Geography of Swaziland

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Satellite image of Swaziland, generated from raster graphics data supplied by The Map Library

Satellite image

Swaziland is a country in Southern Africa, lying between Mozambique and South Africa.

Geographic coordinates: 26°30′S, 31°30′E

Map references: Africa

Area:
total: 17,363 km²
land: 17,203 km²
water: 160 km²

Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:
total: 535 km
border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

Major Regions: Lowveld, Midveld, and Highveld

Maritime claims: none (landlocked)

Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate

Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m
highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

Natural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Land use:
arable land 9.77% (1998 est.), 11% (1993 est.)
permanent crops: 0.7% (1998 est.), 0% (1993 est.)
permanent pastures: 62%
forests and woodland: 7%
other: 89.53% (1998 est.), 20% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land: 670 km² (1993 est.)

Natural hazards: drought

Environment - current issues: limited supplies of portable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Desertification, Law of the Sea

Geography - note: landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa