With a life expectancy of 57.07 years (2021), there are an estimated 100,000 orphans in the country (10% of its overall population) and this is likely to increase given the levels of HIV/AIDS. These children are the ones most likely to drop out of school, be trafficked and suffer even more than others from poverty and malnutrition ~ which already affects 40% of children in Eswatini.

Education for children in Eswatini however fares somewhat better, although it is not compulsory, nor free except for orphans and certain other disadvantaged children. Enrolment is high and over 80% of the population is literate. Unfortunately child trafficking is widespread with children trafficked internally and to other countries. For girls this mainly includes domestic servitude and sexual exploitation whilst for boys the trafficking is normally for forced labour and begging or selling in markets.

Despite its small size, Eswatini has eighteen airports, over 2000 miles of highways but just 187 miles of railway. With both English and siSwati as its official languages, its population is 97% African and 3% European with 40% being Zionist, 20% Roman Catholic and just 10% Muslim with other religions such as Methodists, Anglicans, Mormons and Jews comprising the remaining 30%. Find out more about Eswatini in the profile articles above exploring the kingdom in more detail with pictures, facts and videos.