Eswatini

In 2018, the country officially changed its name to Eswatini from the previously used Swaziland, following a decision by King Mswati III, replacing the English-origin name inherited from the colonial era with one meaning "land of the Swazi people" in the local language.

Overview

Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) is a landlocked microstate in the interior of Southern Africa, entirely enclosed between South Africa and Mozambique. The country is the last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa, where the king holds essentially unrestricted executive power, a political arrangement now unique on the continent. Britain administered the territory as a protectorate until 1968, and the official languages are English and Swazi. The majority of the population identifies as ethnically Swazi, and traditional tribal structures and ceremonies, including the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance) festival, remain a living and actively practiced cultural heritage today.

Mbabane, the country's administrative capital, with its mountainous setting and relatively mild climate, serves as the seat of government, while Lobamba, the traditional and legislative capital, is home to the royal residence and parliament. The Ezulwini Valley, between Mbabane and Lobamba, is a center of traditional Swazi cultural life, with craft markets and cultural performances on offer. Mantenga Cultural Village, in the Ezulwini Valley, showcases traditional Swazi architecture and lifestyle within a reconstructed village setting, complemented by dance performances. Malolotja Nature Reserve, with its mountainous terrain and waterfalls, is one of the country's most beautiful and less-visited natural areas.

Hlane Royal National Park, one of the country's oldest and largest wildlife reserves, is home to lions, elephants, and rhinos, and is the main destination for safari tourism in the country. Mkhaya National Park, specializing primarily in the protection of black and white rhinos, offers strictly controlled guided safaris, allowing for rare, close wildlife encounters. The mountainous landscapes of the Ezulwini and Malolotja valleys offer excellent terrain for hiking and adventure sports, including zip-lining. Local cuisine is built around cornmeal and meat, with sishwala, a thick cornmeal porridge, as a signature dish, traditionally served with a vegetable or meat-based stew.