Eswatini

Eswatini is a small country in southern Africa. It used to be called Swaziland until 2018. The country is ruled by a king, making it one of the last kingdoms in Africa. About 1.2 million people live there, and the biggest city is Mbabane.

The Kingdom

Eswatini has had kings for hundreds of years. The king is very important and leads big celebrations each year. One famous event is the Reed Dance, where thousands of young women dance in colorful clothes. Another is the Incwala, a first fruits ceremony. People wear beautiful beads, feathers, and animal skins during these festivals. The culture of Eswatini is very proud and strong.

Wildlife and Nature

Eswatini has wildlife parks where you can see lions, elephants, zebras, and rhinos. Hlane Royal National Park is one of the most famous. The country has mountains, forests, and grasslands. People speak siSwati and English. A traditional meal is thick corn porridge called pap served with vegetables or meat. Eswatini is small, but it has a lot to see and do.

Fun Facts

• Eswatini changed its name from Swaziland in 2018 to celebrate its independence.
• The Reed Dance brings together tens of thousands of dancers every year.
• The king of Eswatini has a special leopard-skin cloak that only he can wear.

Did You Know?

Eswatini is one of the smallest countries in Africa, but you can drive from one side to the other in just a few hours.