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What is the capital of Eswatini?

Flag of Eswatini
The capital of Eswatini is Mbabane (Eswatini has multiple capitals: Mbabane, Lobamba)

Mbabane sits at about 1,243 metres in the Mdzimba Mountains of the Hhohho Region, where the Mbabane River meets its tributary the Polinjane, on the MR3 road.

Mbabane is the capital and seat of government of Eswatini. Eswatini itself has an estimated population of 1,256,174 (2025).

Mbabane is not the largest city in Eswatini. That is Manzini, which makes Eswatini one of the countries whose capital is not their biggest city.

Mbabane at a glance

City population94,874 (2010 estimate)
Country🇸🇿 Eswatini
Founded1902
Largest city in EswatiniManzini
Time zoneUTC+02:00 (SAST)
CurrencySwazi lilangeni (SZL)

About Mbabane

Mbabane was founded in 1902.

Eswatini has two capitals. Mbabane is the executive capital and the seat of government. Lobamba, roughly 15 kilometres away in the same region, is the legislative and traditional capital: it holds the Parliament of Eswatini and the Ludzidzini Royal Village, the residence of the Queen Mother, and had about 9,900 residents in 2006.

Lobamba lies between Eswatini's two main cities, Mbabane and Manzini, and about ten kilometres from King Mswati III's Lozitha Palace. Somhlolo National Stadium stands there too.

Mbabane is also the capital of the Hhohho Region.

City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Mbabane.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Eswatini?
The capital of Eswatini is Mbabane. Eswatini has more than one capital: Mbabane, Lobamba.
Is Mbabane the largest city in Eswatini?
No. The capital of Eswatini is Mbabane and Lobamba, but the largest city is Manzini. Eswatini splits its capital roles: Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital, Mbabane the administrative one. Manzini is generally reported as the largest town, though Eswatini's town populations are dated and vary between sources, and some put Mbabane ahead.
What is the population of Mbabane?
Mbabane has a population of about 94,874 (2010 estimate).
Where is Mbabane located?
Mbabane sits at about 1,243 metres in the Mdzimba Mountains of the Hhohho Region, where the Mbabane River meets its tributary the Polinjane, on the MR3 road.
What time zone is Mbabane in?
Mbabane uses UTC+02:00 (SAST).
What currency is used in Mbabane?
Mbabane, like the rest of Eswatini, uses the Swazi lilangeni (SZL, symbol L).

Capitals of neighbouring countries

See the full profile of Eswatini on its country page, or browse every capital city.

Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.