Global - Technology - Review

Swaziland is a small, landlocked country in southern Africa. The western half is mountainous, while in the east is a savannah region. There are also rain forests in the north. A low range of hills runs along the border with Mozambique. Textiles are a major export, though a large proportion of the population relies on subsistence agriculture. Sugarcane, groundnuts and tobacco are cultivated. The main food staples are maize and sorghum, often mixed into porridge with sour milk. Traditional Swazi buildings are round and made of dried grass. Swazi music is a feature of festivals and celebrations like Ncwala, a harvest celebration, and Umhlanga, the reed dance. Instruments used include the single-stringed makeyana, kudu horn and reed flute. In the Hlane Royal National Park are lion, elephant, zebra and rhino. There are several other nature reserves. The administrative capital is Mbabane, though Lobamba, about ten miles away, is the traditional capital and seat of the Swazi Parliament. It is here that the reed dance is held in honour of the Queen Mother. Swaziland has suffered more than any other country from the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic. A quarter of the population has been affected, and life expectancy is 32 years.