Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked monarchy in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the north, west, and south, and by Mozambique to the east. It is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world. Despite its modest size, Eswatini plays an important role in Southern African cultural and political identity, maintaining a distinctive blend of traditional governance and modern administrative systems. The country enjoys relative stability, though it faces deep socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, income inequality, and the world’s highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

Historical Background

The Swazi nation traces its origins to the mid-18th century, when Ngwane III founded a small kingdom that was later consolidated by King Mswati II (1840–1868). His reign unified the Swazi clans and expanded the kingdom’s territory, giving rise to both the Swazi people (emaSwati) and the nation’s name.
In the late 19th century, European colonial powers defined the region’s borders during the Scramble for Africa. Britain assumed administrative control in 1903, governing Eswatini (then Swaziland) as a High Commission Territory alongside Basutoland (Lesotho) and Bechuanaland (Botswana).
Eswatini gained independence on 6 September 1968 under King Sobhuza II, who had ruled since 1921. Initially adopting a constitutional monarchy, Sobhuza II suspended the constitution in 1973, dissolved parliament, and banned political parties, centralising authority under royal rule. His reign, which lasted 61 years, remains one of the longest in history.
After Sobhuza’s death in 1982, a brief regency period ended with King Mswati III’s ascension in 1986. In 2005, a new constitution was adopted, introducing limited parliamentary and judicial structures but preserving the king’s supremacy. Political parties remain banned from participating in elections, which are conducted on a non-partisan individual basis.
In 2018, to mark the 50th anniversary of independence, King Mswati III officially renamed the country Eswatini, meaning “Land of the Swazi,” affirming linguistic and cultural sovereignty.
Pro-democracy protests in 2021—the largest in the nation’s history—were met with a severe security response, leaving dozens dead. Despite international pressure, reforms have been slow, though Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, appointed in 2023, has pledged to advance dialogue under the king’s oversight.

Geography

• Location: Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique
• Area: 17,364 sq km (slightly smaller than New Jersey, USA)
• Coordinates: 26°30′ S, 31°30′ E

Eswatini’s terrain transitions from cool, temperate highlands in the west to tropical lowlands in the east. The Lubombo Mountains form a natural eastern border, while fertile valleys dominate the central regions.

• Highest point: Emlembe (1,862 m)
• Lowest point: Great Usutu River valley (21 m)

Climate: Varies by altitude — temperate in the west, tropical in the east. Rainfall occurs mainly from October to April, and droughts occasionally threaten agriculture.
Natural resources: Asbestos, coal, hydropower, timber, clay, gold, and diamonds.
Land use (2022):

• Agricultural land: 69.5%
• Forest: 29.1%
• Arable land: 10.3%
• Permanent pasture: 58.1%

People and Society

Eswatini’s population (2024) is estimated at 1.14 million, making it one of Africa’s smallest nations by population.
Ethnic composition: Predominantly Swati (emaSwati), with small communities of Zulu, other Africans, and Europeans.
Languages:

• siSwati (official; national language)
• English (official; language of business, education, and government)

Religion:

• Christianity: 90% (majority belonging to the Zionist syncretic movement)
• Minority religions: Islam, Hinduism, Baha’i, Judaism

Demographic indicators (2024):

• Median age: 24.6 years
• Birth rate: 22.3 births per 1,000 population
• Fertility rate: 2.37 children per woman
• Life expectancy: 60.7 years (male: 58.7; female: 62.8)
• Literacy rate: 90.7%
• Population growth: 0.7% per year

Public health: Eswatini has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world, though national efforts have dramatically expanded access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), improving life expectancy and reducing transmission.
Urbanisation: 25% of the population lives in cities, mainly Mbabane (administrative capital) and Lobamba (royal and legislative capital).

Government and Politics

Eswatini is an absolute monarchy, where King Mswati III wields supreme executive, legislative, and judicial authority.

• Head of State: King Mswati III (since 1986)
• Head of Government: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini (appointed 2023)
• Capitals: Mbabane (administrative); Lobamba (royal and legislative)

Political system: Although the 2005 Constitution nominally guarantees basic rights, it maintains the monarchy’s supremacy. Political parties exist unofficially but are barred from contesting elections.
Legislature:

• Parliament (Libandla) is bicameral:
  • House of Assembly: 74 members (59 elected, 4 indirectly elected, 10 appointed by the King)
  • Senate: 30 members (10 indirectly elected, 20 appointed by the King)
• Elections occur every five years under a system known as Tinkhundla, based on local constituencies rather than party affiliation.

Judiciary: Comprises the Supreme Court and High Court, alongside customary Swazi courts applying traditional law. The legal system blends Roman-Dutch civil law, common law, and customary law.
Political movements: Pro-democracy organisations such as the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and Swazi Democratic Party (SWADEPA) operate under restrictions and surveillance.

Economy

Eswatini’s economy is small and trade-dependent, closely integrated with South Africa through the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and Common Monetary Area (CMA). The national currency, the lilangeni (SZL), is pegged to the South African rand.
Key economic indicators (2024):

• GDP (PPP): $12.89 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $10,400
• Real GDP growth: 2.6%
• Inflation: 2.6%
• Public debt: 35.9% of GDP
• Unemployment: 34.4% (youth: 58.2%)

Economic sectors (2023):

• Services: 51.7%
• Industry: 34.7%
• Agriculture: 6.8%

Major industries: Sugar processing, soft drink concentrates, textiles, wood pulp, and coal mining.Agricultural products: Sugarcane, maize, citrus, root crops, pineapples, and livestock.
Trade (2023):

• Exports: $2.17 billion — sugar, wood, scented mixtures, and industrial alcohols
  • Main partners: South Africa (61%), Ireland (4%), Mozambique (4%), Kenya (4%)
• Imports: $2.35 billion — petroleum, electricity, plastics, textiles
  • Main partners: South Africa (71%), China (8%), India (4%)

Challenges: High income inequality (Gini 54.6), poverty (58.9%), and youth joblessness constrain development despite relatively stable fiscal management.

Environment and Energy

Eswatini faces environmental pressures from deforestation, soil erosion, and overgrazing. Water scarcity and droughts increasingly threaten rural livelihoods.
Climate: Tropical to temperate depending on altitude.Major environmental issues: Forest loss, biodiversity depletion, and limited water access.
Energy profile (2023):

• Installed capacity: 285,000 kW
• Hydroelectric: 54.4%
• Biomass: 37.6%
• Solar: 4.9%
• Fossil fuels: 3.1%
• Electrification rate: 82.3% (urban 86.1%, rural 81.6%)

Eswatini imports most of its electricity from South Africa, though it is investing in renewable energy, particularly solar and hydropower.

Defence and Security

The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) ensures internal stability and border protection.

• Personnel: Approx. 3,000 active soldiers (2023)
• Military expenditure: 1.4% of GDP (2024)
• Service: Voluntary (ages 18–35); no conscription

The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) handles law enforcement, often playing a key role in suppressing civil unrest. The King serves as Commander-in-Chief, overseeing all security institutions.

Culture and National Identity

Eswatini’s culture is deeply intertwined with its monarchy and traditions. Ceremonies such as the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) and Incwala (Kingship Ceremony) celebrate unity, fertility, and loyalty to the crown.