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The Kingdom of Eswatini, previously known as Kingdom of Swaziland, is a landlocked country on 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.

The country has an approximate population of 1.2 million and is predominantly rural. The country has two official languages: Siswati and English. Most Emaswati will be able to communicate in the English language and daily operations in businesses, official offices and institutions can be understood and conducted in English.

The Kingdom of Eswatini is one of the world's last remaining absolute monarchies and is ruled by King Mswati III. Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. In June 2021, Eswatini experienced unprecedented civil unrest that revealed political tensions and an underlying frustration amongst the general populace—particularly the youth. The political environment is charged with tensions from dissatisfied citizens and young people are particularly affected by this. The high levels of unemployment amongst youth (both educated and uneducated) combined with the disruptions of classes in many tertiary institutions due to student strikes have left young people in the country despondent. The political terrain has shifted in the country and it presents new opportunities for engagement, as well as challenges.

Eswatini ranks as a lower-middle income country, but the World Bank estimates that 58.9% of the population lives below the national poverty line.  The U.S. Government supports: health promotion and health systems; strengthening accountable governance; rule of law; economic inclusion and empowerment; entrepreneurship; youth development and education; security sector capacity-building; and trade promotion in Eswatini. 

There are four major Institutes of Higher Education in Eswatini. These are the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), the Swaziland College of Technology (SCOT), Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and the South African Nazarene University (SANU). Limkokwing and SCOT only offer Associate’s degrees or Diplomas. UNESWA is the only one that provides postgraduate education.

The US Mission in Eswatini provides overall oversight of the Fulbright program in the country. We offer airport pick-up on initial arrival and set up a security briefing for all scholars with the Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy.

Housing – It is recommended that grantees contact their host institutions for best possible local housing options—embassy personnel are available to assist as needed and recommendations on safe locations can be requested from our security colleagues.

Health care – The Embassy Nurse can provide guidance on local medical practitioners and health institutions as well as provide Fulbright grantees with information on health specialists, clinics, and hospitals in South Africa. Four good clinics are available, in Mbabane (Mbabane Clinic), Ezulwini (MediSun Clinic and Ezulwini Private Hospital) and Manzini (Manzini Clinic) which provide adequate health care for routine illnesses and minor emergencies. 

Education – Although the university and some teacher’s colleges follow the American academic year schedule, primary and secondary schools follow the southern hemisphere schedule.  There are three excellent primary schools: Sifundzani Primary School, UFS International Academy, usutuschool.ac.sz; and Montessori Life Primary, montessorilifeprimary.com. For high school‑age students, Waterford KaMhlaba, United World College of Southern Africa is another excellent option.