Top 100 Facts About Eswatini (Swaziland)

Nestled in the southern region of Africa, Eswatini, formerly referred to as Swaziland, is a captivating and enchanting landlocked country abundant in history and cultural heritage. From its unique geography to its vibrant festivals and traditions, there are many interesting facts to discover about this captivating country.

Here are 100 facts about Eswatini.

1. The Kingdom of Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, is the official name of the country.
2. Eswatini is a landlocked country located in southern Africa.
3. Mozambique borders the country to the northeast and South Africa to the north, west, and south.
4. The country has an area of 17,364 square kilometers.
5. The country’s capital is Mbabane, and its largest city is Manzini.
6. The country has a population of approximately 1.2 million people.
7. The official languages of Eswatini are English and Swati.
8. Eswatini gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 6, 1968.
9. The country’s flag has three horizontal stripes of blue, yellow, and red, with a black and white shield in the center.
10. The shield features a Nguni shield and two spears, symbolizing the country’s readiness to defend itself.
11. The country’s national anthem is “Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati” (Oh God, Bless Eswatini).
12. The currency of Eswatini is the Swazi lilangeni.
13. The country has a monarchy, and the current king is Mswati III.
14. The king of Eswatini is known for having multiple wives.
15. The country is known for its traditional ceremonies and festivals, such as the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) and Incwala (Kingship).
16. Eswatini is a proud member of various esteemed international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), among others.
17. The country has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, with approximately 27% of the adult population living with the disease.
18. The country has a low life expectancy, with an average of 53 years.
19. The country is known for its wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
20. Eswatini is also known for its traditional handicrafts, including basket weaving, pottery, and woodcarving.
21. The country is divided into four regions: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni.
22. The highest peak in Eswatini is Emlembe, which stands at 1,862 meters (6,109 feet) tall.
23. The country has a tropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters.
24. The country has several rivers, including the Usutu, which is the largest.
25. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with sugarcane being the main crop.
26. The country also has a growing tourism industry, with tourists visiting the wildlife and participating in cultural events.
27. Eswatini has a high unemployment rate, with approximately 30% of the population being unemployed.
28. The country is known for its traditional cuisine, including maize porridge, roasted meat, and beans.
29. Eswatini has a high literacy rate, with approximately 87% of the population being able to read and write.
30. The country has a well-developed education system, with free primary education for all children.
31. The country has a low GDP per capita, with approximately $4,500 USD per year.
32. The country has a high infant mortality rate, with approximately 50 deaths per 1,000 live births.
33. The country has a high maternal mortality rate, with approximately 420 deaths per 100,000 live births.
34. The country has a high prevalence of tuberculosis, with approximately 860 cases per 100,000 people.
35. The country has well-developed healthcare.
36. Being the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, Eswatini holds a distinctive geographical status that sets it apart from its neighboring countries.
37. The country was formerly known as Swaziland, and the name change to Eswatini was made in 2018.
38. The term “Eswatini” translates to “land of the Swazis,” reflecting the country’s strong cultural identity and heritage.
39. The country’s national animal is the lion.
40. Eswatini is known for its traditional dance, which is called Sibhaca.
41. The country has several national parks, including Hlane Royal National Park and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
42. The country’s official religion is Christianity, although traditional beliefs are also practiced.
43. Eswatini has a high incidence of gender-based violence, with approximately 68% of women having experienced some form of violence.
44. Eswatini boasts a well-established telecommunications infrastructure, with a significant percentage of its population owning mobile phones.
45. The country is known for its high-quality handcrafted textiles, including woven and embroidered fabrics.
46. Eswatini is a monarchy but has a parliament and a constitution.
47. The country has a relatively high rate of urbanization, with approximately 21% of the population living in urban areas.
48. Eswatini has a high rate of child marriage, with approximately 35% of girls marrying before age 18.
49. The country has a low carbon footprint, with most of its electricity coming from hydroelectric and biomass sources.
50. Eswatini is known for its traditional healing practices, including medicinal plants and spiritual rituals.
51. The country has a high rate of orphanhood, with approximately 10% of children having lost one or both parents.
52. Eswatini has a well-developed transportation system, with paved roads connecting all major cities and towns.
53. The country has a low internet penetration rate, with approximately 11% of the population having access to the internet.
54. Eswatini has a high rate of road accidents, with approximately 20 deaths per 100,000 people each year.
55. Several commercial banks and microfinance institutions operate within Eswatini’s well-developed financial sector.
56. Eswatini is known for its colorful traditional attire, which includes brightly colored beaded necklaces, bracelets, and headbands.
57. The country has a well-developed mining industry, with coal, diamonds, and gold being the main minerals extracted.
58. Eswatini is home to several hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.
59. The country has a high rate of food insecurity, with approximately 30% of the population being undernourished.
60. Eswatini is known for its traditional medicine, which is based on natural remedies and spiritual practices.
61. The country has a well-developed banking sector, with several commercial banks and microfinance institutions operating there.
62. Eswatini has a high rate of diabetes, with approximately 10% of the adult population being affected.
63. The country has a well-developed legal system, with a Supreme Court and a Court of Appeal.
64. Eswatini has a low rate of urbanization, with most of the population living in rural areas.
65. The country has a well-developed tourism industry, with tourists visiting the wildlife, participating in cultural events, and visiting the country’s national parks and reserves.
66. Eswatini is known for its traditional music, which includes a variety of instruments such as drums, flutes, and rattles.
67. The country has a high rate of alcohol consumption, with approximately 60% of the population.
68. There is a high rate of HIV/AIDS, with approximately 27% of the adult population being affected.
69. The country has a well-developed education system, free primary education, and several universities and vocational schools.
70. The Kingdom of Eswatini is known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes such as umncweba (dried meat), sidvudvu (pumpkin leaves), and incwancwa (sour porridge).
71. The country has a high unemployment rate, with approximately 28% of the population being without work.
72. Eswatini has a high rate of tuberculosis, with approximately 700 cases per 100,000 people each year.
73. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics operating nationwide.
74. Eswatini is known for its traditional crafts, including pottery, basket weaving, and carving.
75. The country has a high infant mortality rate, with approximately 45 deaths per 1,000 live births.
76. Eswatini has a well-developed agriculture sector, with sugar, citrus fruits, and forestry products being the main exports.
77. The country has a high maternal mortality rate, with approximately 300 deaths per 100,000 live births.
78. Eswatini is known for its cultural festivals, including the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) and Incwala (First Fruits) ceremonies.
79. The country has a well-developed postal service, with several post offices operating throughout the country.
80. Eswatini holds membership in various international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union.
81. The country has a well-developed textile industry, with several factories producing garments and other textile products.
82. Eswatini is known for its traditional architecture, including thatched roofs and mud-brick walls.
83. The country has a high rate of malaria, with approximately 400 cases per 1,000 people each year.
84. Eswatini has a well-developed energy sector, with several hydroelectric power plants and a coal-fired power plant operating in the country.
85. The country is known for its traditional sports, including stick fighting and football.
86. Eswatini has a well-developed water supply system, with several dams and reservoirs providing water for irrigation and drinking.
87. The country has a high malnutrition rate, with approximately 35% of children being underweight.
88. Eswatini is known for its traditional medicinal plants, which are used to treat a variety of ailments.
89. The country has a well-developed wildlife conservation program, with several national parks and reserves protecting endangered species.
90. Eswatini has a high rate of deforestation, with approximately 1.3% of the country’s forest cover being lost yearly.
91. The country has a well-developed fishing industry, with several lakes and rivers providing fish for domestic consumption and export.
92. Eswatini is known for its traditional hairstyles, which include intricate braiding and beading.
93. The country has a high rate of domestic violence, with approximately 58% of women having experienced some form of violence.
94. Eswatini has a well-developed waste management system, with several recycling programs and waste disposal facilities operating in the country.
95. The country is known for its traditional dance music, which includes a variety of drums, rattles, and other percussion instruments.
96. Eswatini experiences a significant prevalence of mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, among its population.
97. The country has a well-developed telecommunications sector with several mobile networks.
98. Eswatini has a monarchy system of government, with King Mswati III being the current reigning monarch.
99. The country has a well-developed road network, with several major highways and well-maintained secondary roads connecting different parts.
100. Eswatini is known for its traditional clothing, including colorful beaded skirts, aprons, and shawls worn by women, animal skin cloaks, and loincloths worn by men.

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Bottom Line

There you have it! The top fascinating facts about the Kingdom of Eswatini. Eswatini’s unique geography, diverse cultural traditions, and active participation in international organizations make it a country worth exploring and learning about.

From its thriving financial and telecommunications sectors to its challenges with mental health, Eswatini’s story is one of complexity and resilience.