Who are the people?
The majority of Swaziland’s people make their living through agriculture. Sugarcane, cotton, maize, rice, and pineapples are just some of the crops grown in the country’s fertile soil. Many of these farmers have only small plots of land and struggle to grow sufficient food for their families. They rarely have anything left to sell for income that can supply necessary items such as clothing and education for their children.

Proper health care is unattainable for many families, who simply cannot afford to pay for medicines or treatment. In some communities, health care facilities are not even available. World Vision is working with the poorest of families to ensure their children receive the care they desperately need for good health.

Though many of Swaziland’s children are in need of improved educational opportunities, the country does boast a high literacy rate for Africa. The official languages are Swazi and English.

The people of Swaziland enjoy freedom of religion. Fewer countries have been more saturated with the gospel, yet young people still struggle with old traditions. Child sponsorship offers boys and girls the opportunity to learn about the love of God.
The majority of Swaziland’s people make their living through agriculture. Sugarcane, cotton, maize

Country Comparison	Swaziland	United States
Population	1 million	295.4 million
Land Mass	6,642 sq. miles	3,537,439 sq. miles
Life Expectancy	31 years	78 years
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)	108	7
Literacy Rate	79%	97%
Primary School Enrollment	72%	92%
Access to Safe Water	52%	100%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)	$1,660	$41,400

Religion

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What is it like to live there?
Swaziland is a small country surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique. A bit smaller than the state of New Jersey, it has a generally mild climate.

The government of Swaziland is not democratic. King Mswati III has ruled the country since 1986. Under his rule, political parties are banned, and he appoints the prime minister and a portion of Parliament. It is within his power to veto any law passed by the legislature.

Agriculture is at the heart of Swaziland’s economy, and farming is the way of life for most families in our sponsorship communities. World Vision is working alongside these families and teaching them agricultural techniques that help increase their harvests so they can better provide for their children.

Only 52 percent of Swaziland’s people have access to clean water and adequate sanitation. This means many children are at risk of waterborne and other disease, some of which can be deadly.

Through sponsorship, World Vision is helping improve sanitation practices and develop clean water programs that will protect children from such health risks.
Swaziland is a small country surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique. A bit smaller than the stat
Swaziland Projects
With the support of generous donors like you, World Vision is partnering with families throughout Swaziland to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children.

Many activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting changes that will strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Overall program goals include:

• Equipping families and communities to care for orphans and vulnerable children while providing life-skills training to those affected by the AIDS pandemic.
• Providing communities with the necessary resources so that school-age children have access to a good education.
• Offering much needed medical care to ensure children’s health.
• Encouraging local leaders to fully support child sponsorship activities to help their community reach its goals.
• Conducting workshops to teach adults and older children vocational skills that can increase family income and build self-sufficiency.
• Helping families establish and operate small businesses so they can better provide for their children.
• Supporting local churches in their outreach efforts.

Swaziland is participating in our "HopeChild" program to provide additional resources for children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS in this high prevalence region.