912,876 (1997).

52.6 per sq km.

Mbabane.

52,000 (1990).

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 170-360m (560-1180ft). 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.

Constitutional monarchy since 1973. Gained independence from the UK in 1968. Head of State: King Mswati III since 1986. Head of Government: Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini since 1993.

English and siSwati.

Christian (60%) with most of the remainder adhering to animist beliefs.

GMT + 2.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. 15-amp round pin plugs are in use. COMMUNICATIONS: Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 268. Outgoing international calls must go through the international operator. Public telephones are available. Fax: Some hotels have facilities. Telegram: Facilities are available in the capital. Post: Post offices are in all main centres. Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks. Post office hours: 0800-1600 Monday to Friday, 0800-1100 Saturday. Press: The two English-language newspapers in Swaziland are The Times of Swaziland (daily, except public holidays) and the Swazi Observer (Monday to Saturday).