PEOPLE
The majority
of the population is ethnic Swazi, mixed with a small number of
Zulus and non-Africans. Traditionally Swazis have been subsistence
farmers and herders, but most now work in the growing urban formal
economy and in government. Some Swazis work in the mines in South
Africa. Christianity in Swaziland is sometimes mixed with traditional
beliefs and practices. Most Swazis ascribe a special spiritual
role to the monarch.
The
country's official languages are Siswati (a language related to
Zulu) and English. Government and commercial business is conducted
mainly in English.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Swazi(s).
Population (2004): 1.1 million.
Annual growth rate (2002): 2.7%.
Ethnic groups: The overwhelming majority of the population is Swazi.
Religion: It is estimated that the population is 35% Protestant, 30% Zionist (indigenous), 25% Roman Catholic, 1% Islamic, with the remaining 9% divided among other beliefs.
Official languages: SiSwati and English.
Education: Years compulsory--none. Attendance--65% primary and 44% secondary. Literacy--79%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2001)--89/1,000. Life expectancy--33 years. The prevalence of HIV in Swaziland's adult population is 42.6%, the highest in the world.
Work force: Agriculture and forestry--21.4%; construction--6.1%; distribution--10.5%; finance--8.3%; manufacturing--20.1%; mining and quarry--1%; services--32.6%; transport--2.9%.
