Swaziland is surrounded by South Africa to the north and west, and by Mozambique to the east. The lush Ezulwini Valley is a miracle of nature and the seat of Swaziland’s major tourist attractions, including the country’s famous casino, the magnificent Royal Swazi golf course and the hot mineral spring known affectionately by locals and guests as the ‘Cuddle Puddle’. Swaziland has a number of protected nature reserves and game parks which are open for visitors and strong efforts have recently been made to bring wildlife back to the country. Mlilwane, the oldest established game sanctuary in Swaziland, was once privately owned but was offered to the nation as a sanctuary for wild animals. The industrial centre of Manzini lies east across the valley, a good half-hour’s drive. On the way, visitors pass signposts to Swaziland’s most famous waterfall, the Mantenga Falls. Food stalls in the local markets sell traditional Swazi meat stew and maize meal or stamped mealies and roasted corn on the cob (in season). There are some Western-style nightclubs in the main tourist centres of Mbabane and Ezulwini Valley. Throughout the year, a number of traditional festivals, dances and rituals are celebrated.

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.

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.

220/30 volts AC, 50Hz; 15-amp round pin plugs are in use.

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).