Swaziland

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.

SHORT INFORMATION

Mbabane is the capital of Swaziland

Mbabane (/(əm)bɑˈbɑn(i)/, Swazi: ÉMbábáne), with an estimated population of 94,874 (2010), is the capital and largest city in Swaziland. It is located on the Mbabane River and its tributary the Polinjane River in the Mdzimba Mountains. It is located in the district of Hhohho, of which it is also the capital. The average elevation of the city is 1243 meters. The population (estimated) in 1987 was 30,000.It lies on the MR3 road.

SHORT INFORMATION

Healthcare in Swaziland

Swaziland is critically affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, which is now an existential threat to its society.