The country’s official name changed from the Kingdom of Swaziland to the Kingdom of Eswatini on 19 April 2018.
The Kingdom of Eswatini
EswatiniSouthern Africa-2:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Siswati (Swazi), English
National CurrencySwazi Lilangeni (SZL)
National Day(s)6 September (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalMbabane
Economic CapitalManzini
Cultural CapitalLobamba
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 10 – 12 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportKing Mswati III International Airport (SHO)
Primary PortNone (landlocked)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline0 km (landlocked)
Highest PointEmlembe (1,862 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverGreat Usutu (Lusutfu) River
ClimateVaries by altitude: temperate and humid in the Highveld, subtropical in the Middleveld, and hot and drier in the Lowveld
Border Countries
MozambiqueSouth Africa
2Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
King Mswati III succeeded to the throne in 1986 at the age of 18.
Ngwenya Mine contains evidence of mining activity dating back at least 42,000 years, making it one of the world’s earliest known mining sites.
Sibebe Rock is described by Eswatini tourism authorities as the world’s largest exposed granite pluton and is formed from rock approximately three billion years old.
The Lubombo Biosphere Reserve, designated in 2019, is the first UNESCO biosphere reserve in Eswatini.
The Umhlanga Reed Dance is one of Eswatini’s most important cultural celebrations and brings together thousands of young women from across the country.
The centuries-old Incwala ceremony is Eswatini’s most important cultural event and focuses on renewal, cleansing and the celebration of kingship.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary was proclaimed in 1961 and became the pioneer conservation area of Eswatini.
Hlane Royal National Park was proclaimed in 1967 and is home to Eswatini’s largest wildlife herds, as well as species including lions and elephants.
Ngwenya Glass produces handmade glass products using 100% recycled glass.
Sugar is Eswatini’s main export commodity, accounting for around a quarter of export earnings and about 6% of GDP.
The MTN Bushfire Festival attracts more than 23,000 attendees from over 55 countries to Eswatini.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-
Economic Comparison
| Indicator |  UAE | EswatiniUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.M. King Mswati III
Since April 1986
H.E. Russell Mmiso Dlamini
Since November 2023
H.E. Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu
Since November 2023
H.E. Neal Rijkenberg
Since November 2018
H.E. Manqoba Bheki Khumalo
Since November 2018
H.E. Dr. Tambo Gina
Since November 2018
H.M. King Mswati III
Since April 1986
Political Summary
Political System
Absolute Monarchy
The King is Head of State and holds supreme executive, legislative and judicial authority. He appoints the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Political parties do not contest elections, and candidates run as individuals under the Tinkhundla system.
Ruling Party
-
Main Opposition Force(s)
People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO): Pro-democracy (designated a terrorist entity since 2008)Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS): Communist
Next Presidential Election
Not applicable (Hereditary)
Next Legislative Election
2028
Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
42Organizations
27Member
0Founding Member
1Partner, Observer or Participant
14Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Eswatini | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations2 Nov 200521 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Mansour Mohamed Ali AljuwaiedUAE Ambassador to Eswatini · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Sifiso MlandvoAmbassador of Eswatini to the UAE · ResidentLast Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways0
EKEmirates0
FZflydubai0
G9Air Arabia0
Cargo Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Cargo Flights
EYEtihad Cargo0
EKEmirates SkyCargo0
Last Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Eswatini Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Eswatini | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | - | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Signed | Signed on 12 Feb 2025. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | - | - |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 9 Dec 2012.Entered into force on 3 May 2017. |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Eswatini | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- -
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.M. King Mswati IIIKing of EswatiniMay2026
- H.E. Russell Mmiso DlaminiPrime Minister of EswatiniFeb2026
- H.M. King Mswati IIIKing of EswatiniFeb2025
- H.E. Savannah MaziyaMinister of Information, Communications and Technology of EswatiniFeb2025
- H.M. King Mswati IIIKing of EswatiniAug2024
- H.E. Russell Mmiso DlaminiPrime Minister of EswatiniDec2023
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
-
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports
Key Trade Commodities
-
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)-
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)-
Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Swazi Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Eswatini
DP World-
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
Joint Business Council(s)-
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research