Eswatini

Geography

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. The country has many different landscapes, from cool mountains to hot, dry plains. The main city is Mbabane, while Lobamba is where the government meets.

People and Culture

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.

Government and Economy

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.

Health and Population

Many people in Eswatini face health challenges. 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 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 expanded the kingdom.

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 country in Southern Africa. It has no oceans and covers 17,364 km². It touches South Africa on three sides and Mozambique to the east. The land has high plateaus and lower valleys, with the Lebombo Mountains along the eastern edge.

The country has different climates. Most rain comes in the summer. The west is cooler, and the east can be hot. Eswatini has many plants and animals. Special places like Malolotja Nature Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park protect birds, mammals, and other wildlife. These areas help keep nature safe for the future.

Main article: Wildlife of Eswatini

Politics

Main articles: Government of Eswatini and Politics of Eswatini

Eswatini is an absolute monarchy. This means the king has a lot of power. The king, now King Mswati III, is a symbol of unity for the country. He works with other leaders to make big decisions.

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

Administrative divisions

Main article: Regions of Eswatini

Eswatini is divided into four regions: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni. Each region has areas called tinkhundla. Local leaders help make decisions for their communities. There are also special groups that help share information between leaders and people.

The country has different ways to organize cities and towns based 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 mix of different jobs and work. Farming, mining, and cutting trees help the country. Making things like clothes and sugar is another big part. Services, such as government jobs, are the biggest part of all.

The country trades often with South Africa. It buys many things from South Africa and sells many products there too. The United States and the European Union are also important trading friends. Even with some hard rules for trading, Eswatini's businesses stay strong. The country's money, called the lilangeni, links to South Africa's money, which helps Eswatini plan its money matters.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Eswatini

Most people in Eswatini are ethnically Swazi, with smaller groups of Zulu and White Africans. Many Swazi people 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.

Main article: Languages of Eswatini

The main language in Eswatini is SiSwati, also called Swati or Swazi. 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. A smaller group follows traditional religions, and there are small communities of Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, and Hinduism.

Main article: Health in Eswatini

Eswatini 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.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Eswatini

Tourism in Eswatini grew a lot during a time called apartheid. Many people visited for special TV shows, sports, and games they couldn’t find nearby. After apartheid ended, growth slowed as other countries became popular. Today, Eswatini shows its rich traditions and unique status as the last monarchy in sub-Saharan Africa. 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 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.