Eswatini

Eswatini, also called eSwatini, is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is surrounded by South Africa except for a small border with Mozambique. Though it is one of the smallest countries in Africa, it has many different landscapes, from cool mountains to hot, dry plains. The main city is Mbabane, while Lobamba is where the government meets.

The people of Eswatini are mainly ethnic Swazis, and they speak the Swazi language, called siSwati. Their kingdom was started in the 1700s by a leader named Ngwane III. Later, a king named Mswati II helped grow and unite the land. Eswatini became independent from British control in 1968, and in 2018, the country changed its name from Swaziland to Eswatini.

Eswatini is a developing country with an economy that relies on farming and making goods. It trades mostly with South Africa, the United States, and the European Union. The country is ruled as an absolute monarchy, with King Mswati III leading since 1986.

Many people in Eswatini face health challenges, including HIV/AIDS. The country also has a younger population, with about a third of people being 14 years old or younger.

History

Main article: History of Eswatini

Artifacts show people lived in Eswatini as far back as 200,000 years ago. You can still see old rock paintings made thousands of years ago.

First, the Khoisan hunter-gatherers lived here. Later, during big movements of people called the Bantu migrations, Nguni-speaking groups arrived from the Great Lakes region in eastern and central Africa. They brought cattle, seeds, and tools made of iron and wood.

The Swazi people settled between the Drakensberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean. They came from a group called the Embo-Nguni, who lived near present-day Maputo in Mozambique. These early Swazi people were small chiefdoms led by chiefs like Langa.

In the 1800s, British records connected the Swazi with nearby Tembe groups. Portuguese explorers in 1589 met people in the Limpopo River region who called themselves “Vhambedzi” or “BaMbo.” These were early Swazi people who used reeds to cross rivers. Their praise names, like “…tsine lesavela eluhlangeni” and “nine beluhlanga,” mean “we originated from the reeds” and refer to the Dlamini clan.

During the 1800s, Swazi leaders like Dlamini III and Ngwane III moved their people to new areas to stay independent. Sobhuza I made Zombodze the capital. Mswati II, a powerful king, expanded the kingdom to twice its size.

In 1881, Britain recognized Swazi independence. In 1890, Swaziland became a place where British, Dutch, and Swazi leaders shared control. In 1894, it became a protectorate under South Africa.

After World War II, Sobhuza II became king and helped Swaziland stay independent. In 1968, Swaziland became fully independent. In 2018, the country changed its name from Swaziland to Eswatini, meaning “land of the Swazis.”

Geography

Main article: Geography of Eswatini

Eswatini is a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa with an area of 17,364 km². It is located near the southern tip of the continent, bordered by South Africa on three sides and Mozambique to the east. The land varies from high plateaus to lower valleys, with the Lebombo Mountains along the eastern edge.

The country has different climate zones, with most rain falling during the summer months. The western areas are cooler, while the east can become quite hot. Eswatini is home to many plants and animals, including special protected areas like Malolotja Nature Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park, where visitors can see birds, mammals, and other wildlife. These areas help protect the country's natural resources for future generations.

Main article: Wildlife of Eswatini

Politics

Main articles: Government of Eswatini and Politics of Eswatini

Eswatini is an absolute monarchy, meaning the king has a lot of power. The king, currently King Mswati III, is seen as a symbol of unity for the country. He works with a group of leaders to make important decisions.

Eswatini has a parliament with two parts: the Senate and the House of Assembly. The king chooses some members of both groups, while others are chosen by the people in elections. These elections happen every five years, and people vote without any political parties involved.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Regions of Eswatini

Eswatini is divided into four regions: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni. Each region has several areas called tinkhundla. These areas are helped by local leaders who make decisions for their communities. There are also special groups that help plan and share important information between the local leaders and their people.

The country has different ways to organize cities and towns, depending on their size. There are also groups in the countryside that help with planning and decisions. Some of the biggest cities in Eswatini are Manzini, Mbabane, Nhlangano, and Siteki.

Economy

Eswatini has a diverse economy with agriculture, manufacturing, and services all playing important roles. Farming, mining, and forestry make up about 13% of the country's wealth, while making things like clothes and sugar products makes up 37%. Services, especially government jobs, are the largest part at 50%.

The country trades a lot with South Africa, getting most of its supplies from there and sending many of its products there too. Other important trading partners include the United States and the European Union. Even though Eswatini faces challenges like changing trade rules, its businesses are known for being strong compared to others in Africa. The country's money, called the lilangeni, is tied to South Africa's money, which affects how Eswatini manages its finances.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Eswatini

Most people in Eswatini are ethnically Swazi, with smaller groups of Zulu and White Africans. Traditionally, the Swazi were farmers and herders, but many now work in cities, government jobs, or mines in nearby South Africa. Some people from Portugal and refugees from Mozambique also live in Eswatini. Many people practice Christianity, sometimes mixing it with traditional beliefs. Some Swazi believe the monarch has a special spiritual role.

Main article: Languages of Eswatini

The main language in Eswatini is SiSwati, also called Swati or Swazi, which is spoken by millions of people in Eswatini and South Africa. English is used in schools and business. Smaller numbers of people speak Zulu, Tsonga, and Afrikaans. Portuguese is taught in schools because of the community from Mozambique.

Main article: Religion in Eswatini

Most people in Eswatini follow Christianity, with many belonging to Anglican, Protestant, or indigenous African churches. A smaller group follows traditional religions, and there are small communities of Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, and Hinduism.

Main article: Health in Eswatini

Eswatini has one of the highest rates of a health condition affecting people aged 15 to 49 worldwide. The country works to improve health and reduce hunger.

Main article: Education in Eswatini

Education in Eswatini starts with preschool for young children, followed by primary school beginning at age six. Secondary school lasts five years, ending with an examination. There are many public and private schools, and several universities and colleges, including the University of Eswatini. Some schools offer special programs for advanced studies.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Eswatini

Tourism in Eswatini grew a lot during a time called apartheid, when it had different rules than nearby South Africa. People visited for special TV shows, sports, and places to play games that they couldn’t find in South Africa. Many more tourists came each year. After apartheid ended, growth slowed because other countries became popular too. Today, Eswatini shows its rich traditions and unique status as the last monarchy in sub-Saharan Africa to attract visitors. The Eswatini Tourism Board, started in 2003, helps share the country’s royal events and wild animal parks. In 2006, Eswatini joined a travel agreement with South Africa and Mozambique, making it easier for people to visit all three countries with one travel permit.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Eswatini

See also: Music of Eswatini

In Eswatini, families often live in special homes called homesteads. These homes have round huts with roofs made from dry grass. Each wife in a family has her own hut and yard. In the middle of the homestead is a special area for cattle, which are very important to the people there. The head of the family, called the headman, helps everyone and gives advice.

Eswatini has many cultural traditions. One big event is the Incwala ceremony, held around December. It is a special time for the king and his family. Another famous event is the Umhlanga Reed Dance, where young girls cut reeds and dance for the Queen Mother in late summer. This helps bring people together and shows respect.

Eswatini is also known for its handmade crafts. Many people, especially women, make beautiful items like decorations and artwork from glass, stone, and wood.

Sport

Eswatini has sent athletes to the Summer Olympics since 1972 but has not yet won a medal there. The country has won medals in boxing and running at the Commonwealth Games. Popular sports include football, cricket, and rugby. The Somhlolo National Stadium is the biggest place for sports in Eswatini.