Eswatini
Kingdom of Eswatini
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.98%
Situated in Southern Africa, Eswatini has a population of approximately 1.24 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. This landlocked territory spans 17,364 km² with a density of 71 people per km². Its capital is Mbabane, and official languages include English and Swazi, while the Swazi lilangeni serves as the national currency.
Population
1,235,549
Area
17,364 km²
Density
71/km²
World Rank
#160
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 24.1 per thousand against deaths at 7.7 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 33.4% of residents under 15 and 4.3% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Mbabane
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Southern Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English, Swazi
- Currencies
- Swazi lilangeni (L), South African rand (R)
- Calling Code
- +268
- Top-Level Domain
- .sz
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 1,235,549
- Land Area
- 17,364 km²
- Population Density
- 71 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.98%
- Annual Growth
- +12,108 people
- Daily Growth
- +33 people
- World Population Share
- 0.02%
- Coordinates
- -26.50°, 31.50°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $3.9k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 34.2%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%. A Gini index of 54.6 signals substantial income inequality, suggesting that economic gains are concentrated among a smaller share of the population.
Life Expectancy
64.1 years
GDP per Capita
$3,910
Birth Rate
24.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.7 per 1,000
Urban Population
26.3%
Fertility Rate
2.75 births/woman
Infant Mortality
43.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
34.2%
Literacy Rate
90.8%
Internet Users
57.6%
Under 15
33.4%
Over 65
4.3%
Health Spending
7.5% GDP
Gini Index
54.6
Age Distribution
0-14 years
412K
15-64 years
771K
65+ years
53K
Urbanization
Only 26.3% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Mbabane serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 5775.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
324,332
26.3%
911,217
73.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 64.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 43.5 per thousand live births, markedly lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 90.8% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Eswatini
Eswatini has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Eswatini is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Eswatini participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,235,549 |
| 2030 | 1,284,033 |
| 2035 | 1,345,899 |
| 2040 | 1,409,309 |
| 2045 | 1,474,417 |
| 2050 | 1,541,374 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Eswatini.
Largest Cities in Eswatini
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Eswatini by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Eswatini?
The population of Eswatini is approximately 1.2 million as of 2026, making it #160 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Eswatini?
The capital of Eswatini is Mbabane.
What languages are spoken in Eswatini?
The main languages spoken in Eswatini are English, Swazi.
How big is Eswatini?
Eswatini covers an area of 17,364 km² with a population density of 71 people per km².
Is Eswatini growing or shrinking?
Eswatini is growing at a rate of 0.98% per year, adding approximately 12,108 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Eswatini?
The average life expectancy in Eswatini is 64.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Eswatini?
The GDP per capita of Eswatini is $3,910.