The tiny southern African kingdom of Swaziland, bordered on three sides by South Africa and to the east by Mozambique, comprises mainly upland plateaus and mountains. Governed by a strong hereditary monarchy, Swaziland is a country in which tradition is being challenged by demands for modern multiparty government. King Mswati III, crowned in 1986, has overhauled the electoral process, but has still to legalize party politics.

Over 95% of the population belong to the Swazi ethnic group, making Swaziland one of Africa's most homogeneous states. It is also very conservative, but is now facing pressure from urban-based modernizers. The powerful monarchy dominates politics. Ancient traditions, such as incwala, the rainy season's annual movable feast, remain popular. Society is patriarchal and focused around the clan. Chiefs own much "national land," and wield authority through local consultations, called tindkhundla. Polygamy is tolerated. Women farm and may vote, but lack economic or political power. The exception is the Queen Mother, the "Great She Elephant," whose power as regent was clear during the mid-1980s.

Strengths

Economy quite diversified and buoyant. Manufacturing 32% of GDP. Investment rules attractive. Sugar 33% of export earnings. Wood pulp. Debt service low: only 3.8% of export earnings in 1993. Renewed regional stability has reduced risk to exports.

Weaknesses

Sugar vulnerable to price fluctuations. Dependence on South Africa for jobs, revenue, investment, electricity, and imported goods. Small plots of land and lack of land title hinder farm modernization. High population growth.

Politics is dominated by a strong executive monarchy and rivalries within the ruling Dlamini clan. Royal advisers complement a nominated cabinet. Direct elections were held in 1993, but parties remain banned. Responding to mounting popular unrest, in 1996 the king appointed Sibusiso Dlamini as prime minister and set up a commission to review the political system. Pro-democracy activists staged mass protests against the government in 2000.

Swaziland's membership of the SACU reinforces its traditional economic dependence on its giant neighbor. While welcoming the election of an ANC-led government in Pretoria, King Mswati has expressed concern over its support for Swazi prodemocracy campaigners. Peace in Mozambique has meant the return there of 134,000 Mozambican refugees.

The Swaziland Defense Force numbers just 3000 troops. Although it does not play an overt political role, its loyalty is to the monarch and the status quo.

Swaziland's main export is sugarcane, followed by wood pulp, coal, and asbestos. The development of hydroelectric power plants has cut energy imports from South Africa.

In 1998 Swaziland, Mozambique, and South Africa began an ecological project on the world's largest wetlands – the foothills of the Lebombo mountains.

A sharp rise in road traffic has necessitated road improvements. The railroad, running to Mozambique and South Africa, mainly carries exports.

Health facilities are rudimentary. About a quarter of the population aged 15 to 49 is said to carry HIV/AIDS.

Education is compulsory. Parents pay fees at all levels; even so, primary enrollment is about 93%. Drop-out rates at secondary level are high.

The crime rate is low. The numbers of illegal weapons brought in by refugees have boosted armed crime.

About 50% of Swazis live below the UN poverty line. The royal Dlamini clan enjoys Western luxuries and travel.

Swaziland's attractions are its game reserves, mountain scenery, and, for the South Africans who make up two-thirds of tourists, its casinos.

Swaziland became a British protectorate in 1903.

• 1968 Independence.
• 1973 King bans political activity, repeals constitution.
• 1978 New constitution confirms king's executive, legislative control.
• 1982 King Sobhuza dies. Queen Mother becomes regent for Prince Makhosetive. Power struggle between modernists and traditionalists in royal Dlamini clan.
• 1986 Makhosetive crowned King Mswati III at the age of 18.
• 1992 Limited electoral reforms; parties still banned.
• 1993 Elections under new system.
• 1996 Review of political system.
• 1998 Poor turnout at elections.
• 2000 Mass prodemocracy protests.