The Geography of the Kingdom of Swaziland

 

Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, it has an amazing wide range of ecological zones, from rain forest in the north-west to savanna scrub in the east.

It is possible to pass through all the different type of African ecological zones within a radius of 140 km.(except desert) Within this small area one can also find the largest biodiversity in the world.
Area: 17,368 sq km
Population: 954,000
Bird species: 480
Park area: 1780 sq km
Wildlife: ?? Species
 The west of the Kingdom, bordering on South Africa, is highveld, consisting of mainly short sharp mountains. Known in SiSwazti as Nkhangala( treeless). Now it has large plantations of Pine and eucalyptus. In this region lie the Malaolotja nature reserve, Pomponjane, and Hawane park. In Malolotja some of the most pristine hiking trails in the world are to be found (Malolotja has more than 300 km of hiking trails) also in Maloloja one can find some of the oldest surface rock formations in the world, and the oldest mine in the world.
Average rainfall
Jan: 250 mm
Feb: 200 mm
March: 170 mm
April: 90 mm
May: 25 mm
June: 19 mm
July: 20 mm
Aug: 24 mm
Sep: 60 mm
Oct: 130 mm
Nov: 160 mm
Dec: 200 mm
In the canter of the Kingdom is the middleveld, the area were most of the population stays. The clima here is Mediterranean, with prolific subtropical plant life, here you will find the Mlilwane game reserve, the oldest Swazi conservation area.
The eastern part is lowveld area consisting mainly of scrubby bushland, and is sparsely populated. The large sugar plantations are found in this region, and Swazilands largest game and nature reserves. Here Lions, Rinos, Hippos and Elephants can be found in thier natural surroundings.  
The far eastern part of the Kingdom ( bordering Mocambique) is made up of the harsh Lebombo mountain range. In this are some of the most stunning views and can be found. This is also the region were some of the oldes humal remains have been found.

 

Climate

Most rain falls in summer, usually in torrential thunderstorms and mostly in the western mountains. In the lowveld summer is very hot, with temperatures often exceding 40 deg.C ; in the Highveld the temperature are lower and in winter can be very cold; as low as -1deg.C

Generaly October is the hottest month. The rains usualy beginn in December and last up to April. May to August is the coldest time in Swaziland, and frost accures in June and July.

 

 

  History

 Tradition

 Mbabane
     
     

This page is ponsored by Endlotane Studios