Eswatini is located in Southern Africa, and its capital is Mbabane. It has a population of approximately 1,242,822 and covers an area of about 17,360 km². Its official currency is the Lilangeni (SZL).
What stands out
People & place
71.6 /km² across 17,360 km²
Eswatini has a recorded population of 1,242,822 and a reported surface area of 17,360 km².
Economic snapshot
$4.86 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $4.86 billion and GDP per capita at $3,910 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Lilangeni (SZL)
Eswatini uses Lilangeni (SZL), calling code +268, internet domain .sz.
About Eswatini
Nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, Eswatini is a small yet vibrant kingdom where ancient traditions coexist with modern aspirations, offering travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Dominated by the rugged Lubombo mountain range in the east and the rolling Lowveld savanna in the west, Eswatini’s terrain includes dramatic cliffs, scenic valleys, and the picturesque Malolotja Nature Reserve, while its capital, Mbabane, sits at an altitude that provides cool, misty weather.
Eswatini’s culture pulses with colorful festivals such as the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) and Incwala ceremony, showcasing traditional music, dance, and vibrant attire; its cuisine features staples like pap, beef stew, and sour milk, and locals are renowned for intricate beadwork, woven baskets, and hand‑carved wooden masks.
A pivotal moment in the nation’s recent history came in April 2018 when King Mswati III announced the official change of the country’s name from Swaziland to Eswatini, reaffirming its heritage and sovereignty while marking the 50th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule.
Key facts
Eswatini is one of the world's few absolute monarchies, with King Mswati III as both head of state and cultural figurehead.
It covers an area of just 17,364 square kilometers and is home to roughly 1.2 million people.
The country boasts the highest concentration of protected land per capita in Africa, with over 35 % of its territory designated as nature reserves or parks.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Eswatini has a recorded population of approximately 1,242,822 people.
How big is Eswatini?
Eswatini covers an area of about 17,360 km².
What is the population density of Eswatini?
Eswatini has a population density of roughly 71.6 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Eswatini?
Eswatini has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $4.86 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Eswatini?
Eswatini has a GDP per capita of approximately $3,910.
What currency is used in Eswatini?
Eswatini uses the Lilangeni (SZL), with the symbol E.
Where is Eswatini located?
Eswatini is located in Southern Africa, Africa.
What is the native name of Eswatini?
The native name of Eswatini is Swaziland.
What are people from Eswatini called?
People from Eswatini are referred to as Swazi.
What is the phone calling code for Eswatini?
The international dialing code for Eswatini is +268.
What is the internet domain for Eswatini?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Eswatini is .sz.
What time zone is Eswatini in?
Eswatini uses the Africa/Mbabane time zone.
What is Eswatini known for?
Nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, Eswatini is a small yet vibrant kingdom where ancient traditions coexist with modern aspirations, offering travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Southern Africa