Geographic coordinates: 26 30 S, 31 30 E
Map references: Africa
Area:
total:
17,363 sq km
land:
17,203 sq km
water:
160 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries:
total:
535 km
border countries:
Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate
Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains
Elevation extremes:
lowest point:
Great Usutu River 21 m
highest point:
Emlembe 1,862 m
Natural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
Land use:
arable land
9.77% (1998 est.), 11% (1993 est.)
permanent crops:
0.7% (1998 est.), 0% (1993 est.)
permanent pastures:
62%
forests and woodland:
7%
other:
89.53% (1998 est.), 20% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 670 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment - current issues: limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion
Environment - international agreements:
party to:
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified:
Desertification, Law of the Sea
Geography - note: landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa