[citation needed] Prior to the Second World War, most Swazis lived in rural districts and worked outside Eswatini, which prevented the town from growing.

[citation needed] In the years following independence, governmental buildings such as the British Consulate were built in Mbabane.

Mbabane today is home to hotels and recreational sites such as clubs and golf courses tending to tourists.

[4][5] Mbabane's closest border crossing to South Africa is Ngwenya-Oshoek, and though siSwati is the primary language, English is widespread.

[citation needed] It is also a commercial hub for the surrounding region, while tin and iron were mined nearby.

[6][7] Mbabane is the home of the Waterford-Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa, as well as one of the three campuses of the University of Eswatini.

Neighbourhoods and suburbs include Mbangweni, Sidvwashini, Kent Rock, Sandla, Westridge Park, Malunge, New Checkers, Msunduza and Vukutentele.

Due to its altitude, Mbabane features a moderate subtropical highland climate (Köppen: Cwb).