Date: 8th January 2012
Country: Swaziland
Capital: : Mbabane (capital, pop. 60,000), Manzini (principal commercial city, pop. 65,000).
Population: 1,370,424.
People Groups:12 (97%African)
Languages: The country’s official languages are SiSwati (a language related to Zulu) and English. Government and commercial business is conducted mainly in English.
Religions: Christian 84.68%; Ethno-Religionist 12.20%; Non-Religious 1.50%; Muslim 1.00%; Baha’i 0.48%; Hindu 0.14% Christianity in Swaziland is sometimes mixed with traditional beliefs and practices. Most Swazis ascribe a special spiritual role to the monarch.
Government: Type: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State–King Mswati III
Head of Government–Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini
Branches: Executive–monarch (head of state), prime minister (head of government–appointed by the king at the recommendation of the Swazi National Council (SNC)), cabinet (appointed by the king at the recommendation of the prime minister).
Legislative–Parliament consisting of the House of Assembly (65 members: 55 elected, 10 appointed by the king) and Senate (30 members: 10 appointed by the House of Assembly, 20 appointed by the king).
Judicial–a dual court system of traditional courts under chiefs and a Roman-Dutch system comprising magistrates courts, High Court, Supreme Court (formerly Court of Appeals.
There are no political parties.
Living Conditions: 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 some now work in the growing urban formal economy and in government. Some Swazis work in the mines in South Africa..
The prevalence of AIDS (25%) has robbed the nation of many of its young people. 69%of the population lives below the poverty line although it is rated a lower middle income country by UN. The country’s economic situation is critical with pay for government workers under threat. There has been resentment expressed regarding lavish spending by the king and his 12 wives but tight government control of media prevents this being voiced publicly.
History: Migration occurred over centuries from Mozambique through Zululand to the present boundaries. There was cooperation with the British who helped fight against the Zulus. Swaziland was expected to become part of South Africa but because of the policy of separate development, apartheid, they were given independence. The monarchy steadily seized power and is now the last absolute monarchy.
Pray for:
1. The orphans and widows of AIDS sufferers.
2. Reconciliation between those wanting progress (mainly the younger generation) and those wanting traditional lifestyle.
3. Restoration of sexual morality and fidelity especially among Christians who can then model a godly lifestyle.
4. Recognition of Men of Peace.
5. Discernment of spiritual strongholds so that they can be pulled down.
6. A group of praying Christians who will intercede for this nation until change takes place.
James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.