to explore Swaziland is trekking, as well as walking and horseback riding excursions. Some national parks offer excellent trails, often just reclaimed trails that local people have used for centuries. Horseback riding excursions are considered the most suitable for local conditions and have already managed to create the country’s reputation as one of the world centers of equestrian tourism. In many cases, it is also the only way to explore parts of the country otherwise inaccessible by land and experience the region's wildlife.
One of the most colorful events takes place annually at the end of August - beginning of September and is timed to coincide with the moment the king chooses his next bride. It is called "Dance of the Reeds". Virgin girls from all over the kingdom gather near the Queen Mother's palace with a bunch of reeds, symbolizing their purity and devotion to the throne. The girls' outfit consists only of loincloths woven with beads. Royal princesses decorate their hair with a wreath of red feathers and lead in dances.
The purpose of the ceremony is to show the king your beauty and dancing skills, so that he can choose one from many virgins and make him his wife. And although the choice of the king is a foregone conclusion, thousands of almost naked beauties try their best to demonstrate their charms by performing intricate steps.
Swaziland is a small African country whose name comes from the people Swazi, which came to southern Africa from the central continent in the Middle Ages.
Swaziland borders South Africa and Mozambique.
State symbols
Flag– is a panel with an aspect ratio of 2:3 with 5 horizontal stripes on top: blue, yellow, red, yellow and blue. The central red stripe depicts two spears and a staff, with an African shield on top of them. The staff and shield are decorated with decorative tassels of bird feathers, which represent the king.
The color red symbolizes past battles and struggles; blue – peace and stability; yellow – natural resources of the country. The black and white coloring of the shield symbolizes the peaceful coexistence of the black and white races. The flag was approved on October 30, 1967.
Coat of arms- is an azure shield, in the field of which there is an oval shield wavyly crossed into silver and niello on top of two gold spears in a pillar. Above the shield is an azure-golden burlet under a stylized crown of green feathers. The shield is supported by a walking lion and an elephant of natural colors. At the bottom there is a silver motto ribbon with the motto: “We are a fortress.”
Spears symbolize protection, the lion symbolizes the king, and the elephant symbolizes the queen mother.
State structure
Form of government– dualistic monarchy (a constitutional monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited by the constitution, but the monarch formally and actually retains extensive powers).
Head of State- monarch. Legislative and executive powers are concentrated in his hands. He is also the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the army. Parliament has no real legislative power and is actually an advisory body to the king.
Current monarch since April 1986 King Mswati III
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Mbabane
Capital Cities– Mbabane (official), Lobamba (royal and parliamentary).
The largest city- Manzini.
official languages– English, swati.
Territory– 17,363 km².
Administrative division– 4 districts.
Population– 1,185,000 people. The country has the highest rate of AIDS infection in the world (more than 26% of the adult population). Average life expectancy is about 50 years.
The majority of the population is Swazi, with a small number of Zulus, Europeans and Mozambican immigrants. Urban population 25%.
Religion– syncretists 40% (beliefs based on a combination of Christianity with aboriginal cults), Catholics 20%, Muslims 10%, others 30%.
Currency– lilangeni.
Economy– The main sector of the economy is agriculture. Main crops: sugar cane, corn, cotton, tobacco, rice, citrus fruits, pineapples. They are engaged in cattle breeding. Industry: agricultural products processing industries, mining (coal and asbestos), cellulose production, textile production. Transport: railway 297 km, roads 2853 km. Export: juice concentrates, sugar, wood, cotton, citrus fruits, canned fruits. Import: industrial goods, vehicles, food, petroleum products.
Education– the education system is underdeveloped, education is not compulsory. In primary schools, the duration of education is 7 years (from the age of 6).
Secondary education (5 years) begins at the age of 13 and takes place in two stages - 3 and 2 years. Primary education covers 98% of children of the corresponding age (2002).
Higher education: University of Swaziland, agricultural and pedagogical institutes.
Sport- Football is popular. Swaziland first participated in the Olympic Games in 1972. Swaziland's first and only participation in the Winter Games occurred in 1992 in Albertville. Swaziland athletes have never won a single Olympic medal.
Armed forces– Swaziland Self-Defense Forces and Royal Swaziland Police. The Swaziland Army has never participated in external conflicts and is mainly engaged in maintaining order within the country and protecting borders.
Nature
Basically, Swaziland is located on the highlands, descending to the coastal plain of Mozambique in three stages: High Veld (dissected relief), Middle Veld (favorable for agriculture) and Low Veld (pastures, in the east of Mount Lebombo).
Mineral reserves are significant: diamonds, asbestos, gold, iron, coal, kaolin, tin, pyrophyllite, semi-precious stones (beryl, quartz, etc.) and talc.
Dense river network, the largest rivers are Komati, Ngwavuma, Umbeluzi, Usutu. The main rivers of Swaziland cut through the mountains and flow into the Indian Ocean.
Climate subtropical and tropical.
The flora is rich: about 2,400 species - from lichens and ferns to magnolias and ficus. 25 types of aloe, 12 types of orchids, 10 types of lilies.
Antelope
Various species of antelope (including antelopes), hippopotamuses, white rhinoceroses, zebras, and crocodiles live here. The tsetse fly is widespread throughout the area.
Tourism
Tourism in the country is developing dynamically. Tourists are attracted by the picturesque mountain landscapes, the diversity of the animal world, the possibility of safaris, as well as the original culture of the local population. Walking and horseback excursions are offered.
The main tourist attraction is the traditional Reed Dance (Umhlanga) is an annual mass celebration in Swaziland, the culmination of which is the dance of several thousand half-naked Swazi girls who want to become one of the wives of the King of Swaziland, Mswati III. The holiday takes place in August-September.
The celebration lasts 3 days and ends with a dance. On the first night after arriving at the camp, the girls go for reeds. The next day they bring the plucked reeds to the palace of the Queen Mother of Swaziland, where they use it as a building material to protect against the wind. On the last day of the celebration, government transport delivers the girls to the stadium, where the culmination of the celebration will take place. The king and royal family, as well as spectators, are present in the stadium. The King and specially invited guests make speeches on topics relevant to Swaziland. After this, the dance begins, which lasts several hours. Spectators can join the dancers or encourage them by throwing money at their feet. Every year the king has the right to choose his bride from among the dancers.
Incwala ("Festival of First Fruits") is also an important religious ritual for Swaziland, attracting tourists. It takes place in the second half of December and continues in January of the following year. This annual ceremony lasts 3 weeks and involves the people of Swaziland uniting to receive blessings from their ancestors and serves to extend the reign of the Swazi people in the country and begin the harvest.
The ceremony is attended by the King of Swaziland.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Swaziland
Ngwenya mine
This mine is considered the oldest in the world. Ore containing hematite (iron mineral Fe2O3, one of the most important iron ores. Synonym: red iron ore), was mined here back in the “African Middle Stone Age”. At this time, red ocher was obtained from it. Ancient people used red ocher for cosmetic and ritual purposes. Later, the ore was mined for iron smelting and for export.
Other attractions of Swaziland
Lobamba
Mantenga Falls
The historical capital of the kingdom, seat of parliament and residence of the Queen Mother.
Attractions:
King's Palace Embo Royal
Royal Kraal
National Museum
Houses of Parliament
Memorial to King Sobhuz II
Cultural village - a traditional ethnic village-beehive, conveying the life of local residents
Mantenga waterfall
The Reed Dance (Umhlanga) is an annual celebration of the virgins in honor of the Queen Mother.
Muti-Muti Nature Reserve
This unique place is actively used by medical practitioners and healers of the Inyanga and Sangoma schools to collect a variety of herbs used in their work.
The city of Siteki is a large commercial and cultural center. Siteki is famous for its Inyanga and Sangoma schools. Here they receive the title of healers and experts in traditional medicine.
Memorial Park of King Sobhuz II
The King Sobhuza II Memorial Park is located in the city of Lobamba and is dedicated to the first king of Swaziland. The park consists of a memorial, a mausoleum and a memorial museum. The three-meter bronze statue of the king is surrounded by shields.
The memorial is surrounded by a pond and has bronze sculptures of lions at the entrance. To ascend the throne, the leader of the tribe had to kill a lion. Next to the memorial there is a torch, which is a symbol that the spirit of the king is still alive. The torch is lit on important days for the country.
The museum contains exhibits dedicated to the life of the first king of Swaziland. The mausoleum is located on the spot where Sobhuz II's body lay during the funeral in 1982. The king was buried in the south of the country, in the mountains.
National Museum of Swaziland
The first and most famous museum of cultural history. Located in a 28th century palace. in the very center of Copenhagen, it occupies 36 hectares and is a real open-air museum.
The National Museum was opened in 1892, introducing residents and visitors to the history of the city, from the Stone Age and the Vikings to the Renaissance. Here are examples of the diverse cultures of the peoples that live in the country.
Story
The ancestors of the Swazi people came to this territory in the middle from the central part of the continent. At first they settled on the coast of the Indian Ocean, but in the 18th century. they were pushed into the territory of what is now Swaziland by other tribes.
At the beginning of the 19th century. The Swazis fought against the Zulu and other neighboring tribes, and they raided the Swazi lands.
In 1836, the Swazi leader Sobuza I (now called the king) defeated the Zulu and introduced a centralized system of power, subjugating other leaders. He is actually the founder of the Swazi state.
King Mswati I in the late 1830s. annexed new lands in the north of the country and created a large state (its territory was more than twice the area of modern Swaziland).
Traditional Swazi dwellings
In the middle of the 19th century. the country began to attract European colonialists. In 1894, the territory of Swaziland was declared part of the Boer Republic (Transvaal).
After the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. Britain declared Swaziland a protectorate, but retained the authority of local kings and chiefs there.
In 1964, the first local parliamentary elections were held, and on September 6, 1968, Britain granted full independence to the Kingdom of Swaziland.
In 1973, King Sobuza II revoked the constitution, dissolved parliament and outlawed the activities of all political parties, trade unions and other public organizations.
Sobuza II died in 1982 and was succeeded by Mswati III.
In April 2011, opposition rallies of many thousands took place demanding the resignation of Mswati III. The opposition accuses the monarch of plundering the state treasury to provide a luxurious life for himself and his 13 wives. The police, using special means, dispersed the rally in the capital of Swaziland, arresting 13 organizers of the rally.
Despite its rather modest size, Swaziland has a surprisingly wide range of natural systems and ecological zones, from tropical forests in the northwest to savannah in the east, with numerous "interspersed" fynbos (also called "fine bush"). On the border with Mozambique, the country has a completely different landscape - sharp and dry mountains, as if growing out of the High Veld plateau.
The official capital of Swaziland, Mbabane, is located in the northern part of the Ezulwini Valley, among the picturesque Dlangeni Hills. There are not many interesting attractions here, and the main tourist spots in the city can be called fairly modern streets in the center - Allister Miller, New Alley and Alley. To the west of the city center is Swazi Square, a modern large shopping complex famous for its many shops located on its territory and reasonable prices. The local market, which can be found on Allister Miller Street, is also worthy of attention - it sells many interesting folk art items at very low prices. There are also several excellent restaurants in the center of Mbabane, serving Indian, Italian and Portuguese cuisine.
The royal residence - Embo Royal Palace - is located in the city of Lobamba. Here you can follow the life of the royal family: from colorful national ceremonies and ceremonial exits to the unique Inquala dance ceremony, in which the king himself participates. Nearby is the National Museum, where you can see interesting exhibitions of the cultures of various peoples of the country and visit the Cultural Village - a traditional settlement for the region with all the household items of the inhabitants. Given the size of the royal family (King Sobhuza II had six hundred children), the monarchs of Swaziland now reside in the Lotiza residence, located ten kilometers from Lobamba.
Not far from the capital you can see the small but very beautiful Mantenga Waterfall.
Thirty kilometers from Mbabane is the largest city in Swaziland - Manzini. This place may seem unkempt and too provincial, but there is nevertheless a very interesting place here - a colorful local market, reflecting the cultural traditions of the region.
The city of Siteki is very popular, standing apart from other settlements in the country and famous for its landscapes - cool spurs of plains and mountains covered with dense forest. Previously, the city was the “capital” of border guards and highlanders; it received its name thanks to the ruler Mbandzeni, who allowed troops of border guards to get married only here (the name of the city can be translated as “getting married on the spot”). Since then, the city has gradually transformed from a small village into a large cultural and commercial center. In Siteki there are Sangoma and Inyaga schools - public educational institutions where traditional medicine masters and healers are trained. An interesting combination of natural history, botany and spiritualism is taught here.
Not far from the city there is an unusual reserve, Muti-Muti, which is actively used by practicing healers and doctors of the Sangoma and Inyaga schools to collect various herbs needed in their work (the word “muti” can be translated both as “medicine” and “magic”).
Mlilvane is the most accessible nature reserve. It is located near the capital of the country, on the border of the Middle and High Veldt, around the jagged, picturesque peak of Nyonyane. It is home to a large population of hippopotamuses, as well as many varieties of crocodiles, giraffes and zebras.
The official name is The Kingdom of Swaziland.
Located in southern Africa. Area 17,363 km2, population 1.1 million people. (2002, evaluation). Gosudarst Siswati and English. The capital is Mbabane (38.6 thousand people, 2002). Public holiday - Independence Day on September 6 (since 1968). The monetary unit is langeni.
Member approx. 40 international organizations, incl. UN (since 1968), AU (since 2000), SADC (since 1992).
Sights of Swaziland
Geography of Swaziland
Located between 30°48′ and 32°E longitude, 25°24′ and 27°24′S latitude; has no access to the sea, is surrounded on three sides by the territory of South Africa, and borders Mozambique in the east.
The landscape is a plateau that declines in three steps towards the coastal plain of Mozambique: High Veldt in the west (elevation 1050-1850 m), Middle Veldt (450-600 m) and Low Veldt (150-300 m). The low veld is bordered in the east by the Lebombo Mountains, 450-825 m high, with the Emlembe peak (1862 m). A dense river network forms the basins of four deep rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean: Komati, Umbeluzi, Usutu and Ngwavuma.
The soils are alluvial, red-brown, swampy and leached. The vegetation is diverse, although it has been damaged by human activity. The High Veldt grasslands gradually turn into forest savanna in the east of the country with typically tropical trees. The fauna has thinned out significantly; hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, zebras and even the rare blue buffalo can be found.
Coal deposits (reserves of 1 billion tons), small deposits of iron ore, tin, kaolin, talc, asbestos, gold, and diamonds have been discovered in the depths of Swaziland.
The climate is humid, subtropical in the west and tropical in the east. The amount of precipitation is from 500 to 1400 mm per year. Average temperatures: +12-15°C in July, +20-24° in February.
Population of Swaziland
In 22 years the population doubled. The population growth rate dropped from 2.5% (1980) to 1.6% (2002) due to the AIDS pandemic. Fertility rate 39.59%, mortality 23.26%, infant mortality 109.43 people. per 1000 newborns (2002). Average life expectancy is 37 years (37.66 for women, 36.35 for men). Sex and age structure (2002): 0-14 years - 45.5% (254,573 men and 256,677 women), 15-64 years - 51.9% (281,645 and 301,071, respectively), 65 years and older - 2, 6% (12,027 and 17,612). The number of HIV-infected people is 212 thousand, i.e. 35.6% of the adult population (2002). In 2000, there were approx. 50% of the population. Among adults, 80% are literate.
97% of the population are Swazi, approx. 3% are white. Languages: Siswati, English, Zulu.
70% are Christians, 10% are Muslims, the rest adhere to local beliefs.
History of Swaziland
The ancestors of today's Swazis moved to the beginning. 15th century from the territory of present-day Mozambique to the northeast of Natal, and from there in the 18th century. were forced to leave under the pressure of other tribes to the land where they live now. Already in the 18th century. Chief Ngwane III created a strong state, which in the 19th century. twice the territory of today's state. In the 1820-30s. the Swazis defended their independence in wars with the Zulu, and from the early 1840s. The country became the object of the aggressive aspirations of European colonialists - the British, Portuguese, and Boers. The Boers were especially active, buying up vast territories of land from the leaders for next to nothing. In 1894, Swaziland was annexed by the Boer Republic of Transvaal, and after the Boer War it became a British protectorate. King Sobhuza II, who ascended the throne in 1921, directed his efforts to purchase land from foreigners, and by the end of his long reign (1983), the Swazis owned half of all lands.
In the beginning. 1960s The first political parties arose and demanded the independence of the protectorate, which was granted in 1968. Swaziland became a constitutional monarchy, power was limited by parliament. In the general elections, all seats in parliament went to the king's supporters, although the opposition received 20% of the vote. However, in 1973 Sobhuza II abolished the Constitution, dissolved parliament and banned political parties. In 1978, a new Constitution was introduced, which consolidated the absolute power of the king and made parliament an advisory body.
In 1982, after the death of Sobhuza II, an intense struggle for power broke out between court factions, and the new king Mswati III was able to ascend the throne only in 1986. Mswati III was faced with the activation of banned political parties that operated through trade union and student organizations and demanded the democratization of society. The most active party was the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO). Demonstrations and strikes became forms of protest. In 1991, the king was forced to create a commission to revise the Constitution, whose work dragged on for a decade. In 1994, trade unions put forward 27 demands to the government, including political ones, in particular the creation of a multi-party system. The king rejected these demands. In 1995, there were arson attacks on the houses of government officials and attacks on the parliament and Supreme Court buildings. In January 1996, PUDEMO began a campaign of protest and defiance. In July, the heads of neighboring states met with the king, convincing him of the need for reforms. In January 1997, trade unions and PU-DEMO held a general strike, which paralyzed the country's economy for several days. Mswati III released the arrested strike leaders and asked the South African government for mediation. With the help of South Africa, the conflict was resolved; the king promised to speed up the work of the constitutional commission, but instead intensified repression against dissidents. In August 1998, the king dissolved parliament and called new elections. The opposition boycotted them. On the eve of the elections, there was an explosion near the bridge through which the king had just passed, and on the day of the oath of office of the cabinet of ministers, a bomb exploded in the office of the Deputy Prime Minister. In 1999, opposition parties and trade unions created the Swaziland Democratic Alliance, which held demonstrations in support of 27 trade union demands. In 2001, the constitutional commission finally presented to the king a draft Constitution that did not limit the absolute power of the monarch and did not lift the ban on the activities of political parties. Mswati sent the project for revision. In 2001-02, a number of laws were passed that limited civil rights. The political situation in the country remains very tense.
Government and political system of Swaziland
Swaziland is a monarchy; all legislative and executive powers belong to the king. The Constitution of 1978 is in force. Administratively, it is divided into 4 districts (Khokho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni). Large cities: Mbabane, Manzini.
The head of state, legislative and executive power is the king. Parliament is a deliberative body; it does not adopt, but only discusses bills introduced by the government; consists of the House of Assembly and the Senate. The House of Assembly consists of 65 deputies, 55 of them are elected by the population according to a complex two-tier system, ensuring that only chiefs or their representatives are nominated as candidates, and 10 are appointed by the king. The Senate consists of 30 members, 10 of whom are elected by the House of Assembly and 20 are appointed by the king. The term of office of parliament is 5 years. The head of the executive branch is the king, who appoints the government headed by the prime minister. In fact, state decisions are made by the king after discussion in two traditional Swazi institutions - the Libandle (National Council), consisting of the court nobility, and Likoko (a narrow circle of members of the royal family). The head of state is King Mswati III. The Speaker of the House of Assembly is S. Matsebula. Prime Minister - S.B. Dlamini.
An outstanding statesman is King Sobhuza II (1899-1982). In the first years of his reign, he supported anti-colonial organizations in his country and South Africa. His merit was the resistance to attempts by the authorities of the Union of South Africa (now South Africa) to annex Swaziland, as well as the creation of a fund for the purchase of Swazi lands from white settlers. In recent years, he has pursued a policy aimed at preserving the traditional social structure.
Political parties operate illegally. The most active of them are: People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Ngwane National Liberation Congress, Progressive Party of Swaziland.
Leading business organizations: Swaziland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Stock Exchange, Swaziland Central Co-operative Union.
Public organizations: two trade union associations - the Federation of Labor of Swaziland and the Federation of Trade Unions of Swaziland, the Human Rights Association of Swaziland, the Youth Congress of Swaziland.
Domestic policy with con. 1999 is characterized by tightening legislation and repression directed against the opposition. Laws have been adopted restricting the right to strike, ending the independence of judges, press censorship has actually been introduced, journalists have been arrested and newspapers have been closed.
Foreign policy is aimed primarily at maintaining good relations with South Africa and Mozambique, but tensions arise with these states over human rights and Mozambican refugees.
Armed forces. The army size is approx. 3 thousand, expenses for the army (2002) 20 million US dollars.
Swaziland has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation, established in 1999.
Economy of Swaziland
The economy is characterized by stable development. GDP $4.6 billion, growth 5% (2001). GDP per capita is one of the highest in Africa at $4,200. The formal sector of the economy employs 340 thousand people. (2001, evaluation). Unemployment is 34% (2001), it is weakened by labor in South Africa. Inflation 7.5% (2001).
Sectoral structure by contribution to GDP (1999,%): agriculture - 10, industry - 43, services - 47.
The most important sector of the economy has become manufacturing (35% of GDP), which is based on Swaziland's agricultural and forestry resources. The main enterprises are sugar production (approx. 500 thousand tons), wood processing (220 thousand tons of pulp), fruit and cotton processing plants. However, since the 1980s. new industries appeared - the production of cotton and synthetic fibers, textiles, shoes, leather goods, glass, building materials, cardboard, electrical equipment, electronics, refrigerators, assembly of buses, computers.
The mining industry is in decline. Iron ore deposits were depleted, prospectors stopped mining diamonds, unable to penetrate deep into the deposit, and demand for asbestos fell. In 2000, 380 thousand tons of coal and 12.7 thousand tons of asbestos were mined.
The potential for hydropower development is significant due to the presence of mountain rivers, but so far hydroelectric power plants generate 44% of the country's electricity. Most of the energy comes from South Africa. In 2000, its consumption amounted to 900.7 million kWh, and 362 million were produced in the country.
44% of all land is owned by white farmers and foreign companies. The rest is considered the property of all Swazis, but only half of the Swazi lands are allocated for peasant plots. This is a subsistence sector producing only 1% of GDP. The other half of Swazi land is dedicated to commercial crop production by state-owned companies. These areas are where most of the country's corn and cotton are grown.
Main cash crops (thousand tons, 2000): sugar cane - 3885, corn - 85, citrus fruits - 73, pineapples - 20, cotton - 7. Sugar cane provided up to 13% of foreign exchange earnings, but now its exports have fallen due to the construction sugar factories in Swaziland itself. The corn harvest does not meet the country's needs of 140 thousand tons, and grain has to be imported from South Africa. Cattle breeding has no commercial value. The number of cattle in 2000 was 608 thousand.
Railways crossing the country connect Swaziland with South Africa and Mozambique. The length of railways is 297 km (2001). The annual volume of traffic is 1250-1300 million passenger-km and 4.3-4.5 million tons of cargo. The length of roads is 3800 km, of which 1064 km are paved (2002).
The country has 2 airports and 16 airstrips. Mbabane and Manzini are connected by air to cities in South Africa and Mozambique. Transportation is carried out by Airlink (South Africa).
Telephone communications are carried out at the modern level through digital telephone channels, communication satellites and mobile phone systems. The number of landline phones is 38.5 thousand, mobile phones - 45 thousand (2001). There are 8 radio stations and 5 television stations. The number of Internet users is 14 thousand (2002).
All wholesale and retail trade is in private hands. Cooperation has been developed (123 trade and marketing cooperatives).
Tourism began to develop rapidly after 1994. In 2000, the country was visited by 353 thousand tourists, mainly from South Africa, tourism income amounted to $47 million.
The government's economic policy in agriculture is aimed at increasing production through irrigation, and in industry - at diversifying manufacturing sectors in order to reduce the economy's dependence on the export of raw materials. It intends to achieve this through external investment, but in 2000 difficulties arose in relations with the IMF, which, along with the usual recommendations - speed up privatization, increase budget revenues - noted the need to control government spending, which is difficult to achieve without democratic reforms and the creation of a legal opposition . Policy in the social sphere is dual in nature. The government regularly indexes the salaries of civil servants and calls for the same in the private sector. As a result, there were no major strikes in 2001-02. At the same time, there is an attack on trade union rights.
The financial system is closely tied to the financial structure of South Africa. Swaziland is part of the rand currency area; the South African rand is used in the country on a par with the Langeni. The Central Bank of Swaziland is forced to adjust the Langeni exchange rate, its issue, anti-inflationary measures, etc. in accordance with the policies of the South African Reserve Bank. There are 2 commercial and 3 investment banks.
Since 1999, the budget has been constantly in deficit. Revenues 448 million US dollars, expenses - 506.9 million, including the capital budget (147 million, 2001/02). In the 2002/03 budget, taxes on goods, services and foreign trade transactions provide 67% of budget revenues. External debt 336 million US dollars (2001).
The standard of living of the majority of the rural population is very low, since the land plots allocated by the leaders of less than 2 hectares make it difficult to feed the family even in productive years. The standard of living in cities is much higher. Although the cost of living index increased by 6-7% per year in 1998-2001, the growth in real wages was approximately the same. Bank deposits increased (619 million langeni in 2001).
Foreign trade (millions of dollars, 2001): export - 702, import - 850. Main export items: sugar cane, pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, fruits. Main import items: vehicles, equipment, food, petroleum products. 90% of imports and 66% of exports come from South Africa.
Science and culture of Swaziland
98% of children attend primary schools. Scientific research is carried out at the University of Swaziland, at three experimental stations (crop production, livestock production, forestry), and in the Department of Geology. Manzini has the National Library and Lobamba the National Museum.
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