The new U.S. Embassy is situated on an 8.9-acre site in the Ezulwini Valley, approximately halfway between Mbabane, the political capital, and Manzini, the commercial capital. The multi-building campus includes a Chancery, support annex and facilities for the Embassy community.

The building meets all Department of State standards for life safety and security, and provides a modern office space for the Embassy staff.

 

Water Conservation – A High Priority in Swaziland

The new U.S. Embassy building in Swaziland is the Department of State’s 37th diplomatic facility overseas to earn a LEED Gold level certification. Severe drought conditions across southern Africa have made water conservation a high priority in Swaziland, and the new Embassy is designed for efficient water use and recycling. The project incorporated efficient plumbing fixtures, locally sourced drought resistant plants, and a combined water retention and wastewater treatment system to reuse treated wastewater and rainwater for irrigation.

 

Promoting Cross-Cultural Dialogue

To promote cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding, the building and grounds feature contemporary paintings, sculpture, photographs, textiles, and mixed media pieces by artists from the United States and Swaziland. A monumental outdoor mosaic, made of thousands of colorful glass tiles, is a collaborative piece by a U.S. artist and a team of Swazi artists.