Swaziland

SHORT INFORMATION

Overview of Swaziland

Officially name: Kingdom of Swaziland

Capital: Lobamba (royal and legislative), Mbabane (administrative)

Largest city: Mbabane

Official language: English, SiSwati

Government: Absolute Monarchy

SHORT INFORMATION

Currency of Swaziland

Lilangeni (SZL; symbol E) = 100 cents. The plural of Lilangeni is Emalangeni. Notes are in denominations of E200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of E5, 2 and 1, and 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

Swaziland — Festivals and Events

The Ezulwini Valley hosts two of Swaziland’s most magnificent traditional festivals, neither of which has changed much during the past 200 years. Young girls cut and present reeds to Swaziland’s Queen Mother during the Umhlanga Reed Dance, held between August and September, while the Incwala Ceremony pays tribute to Swaziland’s royal family at Lobamba’s royal palace. Swaziland’s most popular performing arts festival, the Bushfire Festival, offers a far more modern atmosphere at the House of Fire nightclub each May.