Society in Eswatini
An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.
Explore Social Domains
Demographics
Public Health
Education & Human Capital
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Current Social Overview of Eswatini
A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.
- Eswatini has an estimated population of 1.2M2023, with a modest annual growth rate of 0.9%2023, suggesting a mature demographic transition with stable, but limitated, population increase. The fertility rate of 2.8 births per woman2023is above replacement level, ensuring sustainable long-term population stability without significant external migration. Substantial net emigration of approximately 7K individuals annually (or 5.5 per 1,000 inhabitants)2024exacerbates demographic challenges, potentially leading to 'brain drain' and diminished economic capacity.
- Regarding public health, The notably low life expectancy of 64.1 years2023underscores critical public health challenges that necessitate urgent and comprehensive interventions. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (45.0 per 1,000 live births2023and maternal mortality (118 per 100,000 live births2023) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 7.2% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure2022.
- Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 91%2022, which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 83% of children2017, secondary enrollment at 86%2016suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by robust public investment, with 6.3% of GDP dedicated to education spending2023, underscoring a strong commitment to human capital development.
- In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the primarily rural population distribution (75% rural population2023) presents distinct challenges for universal infrastructure provision, service access, and economic modernization. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 86% electricity access2023. However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration2023indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.
Key Development Insights
Population Dynamics
Managing demographic trends is crucial for long-term economic planning and workforce stability.
Public Health System
Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.
Human Capital Formation
Educational attainment is a direct driver of economic innovation and global competitiveness. Investment in education is key to unlocking human potential.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.
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Neighbors & Regional Peers
Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.