Swaziland, Mbabane

Overview

Swaziland, Mbabane Mbabane is the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Mbabane, and the Kingdom of Eswatini itself, depend on tourism and sugar exports.

Swaziland (officially the Kingdom of Eswatini) is in Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa. The climate varies from tropical to near temperate.

The official languages are SiSwati and English. Although SiSwati is the mother tongue, English is widely spoken. The main religions are Christianity and indigenous beliefs.

The economy of Swaziland is fairly diversified, with agriculture, forestry and mining accounting for about 13% of GDP, manufacturing (textiles and sugar-related processing) representing 37% of GDP. The majority of the population – about 75%—is employed in subsistence agriculture.

The Kingdom of Eswatini is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world. Expatriate business dress is relatively conservative, but can be more relaxed in hot weather. Men generally wear a suit and tie, while women wear two-piece suits or equivalent.

The security risk for expatriates in Swaziland is medium. Risks include general crime and poor infrastructure.

The currency of the Kingdom of Eswatini is the Swaziland Lilangeni (SZL). South African notes (but not coins) are also legal tender. Most major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are available.

Medical facilities are basic comparable to those of Western Europe and North America, especially in rural areas. Serious or complex medical treatment may require evacuation which can be expensive. There is a high prevalence of HIV.

The population of Mbabane is 95,000 (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is 5.2% for Swaziland as at October 2018.

Xpatulator Hypothetical Tax for Swaziland is based on the current personal income tax rates which are progressive up to 33%.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Mbabane as at 1 January 2019 is very low in comparison to other places in the world.

In Mbabane, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):
1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Very Low
2) Clothing: High
3) Communication: Average
4) Education: Low
5) Furniture & Appliances: Low
6) Groceries: Very Low
7) Healthcare: Very Low
8) Household Accommodation: Very Low
9) Miscellaneous: Average
10) Personal Care: Average
11) Recreation & Culture: Low
12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Very Low
13) Transport: Low

Mbabane is for example -8.7% cheaper than Houston TX for groceries, -10.8% cheaper for household costs than Kuala Lumpur, and 26.7% more expensive for transport costs than Dubai.

Mbabane is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.

The hardship premium for Mbabane for an expat from Perth, is for example 20%, i.e. host location (Mbabane) premium of 30% minus home (Perth) location premium of 10%.

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The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Mbabane as at 1 January 2019 is very low in comparison to other places in the world.

Mbabane is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.