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WORLD FACTBOOK (US)
Introduction: Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King MSWATI III, Africa's last absolute monarch, to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in 2006, but the legal status of political parties remains unclear. The African United Democratic Party tried unsuccessfully to register as an official political party in mid 2006. Talks over the constitution broke down between the government and progressive...
BACKGROUND NOTES (US)
History: According to tradition, the people of the present Swazi nation migrated south before the 16th century from what is now Mozambique. Following a series of conflicts with people living in the area of modern Maputo, the Swazis settled in northern Zululand in about 1750. Unable to match the growing Zulu strength, the Swazis moved gradually northward in the 1800s and established themselves in the area
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COUNTRY PROFILE (UK)
International Relations: Through membership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Swaziland enjoys good relations with its neighbours. Swaziland’s economy depends heavily on receipts from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and on close integration with South Africa, its main trading partner.
Swaziland's Relations with the UK
There are long historical links between the UK and Swaziland. Relations between the two countries remain amicable. Around two thousand British citizens live and work in Swaziland.
Diplomatic Representation
The British High Commission in ...
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