Welcome to the Kingdom of Swaziland!
Independence
Did you know- On September 6, 1968, the country, one of the most ethnically homogeneous republics on the planet, proclaimed its national independence as the Kingdom of Swaziland within the Commonwealth. It thus became the forty-second independent country in Africa. Since then, it has become one of the few monarchies in the Third World. For almost 70 years, prior to 1968, the United Kingdom had ruled the country as a British High Commission Territory. In fact, Swaziland was one of the last colonies of Great Britain on the African continent.
Geography
Did you know- The modern country of Swaziland is located in southern Africa and is completely surrounded by the former white-ruled South Africa and Mozambique (a former Portuguese colony). It covers approximately 6,704 square miles (17,363 km). The African monarchy, about the size of New Jersey, is the 158th largest nation in the world by area. What’s more, it is one of the smallest countries by area among the former British colonies in Africa, along with Lesotho, Mauritius, the Seychelles and the Gambia. This small kingdom enjoys a favorable climate. Most of the nation is covered in mountains (up to 4,500 feet), rainforests, and valleys.
Summer olympic games
Did you know- In 1968, the kingdom was one of the new nations of the world, but it did not become an Olympic country until 1972.
Foreign Relations
Did you know- Once an anti-communist nation, the Kingdom of Swaziland maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with South Africa and Japan, as well as with South Korea and the United States of America. Since then, he has been known for his strong ties to London. Meanwhile, since its independence (1968), Swaziland is one of the few African states in the world that has not had diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Water resources
Did you know- Despite the size of the country, one of the smallest nations on Earth, the Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the well-watered areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. Like Suriname, the Solomon Islands and Norway, it is home to several rivers. The main rivers include: the Ingwavuna River in the south, the Makondo River in the southwest, the Usutu and Ngwempisi rivers in the west, and the Lomti and Umbeluzi Negro rivers in the north.
People
Did you know- More than a million people live in the nation, the vast majority Swazi-speaking blacks. In addition, there are several Swazi nationals employed in South Africa and other countries.
Main international organizations
Did you know- The nation became a member of the United Nations on September 24, 1968. At the same time, it became the 28th member of the British Commonwealth.
Power and women
Did you know- In the early 1980s, this landlocked country made world headlines when it had two queens. Following the death of King Sobhuza II, Queen Regent Dzeliwe Shongwe ruled the little kingdom between 1982 and 1983, and months later Ntombi Twala became the country’s second head of state since 1968. According to Swazi traditions, the new king he is chosen by the Queen Mother (Ndlovukazi or Elephant). In 1921, Sobhuza II, who was one of the oldest reigning monarchs in the world, had been handpicked by the Elephant.
Idiom
Did you know- This monarchy is a country with two official languages, English and SiSwati.
Wildlife
Did you know- Despite its small size, this land is famous for its wide variety of wild animals, such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and leopards. Otherwise, it is also known for its birdlife. In Lubombo, for example, there are more than 350 species of exotic birds. In recent years, the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary has become one of the most visited places in the country.
New wonder
Did you know- The small kingdom is home to one of the oldest mines in the world. It was discovered in Ngwenya, Hohho district, in 1970.
Two capitals
Did you know- Unlike several states in the world, this English-speaking nation has two capitals. Mbabane is the administrative capital, while Lobamba is the traditional capital. Mbabane, which is located in the western highlands of Swaziland, is the largest city and was founded in the early 20th century. With a population of 100,000, Mbabane is home to a number of traditional markets, excellent restaurants, impressive gardens, and incredible hotels. In the 20th century, this place in Swaziland became one of the most peaceful cities in southern Africa. Meanwhile, Lobamba has interesting places, such as the Rey Sobhuza II Memorial Park and the National Museum.
Economic Sciences
Did you know- This African monarchy is blessed with abundant water and some minerals, such as iron ore, asbestos, tin, kaolin, coal, gold, barite, and diamonds. On the other hand, from 1984 to 1994, the Kingdom of Swaziland had one of the fastest growing economies in the world (6.5%), ahead of several Asian countries.
World famous visitors
Did you know- Pope John Paul II arrived in the country in 1988.