Interesting Facts about Eswatini
Eswatini Interesting Facts
Eswatini is a country in Africa. Officially the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Interesting Facts & Things to Know about Eswatini
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is a small but fascinating country in Southern Africa, known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique traditions. Here are some interesting facts about Eswatini:
1. One of Africa’s Last Absolute Monarchies
Eswatini is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world, meaning the King has almost total control over the government. The current ruler, King Mswati III, has been in power since 1986.
2. It Changed Its Name in 2018
The country was formerly known as Swaziland but changed its name to Eswatini in 2018 to reflect its indigenous heritage. "Eswatini" means "Land of the Swazis" in the local SiSwati language.
3. One of the Smallest Countries in Africa
Eswatini is one of Africa’s smallest nations, covering only 17,364 square kilometers (6,704 square miles), making it about the same size as New Jersey (USA) or half the size of Switzerland.
4. Rich in Cultural Festivals
Eswatini is famous for its traditional festivals, including:
- Umhlanga (Reed Dance Festival) – A grand ceremony where thousands of unmarried Swazi women dance before the King.
- Incwala (Kingship Festival) – A sacred ceremony celebrating the monarch’s leadership and unity among the Swazi people.
5. Home to Some of the Oldest Mountains in the World
The Lebombo Mountains, which run along Eswatini’s eastern border, are estimated to be over 3.5 billion years old, making them some of the oldest mountains on Earth.
6. One of the Best Places to See Rhinos in the Wild
Eswatini is one of the best places in Africa to see rhinos. The Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve are home to both black and white rhinos, as well as lions, elephants, and leopards.
7. It Has Two Capitals
Eswatini has two capitals:
- Mbabane – the administrative capital and largest city.
- Lobamba – the royal and legislative capital, where the King’s palace and Parliament are located.
8. One of the World's Lowest Life Expectancies
Unfortunately, Eswatini has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world, due to high HIV/AIDS rates. However, efforts to combat the disease have significantly improved healthcare in recent years.
9. It’s a Land of Traditional Beehive Huts
Many rural Swazi people still live in traditional beehive-shaped huts, made from grass and wooden frames. These huts are cool in summer and warm in winter, making them ideal for the country’s climate.
10. One of the Few Countries with No Coastline
Eswatini is a landlocked country, meaning it has no direct access to the ocean. It is bordered by South Africa on three sides and Mozambique to the northeast.
Conclusion
Eswatini is a small but culturally rich nation, known for its royal traditions, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether it’s witnessing ancient festivals, exploring game reserves, or admiring the mountains, Eswatini offers a unique experience in Southern Africa.
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