Swazis

Swazi people, also spelled Swazis, are an ethnic group in Southern Africa. They are primarily located in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and adjacent parts of South Africa, with smaller communities in Mozambique. They speak siSwati, a Nguni language closely related to Zulu and Xhosa.

History and identity: The Swazi trace origins to the Nguni migrations into the region. The Swazi kingdom was established in the 18th century by the Dlamini clan, expanding under kings such as Mswati II in the 19th century. In the 20th century, Eswatini became a British protectorate, gained independence in 1968 as Swaziland, and in 2018 the country was renamed Eswatini.

Society and governance: Eswatini is a monarchy in which the king remains a central figure in politics. The political system blends traditional authority with modern institutions; the legislature is bicameral, consisting of a Senate and a House of Assembly, and the king maintains substantial influence over government appointments and policy directions.

Economy and culture: The economy is based on agriculture (notably sugar and citrus), forestry, manufacturing, and tourism, with development and poverty-reduction efforts ongoing. Religious affiliation is predominantly Christian, with continuing practice of customary beliefs and rituals. Swazi society maintains a range of traditional practices and ceremonies within a modern national framework.