Eswatini, a small landlocked monarchy in southern Africa, was formerly known as Swaziland. This small nation has a lot to offer, despite its small size. Visit animal parks, take in the breathtaking scenery, and experience Swazi culture. In addition to providing some excellent hiking options, the breathtaking environment makes this a destination where you want to unwind and spend a few days taking it all in. We suggest that if you’re already in neighbouring South Africa, you spend at least a few days exploring Eswatini.

One of the last absolute monarchy in the world is the kingdom of Eswatini. Over his million subjects, the most of whom live in rural areas and adhere to traditional lifestyles, the monarch controls by edict.

The nation, formerly known as Swaziland, changed its name to Eswatini in 2018.

The highest HIV prevalence rate in the world is found in Eswatini. Numerous Swazis have died as a result of the virus, leaving thousands of orphans. Although the nation was making great strides towards controlling the pandemic by 2022, HIV’s effects on the nation remained profound.

The nation and the Swazi people derive their names from Mswati II, the 19th-century monarch whose reign saw the expansion and unification of the nation.

All broadcast media, including the royal family’s sole privately owned TV channel, are completely under government control. Nearly every media organisation is under the monarch’s direct or indirect authority.

Key dates in the history of Eswatini include:

• 18th and 19th centuries: The region was settled by Swazis.
• 1881: The UK ratified a treaty acknowledging Swazi independence, subsequently recognised in the 1884 London Treaty.
• Swaziland was put under the protection of the South African Republic in 1894.
• The Second Boer War, 1899–1902.
• 1903-06: Basutoland (now Lesotho) and Bechuanaland (now Botswana) join Swaziland as British High Commission territories.
• King Sobhuza II ascended to the throne in 1921.
• 1964 saw the adoption of Swaziland’s first constitution and the founding of the Imbokodvo National Movement (INM), a political organisation, by King Sobhuza.
• 1968: A new constitution was adopted, and Swaziland was officially awarded independence within the Commonwealth. The new parliament is given power, and the monarch appoints a certain number of its members.
• 1973: Political parties are outlawed, and King Sobhuza suspends the constitution
• Death of King Sobhuza, 1982.
• 1982: Until Prince Makhosetive turns 21, Queen Mother Dzeliwe can serve as Regent.
• 1983 saw the removal of Queen Regent Dzeliwe. The mother of Prince Makhosetive, Queen Ntombi, is appointed regent.
• 1986 saw the coronation of Prince Makhosetive as King Mswati III.
• 2007: Thousands demonstrate in support of democratic reforms in Manzini, the commercial centre.
• 2014: According to UN reports, Swaziland seems to be slowing the rate of new HIV/AIDS infections.
• 2018 saw the announcement by King Mswati that Swaziland will now be known as Eswatini.
• 2021 – Outrage over decades of no significant political reforms leads to nationwide pro-democracy demonstrations, which in turn cause riots, looting, and clashes with law enforcement.