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Useful information

Population

Estimated 1 173 900 as of July 2005. Calculation took into account excessive mortality rates due to HIV/AIDS and show an approximate 2 percent population growth during the intervening 12 month; Three quarters of all Swazis live in rural surround.

Language

English and siSwati are the official languages, wit the former most widely used in business and commerce.

Religion

Majority Christian, plus indigenous beliefs and small representations of other major world faiths.

Entry Details

All visitors require valid passport; some nationalities require visas.

Customs Formalities: Residents of South Africa, Lesotho and Botswana are required to furnish statistical information regarding goods which originate in those countries but are not being brought in for sale. Standard customs formalities apply to other visitors. Duty-free allowances per person: 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250g tobacco, 11 alcoholic beverage, 100 ml perfume. A married couple travelling together is in regard to duty-free allowances considered one person.

Air Travel: Swaziland Airlink is the national carrier and operates regular scheduled connections between major regional and central African cities and

Matsapha International Airport situated 8 km from Manzini. Many outbound flights are timed to provide convenient connections to global long-haul journeys. Swazi Express Airways offers a permutation of services linking Matsapha, Durban, Maputo and Vilanculos. Premier hotels operate shuttle-bus services and the airport departure tax is E50 - the equivalent of R50 in South African currency.

Public Holidays

1 January New Year's Day

14 April Good Friday

17 April Easter Monday

19 April King's Birthday

25 April National Flag Day

1 May Labour Day

25 May Ascension Day

22 July Public Holiday Aug/Sept (tba) Umhlanga Reed Dance

6 September Somhlolo (Independence) Day 25 December Christmas Day 26 December Boxing Day Dec/Jan (tba) Incwala Day