RELIGION LIBRARY

Swaziland

Map of Swaziland

The country has an area of 6,700 square miles and a population of 1 million. Christianity is the dominant religion. Zionism, a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship, is the predominant religion in rural areas. An influential Roman Catholic presence includes many churches, schools, and other infrastructure. The 2007 Demographic and Health Survey found that the population 15-49 years old is 37 percent Zionist, 21 percent mainline Protestant, 14 percent Charismatic, 7 percent Apostolic, 5 percent Catholic, and 3 percent Pentecostal; 11 percent described itself as having no religion. The remaining 2 percent is divided among the Baha'i Faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Judaism, Islam, African traditional churches, and others. Mainline Protestant denominations include Anglican, United Christian, Mennonite, Episcopalian, and Methodist. Muslims and Baha'is generally live in urban areas. Most immigrants from South Asia practice Islam.
Zionist and Pentecostal churches are growing quickly, perhaps because of the influence of the royal family, many of whom are preachers and church leaders.

Population Population (2009 est.) 1,123,913
Religious Demographics Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican, Baha'i, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%
Ethnic Groups Ethnic Groups African 97%, European 3%
Languages Languages English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)
Country Flag Flag of Swaziland