Swaziland

Swaziland, officially Eswatini since 2018, is a small, landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa and Mozambique, covers about 17,364 square kilometers, and has a population of roughly 1.3 million. The capital cities are Mbabane (administrative) and Lobamba (royal and legislative). The official languages are siSwati and English. The Swazi lilangeni (SZL) is pegged to the South African rand, which circulates widely.

History and name: Swaziland became a British protectorate in the late 19th century and gained independence in 1968. The monarchy retains wide authority and, in 2018, the country was renamed Eswatini by the king.

Government: Eswatini is an absolute monarchy. The constitution of 2005 provides a bicameral Parliament, but political parties are not allowed to participate in elections; candidates run as individuals. The king appoints the prime minister and wields significant influence over policy and appointments.

Economy and society: The economy is small and diversified, with agriculture employing many citizens. Key exports include sugar, textiles, and wood pulp; tourism, especially wildlife parks and cultural events, is important. Eswatini is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth.

Culture and people: The population is predominantly Swazi and siSwati-speaking, with English as an official language. Cultural traditions include ceremonies such as the Umhlanga Reed Dance and the Incwala. Christianity is the major religion.

Geography and environment: The landscape ranges from the eastern highveld to the western lowveld, with a subtropical climate and distinct wet and dry seasons. Major towns include Mbabane, Manzini, and Lobamba.