Swaziland Factbook
Swaziland is blessed
with a rich Christian heritage, but the church faces many challenges to the gospel.
Swaziland is located
mostly within the country of South
Africa.
It also shares a short
border with Mozambique.
Just over 1 million people live in Swaziland. It was formed by the British in 1899 to preserve a land for the Swazi
people. Nearly all of the residents are
native Swazis.
The economy is generally poor with 80% of
the people limited to subsistence agriculture. Swaziland was
once blessed with natural resources, but the materials that
were easily mined have been depleted.
Political instability and the spread of AIDS have also hampered
economic development.
Swaziland was under
British protection from 1899 until independence in 1968.
Swaziland
is ruled by a monarchy. However,
protests in favor of a more democratic government have been increasing. The unrest continues today. There is freedom of religion.
The gospel has been faithfully preached
in Swaziland
for over 150 years, and
the Lord has brought forth fruit from this labor. There have been many believers over
the years. Today, approximately 30% of
the population are classified as evangelical.
The church in Swaziland faces a number of
challenges. Nominalism is widespread. Many professing Christians do not demonstrate
fruit in their lives.
Traditional African religions such as witchcraft
remain influential. Approximately 15% of
the people practice them exclusively, but many more participate. A number of professing believers mix them
with Christianity. Pray that the Spirit
would break the satanic power behind these religions and pray that
men and women would see the sufficiency of Christ alone for salvation.
There is a lack of men and young people
in the churches. 70% of evangelicals are women. Young people appear turned off by nominalism
among adults,
and men appear especially susceptible to the lure of traditional African
religions. Pray that the Lord would do a
work in these two groups.
Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison
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