Swaziland By: _________________

“We are the fortress.” Capital: Mbabane About 7/8ths the size of New Jersey

The People Population: 1,370,424

The People RELIGION Zionist: blend of Christianity and ancestral worship Other includes: Jewish, Anglican, Methodist, and Mormon

The People ETHNIC LANGUAGE & GROUPS SiSwati: official English: official, government business conducted in English

The People FOODS  Food depends on season and climate.  Staple food: maize (corn).  Usually eaten with beef, goat, or mutton  Goat meat is popular  tastes like lamb mutton  In times of drought dairy products are usually reserved for children.

The People culture- traditional ceremonies INCWALA “first fruits” ceremony most important and sacred Swazi ceremony several weeks of traditional dancing always joined by the King UMHLANGA “reed dance” second most important ceremony one of the most colorful ceremonies King Mswati III

The People ENTERTAINMENT A dventure caving: spend 2 hours exploring caves! B ird Watching R iver Rafting H orseback Riding H elicopter Scenic Flights B ushman Paintings G uided Tours

The People CHILDREN/SCHOOLS Despite the fact that school is not free and the drop out rates are high, Swaziland’s literacy rate is 81.6% School is neither required nor free Nearly all children attend school, but most drop out Only about 1 in 5 students that enroll in primary school go on to secondary school Primary school starts at age 7 in most areas Many families choose one child they think will benefit most from school so that they only have to pay one set of school fees a year

The People HOUSING Typical houses are made of mud, wood, and rocks. Some people can afford to build their house using bricks and cement. Even though they are made of brick and cement they are not always the best quality. Usually small houses consisting of only a few rooms.

The People Human Rights Issue HIV/AIDS Discriminating people with AIDS prevents many people from getting tested. King Mswati III often speaks out about the spread of AIDS, yet he still practices polygamy. The King does not enforce equal rights for women, which means the men can still sexually abuse the women increasing the spread of HIV/AIDS. In America if you have a STD you are required to inform your sexual partner of your disease, but in Swaziland they are not required to inform their partner of their condition which also increases the spread of AIDS. 61% of all deaths in the country were caused from HIV/AIDS, which means about 2% of Swazi people die from AIDS every year. About 11,000 new cases of HIV/AIDS are reported each year in Swaziland.

Geography POLITICAL PHYSICAL

Geography CLIMATE REGIONS ECOSYSTEM Climate: Steppe Land use: Grassland and Closed Forest

Geography HOW DOES LAND AFFECT LIFE? The more the Swazis urbanize the land the more environmental consequences they have. Such as: Higher population density Depleted resources Increased pollution Decreased environmental quality (less vegetation) Higher land prices Arable land: 10.25%

Natural Resources AsbestosCoal Quarry Stone Diamond and Gold deposits Talc Cassiterite Clay Natural Vegetation is one of the most important resources. Important source of food and fuel for most of the people.

Economy Exports/Imports EXPORTS $1.57 billion IMPORTS $1.58 billion soft drink concentrateschemicals sugartransportation equipment pulpmachinery canned fruitsmotor vehicles cottonpetroleum products yarnfoodstuffs refrigeratorsclothing

Economy Most important industry: Agricultural Industry Attracted Coca-Cola and Cadbury The Agriculture Industry in Swaziland focuses mainly on sugar, wood pulp, citrus, other fruit, cotton, and meat. Mining has declined in importance to Swaziland industries since the 1960’s. Although diamonds and asbestos are still important mined exports.

Places of Interest Sibebe Rock Located along Pine Valley Road World’s largest exposed granite dome and 2nd biggest rock after Ayers Rock in Australia. People are allowed to climb the rock, but it is suggested you take a guided tour. Hlane Royal National Park Swaziland’s largest protected area. Home to the largest herds of game in Swaziland. Wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, lions, and birds are often seen.

History Swaziland Independence Was a South Africa protectorate (country partly controlled by another country) from 1894 to 1899 until the Boer War. After the war, Swaziland was transferred to British administration in 1902 where it was also a protectorate. On September 6, 1968 it became the independent Kingdom of Swaziland. Drought in Swaziland In 2002 thousands of Swazi people faced starvation. 2 years of drought along with bad planning were blamed for the crisis. The government spent 1/4 th the country’s budget on a jet for the King instead of helping the people during the famine. In 2004 a third year of drought came and human rights groups kept the king from building million dollar homes for each of his 11 wives to instead help his country out of the drought.

Government Absolute Monarchy King Mswati III- crowned King in 1986 when he was 18 years old Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs: Magwagwa Mduli Prime Minister:Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini No Voting for King Crown is passed down by generations King Mswati III Dr. Dlamini

Government Military No one in charge of military. Volunteer based military. Both sexes elligible 2 branches: Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (Army) Royal Swaziland Police Force

Conclusion Location: Swaziland is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Place: There are many wildlife reserves where you can view elephants, lions, giraffes, and plenty of other animals in their natural habitat. Interaction: Swaziland is constantly being urbanized which increases pollution and prices throughout the country. Movement: HIV/AIDS spreads unchecked in Swaziland. About one in four adults live with AIDS. Region: Swaziland is very mountainous and is mined there for its asbestos and diamonds.

Data Comparison CountryCapital City Land Area (sq. miles) Population (millions) Birthrate (per 1,000 population) Deathrate (per 1,000 population) Annual Population Growth Rate (percentage) World 51,789,516 6, United States Washington D.C. 3,717, Swaziland Mbabane6,

Data Comparison Country Projected Population 2025 (millions) Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000 births) Population Under Age 15 (percentage) Population Over Age 65 (percentage) Life Expectancy (years) Urban Population (percentage) Per Capita GDP (U.S. dollars) World7, ,890 United States ,500 Swaziland ,500

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