Understanding Swaziland Currencies Swazi Lilangeni and the Swazi Economy

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Detailed view of South African Krugerrand gold coins for investment and currency exchange.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed view of South African Krugerrand gold coins for investment and currency exchange.

The Swazi Lilangeni is the official currency of Swaziland, and it's used in conjunction with the South African Rand.

The Swazi Lilangeni is subdivided into 100 cents.

In Swaziland, you can exchange your currency for Swazi Lilangeni at banks, currency exchange offices, or some hotels.

The Swazi economy is primarily based on agriculture, with sugar cane and cotton being major export crops.

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About Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small landmass nation in Southern Africa with a unique history. It was a British protectorate from 1903 until 1968 when it regained independence.

The country has a diarchy or joint monarchy system of government, which is based on the British and Dutch colonial rule of Southern Africa. Eswatini's economy is small and developing, with its primary trading partners being South Africa, the U.S, and the European Union.

The nation has experienced economic slowdowns in recent years, partly due to ongoing drought conditions and the fact that nearly three-quarters of the population are subsistence farmers on low-yielding land. This has led to slow economic growth, with a 2.2% annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate in 2019.

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Credit: youtube.com, Currency of the world - Eswatini (Swaziland). Swazi lilangeni. Exchange rates Eswatini

Eswatini was suspended from the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act in 2015 due to concerns over its ability to meet democratic standards, but was restored to eligibility in 2017.

Here's a brief overview of the country's key facts:

The country's official name was changed from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018, and its national currency, the lilangeni, has been pegged to the South African Rand since 1974.

Economy and Currency

The Eswatini economy is a small developing economy with a primary trading partner being South Africa, the U.S, and the European Union. The country has a history of British and Dutch colonial rule, which has influenced its political and legal structures.

The Swaziland Lilangeni (SZL) is the official currency of Eswatini, introduced in 1974 to replace the South African Rand. The currency is pegged at a 1:1 ratio to the Rand, providing stability and facilitating trade between Eswati and South Africa.

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Credit: youtube.com, Swazi Currency - Lilangeni

The Central Bank of Eswatini regulates the currency, ensuring its stability and availability in the market. The exchange rate of the Swaziland Lilangeni is influenced by economic factors such as inflation rates, interest rates, and foreign investments.

In 2015, Eswatini was suspended from the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act due to concerns over its ability to meet democratic standards. However, in 2017, the U.S. government restored its eligibility for the program.

The country's economic growth between 2015 and 2019 remained slow, with a 2.2% annual GDP growth and an inflation rate of 2.3% in 2019. The economy is heavily reliant on subsistence farming, with nearly three-quarters of the population engaged in this activity.

Here's a brief overview of the Swaziland Lilangeni's denominations:

  • Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 emalangeni
  • Coins: 1 cent to 5 emalangeni
  • The currency is subdivided into 100 cents

The Swaziland Lilangeni's exchange rate is influenced by various factors, including economic indicators, political stability, and global market trends. Forex traders should closely monitor these factors to gauge potential fluctuations in the exchange rate and make informed trading decisions.

The country's economy is heavily reliant on trade with South Africa, with the majority of its trade conducted with its neighbor. The pegging of the Swaziland Lilangeni to the South African Rand provides stability and facilitates trade between the two countries.

The Central Bank of Eswatini is responsible for issuing and regulating the currency, ensuring its stability and availability in the market. The bank's policies and decisions have a significant impact on the country's economy and the value of the Swaziland Lilangeni.

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Monetary System

Credit: youtube.com, Paper money of Swaziland - Swazi Lilangeni - banknotes - banknotes

The monetary system in Eswatini is quite unique. Eswatini's currency, the Lilangeni, is pegged to the South African Rand under the Common Monetary Area agreement.

This means that the value of the Lilangeni is tied to the South African economy, particularly concerning inflationary pressures. The peg has been maintained to date, in part to maintain price stability and ease trade with other member states.

Eswatini is exempt from holding foreign exchange reserves sufficient to cover its circulating currency at the South African Reserve Bank. This is a benefit of being part of the Common Monetary Area.

The Central Bank of Eswatini can and does set interest rates independently of South Africa, giving it latitude to cushion its economy from economic changes.

History and Background

The Swazi lilangeni has a rich history that dates back to 1974, when it was introduced at par with the South African rand through the Common Monetary Area. This means that it remains tied to the rand at a one-to-one exchange rate.

The currency's name, lilangeni, has a special significance. It comes from emaLangeni, a term used to describe the ancestors of the Swazi people who migrated to Swaziland in the 18th-19th centuries.

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Currency Types

Credit: youtube.com, Coins of Swaziland - Swazi Lilangeni - commemorative coins

The Swaziland Lilangeni is the official currency of Eswatini, and it's subdivided into 100 cents. The currency is issued in banknotes with denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 emalangeni.

The Swaziland Lilangeni is pegged to the South African Rand at a 1:1 ratio, which means its value is directly tied to the Rand's value. This pegging provides stability and facilitates trade between Eswatini and South Africa.

The Central Bank of Eswatini is responsible for issuing and regulating the currency, ensuring its stability and availability in the market. The bank has introduced various security features in the currency, including watermarks and electrotype numbers, to prevent counterfeiting.

Here's a list of the current banknotes in circulation:

  • 10 emalangeni: Features King Mswati III and Princesses at the Ncwala (kingship ceremony)
  • 20 emalangeni: Features a flower, corn, and pineapple; steer; refinery
  • 50 emalangeni: Features the Central Bank of Swaziland building
  • 100 emalangeni: Features an elephant, rhinoceros, lion, flowers, and bird
  • 200 emalangeni: Features Swazi straw huts; goats; warrior; rock formation

These banknotes are an essential part of the Swaziland Lilangeni currency, and understanding their features and denominations is crucial for anyone interested in trading or traveling to Eswatini.

Coins

Swaziland's coins have a fascinating history. In 1974, coins for 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 lilangeni were introduced.

Credit: youtube.com, 1979 & 1981 Type 1 & Type 2 Proof Coins

The design of these early coins was quite unique, with some not being round. The 1 and 50 cents coins were dodecagonal, the 2 cents was square with rounded corners, and the 5, 10, and 20 cents coins were scalloped.

The 2 cents coin was last struck in 1982. A new 1 cent coin made of copper-plated steel was introduced in 1986, and a nickel-brass 1 lilangeni coin was also introduced that same year.

In 1992, nickel-plated-steel 5 and 10 cents coins, and a nickel-brass-plated-steel 1 lilangeni coin were introduced. Two years later, in 1995, 2 and 5 emalangeni coins were introduced.

Between 2009 and 2011, new coins were introduced in copper-plated steel (5c and 10c), nickel-plated steel (20c, and a 50c piece that was never released into circulation), and brass-plated steel (L1). These new coins were similar in size to the existing coins but lighter due to the changed metal composition.

In February 2016, a new series of coins dated 2015 was introduced, and all previous coins were recalled and demonetised. The new 10c-50c coins are made of nickel-plated steel, and the L1-E5 coins are made of aluminium-bronze.

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Banknotes

Credit: youtube.com, Paper Currency- Banknote Education and History with Legendary Coin Shop Owner- Arthur Knight

The Swaziland Lilangeni currency has a fascinating history, and one of its most interesting aspects is its banknotes. The Central Bank of Eswatini has been responsible for issuing and regulating the currency since 1981, when it took over paper money production.

The banknotes are available in various denominations, including 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 emalangeni. You can spot the King Mswati III's image on the 10 emalangeni note, while the 20 emalangeni note features a flower, corn, and pineapple, along with a steer and refinery.

The 50 emalangeni note showcases the Central Bank of Swaziland building, while the 100 emalangeni note depicts an elephant, rhinoceros, lion, flowers, and bird. The 200 emalangeni note, on the other hand, features Swazi straw huts, goats, a warrior, and a rock formation.

Here's a breakdown of the current banknotes in circulation:

These banknotes are not only a reflection of the country's rich culture and history but also serve as a convenient medium of exchange for everyday transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is 1 SZL to 1 dollar?

As of 27/12/2024, 1 Swaziland Lilageni (SZL) is equivalent to approximately 0.0538 US Dollars (USD). Check the live currency converter for the latest exchange rate.

Kristin Ward

Writer

Kristin Ward is a versatile writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. Kristin's writing portfolio showcases her ability to tackle a variety of subjects, from personal finance to lifestyle and beyond.

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