Swaziland - geography
Swaziland - Geography, The population consists almost exclusively of
ethnic Swazis; the few exceptions are immigrants from South Africa and
Mozambique. Average life expectancy is low and declining due to increased
mortality associated with HIV/AIDS; It is estimated that around 38% of the
population between the ages of 15 and 49 is affected. The majority of the
population originally combined cattle and arable farming, but the Swazis
controlled only 40% of the land at independence in 1968, the rest was owned by
European settlers and foreign agro-industries, especially in the sugar
industry. Large areas of the western highlands were laid out for eucalyptus and
conifer plantations, which now cover 6% of the area. Among other things. this
has made land access to the country's most important political issues. A large
proportion of the population is farmers east of the highlands; they cultivate
land that is formally owned by the Swazination. The rainfall here is
more uncertain than in the highlands: annually from 900 mm decreasing to the
east to 500 mm when moving out on the lowland savannah. At intervals the
rainfall fails completely; Among other things, in 1992 there was severe
drought. Corn, beans and peas are mainly grown with cotton as a sales crop. In
contrast to the more affluent urban dwellers and especially to the large royal
family, the majority of the rural population lives in deep poverty and many men
are forced to seek work in South Africa. Cattle have a traditional significance
as a sign of wealth, and the population of almost 1 million, though fewer after
drought years, is greater than carrying capacity, which has resulted in grazing
and erosion.
- Countryaah:
Do you know how many people there are in Swaziland? Check this site to see
population pyramid and resident density about this country.
The large agro-industries are the country's most important economic
activity. Sugar, together with wood and pulp, are the most important export
goods; Add to this sales from farms with citrus fruits, pineapples and
vegetables. These large-scale farms, with associated processing, play an
important role in employment, exports and revenue to the state through taxes.
Mining was formerly of great importance, but it has diminished since
the 1960's. First, the important reserves of iron ore were depleted, and then
asbestos production was hit by falling demand in the world market as the health
problems with the material became known. In contrast, mining of coal
and diamonds has been of increasing importance. Non-utilized resources
include: the hydropower from the rivers to the east.
The industry has been growing since independence. In addition to the
aforementioned processing of agricultural products and timber, there is in
particular the textile and clothing industry. The industry grew, among other
things, because international sanctions on South Africa resulted in
transnational companies such as Coca-Cola moving their business from South
Africa to Swaziland. The tourism sector is also growing; it is especially hotel
and casino complexes that appeal to neighboring countries. By contrast, nature
means less, as the land does not offer the major national parks.
The country's economic problems were exacerbated in the spring of 2002 by
drought, which meant that up to 20% of the population was threatened
by famine. Even in normal years, Swaziland imports approximately 60% of its food.
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