Short facts about the geography of Swaziland

Location:

Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

26 30 S, 31 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total:  17,363 sq km land:  17,203 sq km water:  160 sq km

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)

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:  11% permanent crops:  0% permanent pastures:  62% forests and woodland:  7% other:  20% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land:

670 sq km (1993 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

limited supplies of potable 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

Source: World Factbook