Eswatini
Africa · Southern Africa
Africa's last absolute monarchy, with the highest HIV rate globally; dependent on South Africa.
At a Glance
📈Eswatini's Human Development Index
0.610
Medium human development#140 of 191 countries worldwide, #14 of 54 in Africa.
Higher than 27% of countries with data. UNDP Human Development Report.
UNDP builds the index from three dimensions: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and a decent standard of living. They are measured by life expectancy at birth, mean and expected years of schooling, and gross national income per capita.
Closest indicators in this dataset
World Bank, own vintages. UNDP’s own component values are not carried here, so these are related measures rather than the index inputs.
Nearest countries by HDI
Full HDI ranking, all 191 countries →Eswatini
Eswatini is a small landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique, with a culture that is among the most traditional on the continent, centred on the Swazi monarchy and celebrated in colourful annual ceremonies. The landscape is hilly and green with excellent hiking and wildlife reserves. It suits visitors who want a genuine cultural experience rather than a mainstream safari destination.
- Last absolute monarchy in Africa — the king rules by decree.
- Renamed from Swaziland in 2018 on the king's initiative.
- One of the world's highest HIV prevalence rates, despite significant public health investment.
Quick Facts
Capital
Mbabane
Languages
English, Swazi
Currency
L SZL
Area
17,200 km²
Nomad Hub
GDP / Capita
$4K
PPP / Capita
$13K
Unemployment
34.2%
GNI / Capita
$4K
Tax Revenue
24.3%
FDI Inflows
1.6%
Education Spend
6.0%
Price Level Index
80th pct
20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast
Income & inflation over time
HDI since 1990
0.546 → 0.610 (+0.064)Year by year →UNDP Human Development Report, 2023-24 edition. 33 annual values, none interpolated; hover any point for its year.
Twenty years here
Year by year →The world report →World Bank observations, first to last available year per indicator (roughly 2005–2024; each series has its own window).
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💬Quick answers
What is Eswatini's Human Development Index?
Eswatini's Human Development Index is 0.610 (UNDP Human Development Report), ranked #140 of 191 countries.
Is Eswatini safe?
Eswatini scores 2.10 on the Global Peace Index (lower is more peaceful), ranked #103 of 160 countries by the Institute for Economics & Peace. That measures national-level peace, not street crime; both are covered below.
What is life expectancy in Eswatini?
Life expectancy at birth in Eswatini is 64.3 yrs (World Bank), ranked #170 of 195 countries.