Swaziland Geography:
Location:
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Geographic coordinates:
26 30 S, 31 30 E
Map references:
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: 10.35%
permanent crops: 0.7%
other: 88.95%
(2001)
Irrigated land:
690 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:
Drought
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, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea (not ratified)
Geography - Note:
Landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa |
