Date of independence, or formation date: 1968
Date when current borders were established: 1968
National day: Sept 6
Vehicle country identifying code: SD
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +2
International telephone dialling code: +268
Internet country identifying code: .sz

The tiny southern African kingdom of Swaziland, bordered on three sides by South Africa and to the east by Mozambique, comprises mainly upland plateaus and mountains. Governed by a strong hereditary monarchy, Swaziland is a country in which tradition is being challenged by demands for modern multiparty government. King Mswati III, crowned in 1986, has overhauled the electoral process but is unwilling to legalize party politics.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004