Eswatini: immigration

What is the population of Eswatini?

Eswatini's population was about 1,256,174 in 2025, up from 1,242,822 in 2024, according to the World Bank, which uses UN estimates.

Official counts come from the national Population and Housing Census, run by the government statistics office, whose website could not be reached on 15 October 2026. UN estimates project the population between censuses using births, deaths and migration, and are revised when new census results are published.

Official sources: World Bank: Population, Eswatini

How many people leave Eswatini?

Net migration from Eswatini was an estimated -5,775 people in 2025, meaning about 5,800 more people left than arrived, according to the World Bank, which uses UN population estimates. The figure was -6,754 in 2024.

These are modelled estimates, not counts of border crossings. No official migration statistics were found on the Government of Eswatini website, which could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: Net migration, Eswatini

How many refugees live in Eswatini?

Eswatini hosted 1,414 refugees and 3,511 asylum seekers in 2025, according to the UNHCR population statistics API. The largest groups came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (613 refugees and 643 asylum seekers), Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda and Ethiopia.

Asylum seekers are people whose claims have not yet been decided. The figures are reported by UNHCR from national registration data and refer to the end of the year.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics: refugees in Eswatini, 2025

How many immigrants live in Eswatini?

About 33,268 people living in Eswatini in 2024 were born abroad, according to UN estimates of the international migrant stock published by the World Bank. That is roughly 2.7% of the population.

The migrant stock counts people born in another country, and is estimated mainly from censuses. Money sent home by migrants and Eswatini workers abroad was 0.7% of GDP in 2025, according to the World Bank.

Official sources: World Bank: international migrant stock, Eswatini · World Bank: personal remittances received, Eswatini

How many immigrants live in Eswatini?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people born abroad in Eswatini at 2.7% in 2024. It was 2.8% in 2015. It is 21st highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.2%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 118th highest.

What is net migration in Eswatini?

-5,775: that is net migration in Eswatini for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from -12,724 (2014) to -4,242 (2020). Sub-Saharan Africa median: -5,646; Eswatini is 26th highest of 48. Worldwide: 119th of 193.

How many refugees does Eswatini host?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Eswatini was 1,414, according to UNHCR. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 35,241; Eswatini is 34th highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 120th of 169.

How many refugees have fled Eswatini?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Eswatini was 220, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at 237; its low point was 2005, at 12. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 12,726; Eswatini is 43rd highest of 48. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 133rd highest.

How big are remittances in Eswatini's economy?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in Eswatini at 0.7% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2017, at 3.2% of GDP; its low point was 2024, at 0.7% of GDP. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.6% of GDP; Eswatini is 16th highest of 20. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 88th highest.