Eswatini is one of South Africa’s neighbouring countries. I have not visited this country yet, but I might one day. Apparently it’s a very beautiful country.
Here are 12 facts about Eswatini (Swaziland)
1. The country gained independence as Swaziland from the United Kingdom in 1968.
2. It’s a small (200 km from North to South and 130 km across) landlocked country bordered by South Africa & Mozambique.
3. The counrty gets its name from the 19th century king Mswati II.
4. The country has a population of just over 1.2 million (according to 2023 estimates).
5. The royal & legislative capital of Swaziland is Lobamba and the administrative capital and largest city is Mbabane (with an estimated population of 95,000).
6. Eswatini’s current head of state is King Mswati III. He ascended to the throne in 1986 after the death of his father King Sobhuza II in 1982 and a period of regency.
7. The country is also known as Ngwane, but it was officially renamed to Eswatini in April 2018.
8. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King Mswati III (the world’s last absolute monarch) to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in 2006, but political parties remain banned in the country.
9. The highest point in Eswatini is Emlembe (1,862 m).
10. Rock paintings, possibly by the San people, have been found throughout the country.
11. In June 2021, Eswatini experienced widespread pro-democracy protests marked by riots, looting, and clashes between protesters and security forces. The unrest stemmed from long-standing grievances over the lack of democratic reforms and the government’s alleged ban on petition submissions. Protesters targeted buildings linked to King Mswati III, resulting in arson, while police reportedly assaulted and arrested political opponents.
The New York Times described the events as the most explosive civil unrest in the country’s 53 years of independence. State security forces killed at least 20 people, injured many, and detained others. The government, accused of shutting down the internet, faced claims that the king fled the country, though officials disputed such assertions and called for an end to the protests.
12. Since 1972, Eswatini has been participating in the Summer Olympics, but the nation has not secured any medals thus far. However, Eswatini has achieved success in boxing and marathon events, earning medals at the Commonwealth Games.
Well, there you have it, 12 facts you might not have known about Eswatini. If I left out something interesting, please comment below.
Watch this space for updates in the Facts category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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