Eswatini
Country statistics · 1990–present
Eswatini at a Glance
Eswatini is home to 1.2 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing very rapidly. At a GDP per capita of $5,333, it is a lower-middle-income economy — reflecting an economy in active development. Life expectancy at birth stands at 64.3 years, well below the global average, reflecting ongoing public health challenges.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 1.2 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 23.6 and a death rate of 7.7 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 15.9 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 20,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Eswatini is a small economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $6 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $5,333 per person, it is classified as a lower-middle-income economy — reflecting an economy in active development. Real GDP growth is projected at 2.9% in 2029, representing modest growth.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 64.3 years (2024), well below the global average, reflecting ongoing public health challenges. Current health expenditure per person is $296 (2023), representing very low per-capita healthcare spending, a common constraint in lower-income economies. The adult literacy rate stands at 90.8% (2022), reflecting a majority-literate adult population. 63.4% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating growing but uneven digital access. Access to safe drinking water reaches 38.2% of the population (2024), representing limited safe drinking water access, a significant public health priority.