Eswatini Rate of Natural Increase

Eswatini’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth rate and crude death rate—reflects both its demographic challenges and regional context. As of recent data, Eswatini’s RNI is relatively low compared to many of its neighbors, primarily due to a combination of moderate birth rates and one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, which elevates the death rate. In contrast, neighboring Mozambique and South Africa exhibit higher RNIs, with Mozambique’s being notably higher due to a younger population and higher fertility rates, despite also facing health challenges. South Africa, while having a lower RNI than Mozambique, still surpasses Eswatini, as its larger population base and slightly lower mortality rates offset declining fertility. Thus, while all three countries experience population growth, Eswatini’s RNI is constrained by health factors, setting it apart from its neighbors’ demographic profiles.

Data from US Census International Database