Eswatini: The Kingdom of Tradition and Nature

Introduction

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland until 2018, is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Covering less than 18,000 km², it is one of Africa’s smallest nations. Despite its size, Eswatini is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and traditional monarchy. The country has a population of approximately 1.2 million people.

History and Government

The country’s name comes from King Mswati II, a 19th-century ruler who helped strengthen and expand the Swazi kingdom. Eswatini gained independence from the United Kingdom on 6 September 1968. Today, the country is ruled by King Mswati III, who has been on the throne since 1986.

In 2018, King Mswati III officially changed the country’s name from Swaziland to Eswatini, a name that means “Land of the Swazis” in the siSwati language.

Geography

Despite its small size, Eswatini has a remarkable variety of landscapes, including:

Mountain ranges and highlands in the west
Savannas and rolling hills in the east
Forests in the northwest
Rivers such as the Umbeluzi and Lusutfu

The highest point in the country is Mount Emlembe, which reaches 1,862 meters above sea level.

Cities

Mbabane – Administrative and judicial capital
Lobamba – Royal and legislative capital
Manzini – Largest city and commercial center

Culture

The majority of Eswatini’s population belongs to the Swazi ethnic group. The country’s official languages are siSwati and English. Traditional customs remain an important part of national identity, including the famous Umhlanga (Reed Dance), an annual cultural ceremony celebrated by thousands of young women.

Economy

Eswatini’s economy is mainly based on:

Agriculture, especially sugar cane production
Manufacturing, including textiles and food processing
Trade with neighbouring South Africa

Sugar remains one of the country’s most important export products, while tourism is becoming an increasingly important sector due to Eswatini’s wildlife reserves and cultural attractions.