How safe is eSwatini?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 22, 2026
Crime is rife in eSwatini, in particular Mbabane, the capital city, and Manzini, the industrial center. With limited police in the country, crime is rife in both urban and rural areas. Crime increases during holiday periods. Busy urban areas are particularly dangerous at night, but daytime crime is not uncommon.
Is eSwatini safe for tourists?
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM. Overall, Eswatini is mostly safe to visit, but it has many dangers that tourists should be aware of. Though it isn't notorious for violent crimes, you shouldn't carry or flash any possessions as this country is poverty ridden and your valuables might attract attention.
Is eSwatini a good country?
eSwatini is one of the friendliest countries with very low crime rates in the Southern Africa region. Ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, it is the only remaining monarchy in Africa and one of the world's few monarchies to preserve its culture and heritage.
Is Swaziland a good place to live?
Swaziland is one of the smallest countries in Africa, located on the southern part of the continent. Expatriates settling here to live and work can enjoy beautiful scenery with mountains, savannah, and forests. Living here is also a great and enriching cultural experience.
Is Swaziland a poor country?
Eswatini is a lower middle-income country with a gross domestic product of US$ 4.06 billion (2015) and a population of 1.2 million. The country has a national poverty rate of about 63 per cent and an unemployment rate of 41 per cent.
20 related questions foundWhat is it like to live in eSwatini?
Expats moving to Eswatini will find a country brimming with unspoilt natural beauty and will never be more than a few hours away from the luxuries of modern life. However, the widespread poverty and the prevalence of crime in the country create unique challenges for foreigners, and should not be underestimated.
Is Swaziland safe?
Crime is rife in eSwatini, in particular Mbabane, the capital city, and Manzini, the industrial center. With limited police in the country, crime is rife in both urban and rural areas. Crime increases during holiday periods. Busy urban areas are particularly dangerous at night, but daytime crime is not uncommon.
Why do people visit Eswatini?
eSwatini is made for adventurers who enjoy adrenaline-inducing activities – caving, white-water rafting or abseiling to name just a few. If you want to get your heart racing, an epic zip-lining canopy tour at Malolotja Nature Reserve in northwest eSwatini is sure to do it.
What is unique about Eswatini?
Youngest crowned monarch in the world
Eswatini is also famous for having the world's youngest crowned monarch at the time of his coronation. King Mswati III, current reigning monarch, ascended to the throne at just 18.
What is the safest country in Africa?
Mauritius and Ghana
The safest country in Africa, Mauritius is also the 28th-safest country in the world. Mauritius is a multicultural island nation that is family-friendly and secure.
How safe is South Africa?
South Africa has a very high level of crime. Crime is the primary security threat to travellers. Violent crimes, including rape and murder, occur frequently and have involved foreigners. Muggings, armed assaults and theft are also frequent, often occurring in areas that are popular among tourists.
What is the crime rate in South Africa?
South Africa's murder rate increased by 8.9% in the last three months of 2021 compared to the same period the previous year, while attempted murder rose by 3.5% and carjacking by 13.8%, according to the latest crime statistics, presented to parliament's police committee on Friday.
Is Botswana safe?
Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa and travelers might only encounter petty crime. Most tourism in Botswana is centered around Gaborone, Francistown and the tourist capital, Maun. The good news is Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, doesn't experience high levels of crime.
What is Swaziland best known for?
The country is known for its game reserves, the Mlawula Nature Reserve and the Hlane Royal National Park with diverse wildlife including lions, hippos and elephants. Swaziland has a population of 1.4 million people (est. 2015), national capitals are Mbabane, and Lobamba.
What causes poverty in Swaziland?
The Swaziland poverty rate is attributed to multiple factors. These factors include stalled economic growth, severe drought, unequal distribution of wealth, high unemployment and a high rate of HIV/AIDS.
Where is eSwatini in South Africa?
Eswatini, officially Kingdom of Eswatini, Swati Umbuso weSwatini, previously called Kingdom of Swaziland, landlocked country in the eastern flank of South Africa, where it adjoins Mozambique. It extends about 110 miles (175 km) from north to south and about 80 miles (130 km) from west to east at its largest dimensions.
Is it safe in Kenya?
Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
How safe is Ethiopia?
Ethiopia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to armed conflict, civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and the potential for terrorism and kidnapping in border areas.
Is English spoken in Swaziland?
National and official languages
Swazi, a Southern Bantu language, is the national language of Eswatini, and is spoken by approximately 95 percent of Swazis. Swazi and English are the country's two official languages, and proceedings of the Parliament of Eswatini take place in both languages.
How expensive is it to live in Swaziland?
Summary: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,529$ (24,661R) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 466$ (7,518R) without rent.
Who lives in Swaziland?
Swazi, Bantu-speaking people inhabiting the tree-studded grasslands of Swaziland, the neighbouring Mpumalanga province of South Africa, and Mozambique. The Swazi, who are chiefly agriculturists and pastoralists, numbered about 1,810,000 in the late 20th century.
How does Swaziland make money?
Agriculture, forestry and mining account for about 13 percent of Eswatini's GDP whereas manufacturing (textiles and sugar-related processing) represent 37 percent of GDP. Services – with government services in the lead – constitute the other 50 percent of GDP.
What is the unemployment rate in Eswatini?
Eswatini unemployment rate was at level of 25.5 % in 2020, up from 22.8 % previous year.