s w a z i l a n d

This year, The Orange Fund will specifically assist the "forgotten country" of Swaziland. A small kingom in the Southern region of Africa. Swaziland currently has the highest percentage of those infected with HIV/AIDS in the world: almost 39% are infected, while one hundred percent are affected. In addition, 66% of the population live below the poverty line.

Swaziland is not currently on the United States' list to receive help. Most likely it never will be. Even World Vision donors haven't had the opportunity to specifically fund this cause.
This page will give you a brief introduction to the Kingdom of Swaziland, its people, and why your help is needed now.

T h e C o u n t r y

Comprised mostly of mountains and hills, the Kingdom of Swaziland is a small country surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique with it size being a bit smaller than the state of New Jersey.



Swaziland maintains a generally mild climate. Land resources include asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc.

In this small landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies more than 60% of the population. Manufacturing features a number of agroprocessing factories. Exports of soft drink concentrate, sugar, and wood pulp are the main earners of hard currency.
Life in 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. However, It is within his power to veto any law passed by the legislature.
T h e P e o p l e

The majority of Swaziland's people make their living
in agriculture. Sugarcane, cotton, maize, rice, and
pineapples are just some of the crops they grow
in the country's fertile soil
.

Many of these farmers have only small plots of
land, and they struggle to grow sufficient food
for their families. Rarely do they have any crops
left to sell for income that might provide necessary
items such as clothing and education for
their children.

Though many of Swaziland's children are in need of
improved educational opportunities, the country does
boast one of the highest literacy rates in Africa.
The official languages are Swazi and English.


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.

Only 50 percent of Swaziland's people have access
to clean water, and just 59 percent enjoy adequate
sanitation. This means many children are at risk of waterborne and other diseases, some
of which may be deadly.