Swaziland

Swaziland is a small land-locked kingdom bordering South Africa and Mozambique. With a rolling landscape of stupendous geographical variety, it measures no more than 200 kilometers from north to south. It escaped incorporation into the Union of South Africa but has been independent as a unitary parliamentary monarchy only since September 6, 1968.

Its million-plus inhabitants are mostly employed in subsistence agriculture. Exports and imports are mostly with South Africa. Ancient festivals and ancestral ceremonies engender a sense of timelessness. Swaziland has a laid-back atmosphere – a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of modern life.

But there are immense challenges. Infrastructure remains critically weak. Unemployment is estimated at 40%. The country faces one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS infection in the world.

The handicraft industry represents a major component of Swaziland’s economy, providing an additional source of income to many workers, mostly women. These talented artisans are acquiring a global following for their innovative designs and unique products including homeware, jewelry and complex pieces in glass, stone, and wood that all reflect the pride and continuity of Swaziland's cultural traditions.