Southern Africa. GMT + 2. 17,363 sq km (6704 sq miles). 980,722 (1997). 56.5 per sq km. Mbabane. Population: 73,000 (UN projection 2000). 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. GovernmentThe constitution dates from 1978. The monarch is the head of state and appoints the ministers. Parliament consists of the Senate, with 20 appointed and 10 elected members, and the House of Assembly, with 10 appointees and 55 elected representatives. Elections are not direct but made by an electoral college, which itself is directly elected on a regional basis through traditional local councils known as Tinkhundla. 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. English and siSwati. 60 per cent Christian, with most of the remainder adhering to traditional beliefs. 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 451, Mbabane (tel: (40) 42761 or 43251; fax: (40) 43953). 220/30 volts AC, 50Hz; 15-amp round pin plugs are in use.
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