Swaziland

Swaziland is a country in Southern Africa, land locked by South Africa in its west and Mozambique in the east. Swaziland's monarchy is one of the oldest in Africa.

Swaziland, one of the last absolute monarchies in the world, is one of the the smallest countries in Africa and has a well-earned reputation for friendliness in Southern Africa. It also contains several large game parks and reserves, which are sponsored by the government and are popular tourist destinations.

Compared to other countries in the region, Swaziland is known for its civility and peacefulness, despite similar problems with poverty and one of the world's worst AIDS crises. As of November 2008 the total reported percentage of those with HIV was listed as 30%; this, of course, does not include those who have not yet been tested. The AIDS epidemic has broken up the traditional extended family unit, leaving many young children orphaned and fighting for survival.

Rumors abound that much of Swaziland's economy is based on the farming of marijuana, or dagga, as it is locally known.

Swaziland is divided into four districts: Hhohho (northwest), Lubombo (east), Manzini (central-west), Shiselweni (south).

By plane

The only International airport of Swaziland is Matsapha Airport http://africa.cwsurf.de/Matsapha.htm, 1km outside of Manzini. Only two airlines fly there. Airlink Swaziland provides flights from Johannesburg ( South Africa ), while Swazi Express Airways, (both on EU's Airline Blacklist) has scheduled flights to and from Durban ( South Africa ), Maputo and Vilanculos (both Mozambique ).There is also a small car rental station at the airport and a snack shop. A hotspot has recently been installed, allowing users with WiFi and Wireless LAN equipped computers or PDA’s to access the internet from anywhere in the building free of any charge.

By bus

Most bus services arrive in Mbabane or Manzini. Larger buses generally provide service to Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town in South Africa as well as Maputo in Mozambique.

Smaller bus lines, or minibuses usually stop at border crossings, where passengers must connect with an onward journey.

The South African Baz Bus, an independent line somewhat popular among backpackers, also makes regular stops via South Africa to various hostels and hotels in Swaziland.

Swaziland has a much lower crime rate than other countries in the region.

African flora and fauna Hippopotami are found (rarely) in the country's rivers, and are one of the more dangerous animals you are likely to come across. They are actually quite fast animals, as well as being extremely strong and with large, powerful jaws. They often stay submerged in shallow water during the day, but come out at night to graze. They can be unpredictable, territorial and very protective of their young. Do not stand between a hippo and the water. One should also take care while swimming in rivers as there may be some crocodiles.

Swaziland also has one of the highest numbers of people struck by lightning per capita in the whole world and it is common to know (or know of) somebody who has been struck by lightning

Swaziland has the world's highest rate, of HIV prevalence in the world. Do not have unprotected sex in Swaziland, or anywhere else for that matter.

There are risks for Tropical diseases bilharzia if you frequent infected streams, as well as seasonal risks for malaria in some parts of Swaziland.