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Geography of Swaziland

Location:Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Geographic coordinates:26 30 S, 31 30 E
Map references:Africa
Area:total: 17,363 sq km
land: 17,203 sq km
water: 160 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries:total: 535 km
border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km
Coastline:0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:none (landlocked)
Climate:varies from tropical to near temperate
Terrain:mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m
highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m
Natural resources:asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
Land use:arable land: 10.25%
permanent crops: 0.81%
other: 88.94% (2005)
Irrigated land:500 sq km (2003)
Natural hazards:drought
Environment - current issues:limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion
Environment - international agreements:party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Geography - note:landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

Swaziland Quickstats

  • Population: 1,133,066
  • Area: 17,363 sq km
  • Density: 59 /km² (135th)
  • GDP (total): $5.72 billion (146th)
  • GDP (per capita): $5,245 (101st)
  • Literacy: 81.6%

Languages of Swaziland

Useful to know

  • Currency: Lilangeni (SZL)
  • Dial code: +268

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