Swaziland Country Report
Swatini, a small landlocked country between South Africa and Mozambique, is one of the world’s last absolute monarchies. Although the country is politically stable compared to many countries in the region and is a popular tourist destination, economic development is far from uniform and poverty remains widespread, with more than half of the population living below the poverty line. Although the country actively pursues foreign investment, corruption remains a major obstacle and many companies operating in Swatini face challenges such as soliciting bribes from members of the royal family and other political elites.
The main threat to foreign tourists is criminal activity. Although crime levels are relatively low by local standards, burglaries, and opportunistic thefts, as well as less violent incidents and car thefts, do occur and have been on the rise in recent years. Swatini is generally stable, although protests and strikes over socio-economic issues and political demands occasionally occur in the country’s urban centers. Electricity, communications, and public infrastructure are generally limited outside urban centers, and business operations in rural areas can be difficult.
HIV/AIDS is a major public health concern in Swatini and poses one of the most important challenges to long-term socio-economic development. The country has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world, with more than a quarter of the adult population living with the disease, and also suffers from high rates of tuberculosis, both of which the government says are serious public health problems. A crisis I worked hard on for a long time.
On 19 April 2018, King Mswati III announced that Swaziland had officially changed its name to Eswatini. The name has been adopted by national governments and other institutions and is beginning to be adopted for common use by several international organizations and diplomatic missions. However, the name Swaziland is still widely used unofficially.
Last updated: April 8, 2022
Security
The biggest threat to foreign tourists in Aswatini is criminal activity. The crime rate is low by local standards, but burglaries and opportunistic thefts, less violent incidents, and car thefts are thought to be on the rise in recent years. Crime is a particular concern in the central city areas of Mbappe and Manzini, as the risk of theft increases significantly at night. Car theft and highway robbery also occasionally occur in rural areas of the country, especially on routes into the country from South Africa and Mozambique.
Swatini is generally stable, although protests and strikes over socio-economic issues and political demands occasionally occur in the country’s urban centers. Although demonstrations are generally peaceful, some demonstrations, particularly those critical of the royal regime, have been actively suppressed by security forces using tear gas and rubber bullets.
Swatini faces no serious conflict or terrorist threat to travelers, but such rhetoric is occasionally used against political opponents.
Last updated: April 22, 2022
Infrastructure
Eswatini’s standards for safety oversight in the aviation industry are considered lower than in many developed countries, but standards are believed to be improving and domestic airlines have been removed from the EU blacklist.
Swatini’s road network is largely undeveloped, especially in rural areas. Road trips in the country are dangerous due to poorly maintained roads, poor lighting, and poor local driving standards. This country has a relatively high rate of road casualties and many accidents are caused by speeding on the country’s roads and collisions with animals.
Electricity and communication infrastructure are generally considered adequate in Mbappe and Manzini but are limited in remote areas.
Last updated: April 22, 2022
Environment
Aswatini’s climate varies by altitude, with the highlands in the western part of the country usually staying warmer than the plains. The country generally experiences hot and humid summers from November to April and cool and dry winters from May to October. Flooding is rare, but seasonal rains from November to April can be heavy and disrupt travel. An increase in temperature during the dry season can also lead to fires in some areas.
Last updated: March 11, 2022
Health and Medical
HIV/AIDS is a major public health concern in Swatini and poses one of the most important challenges to socio-economic development. This country has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world, and more than a quarter of the country’s population is infected with this disease. Medical facilities in the country are limited in case of serious injuries or emergencies requiring evacuation to South Africa. The health system suffers from a shortage of even basic drugs and it is very difficult to obtain more specialized prescription drugs.
Last updated: September 14, 2022
Political
While there is no immediate threat to the monarchy’s stability, public discontent is growing over deteriorating economic conditions, the king’s extravagant lifestyle, and demands for greater political freedom. Corruption is widespread and remains a major barrier to foreign investment. The judiciary is also subject to political interference and the effectiveness of the police is hampered by lack of resources and corruption.
Last updated: March 25, 2022
