Swaziland, officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini, is a country in Southern Africa. The spelling of "Swaziland" is pronounced /swɑːzɪlænd/ in IPA transcription. The word is phonetically spelled with the syllable 'Swaz' that is pronounced as /swɑːz/. The second syllable 'i' in 'Swaziland' is pronounced as /ɪ/ and the last two syllables, 'land' are pronounced as /lænd/. The country was renamed Eswatini in 2018, which is derived from the native language of the Swazi people.
Swaziland is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini since 2018, but was historically referred to as Swaziland. It shares borders with South Africa to the west and Mozambique to the east. The country covers an area of approximately 17,364 square kilometers (6,704 square miles) and has a population of around 1.1 million people.
Swaziland has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its preservation of traditional customs and practices. The country is governed by an absolute monarchy, with the king holding significant political power. In recent years, the government has taken steps towards democratization, allowing political parties to participate in elections, although the monarchy remains the dominant authority.
The economy of Swaziland is predominantly agricultural, with subsistence farming being a significant sector. The country exports products such as sugar, forestry, and textiles. Despite these economic activities, Swaziland faces challenges such as high unemployment rates and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
Swaziland boasts a diverse landscape, including mountains, savannas, and wildlife reserves. It is home to various national parks, such as Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve, which attract tourists interested in experiencing the country's natural beauty and wildlife.
Overall, Swaziland is a country in Southern Africa known for its rich cultural traditions, agricultural economy, and stunning natural landscapes.
The word "Swaziland" is derived from the Swazi people, who are the largest ethnic group in the country. The Swazi people are believed to have migrated to the region in present-day Swaziland during the 16th century. The name "Swazi" is thought to come from the word "emawushweni", meaning "a people who took possession" or "they who prevail". The suffix "-land" is added to indicate a territory or country, thus forming the name "Swaziland". However, it is important to note that in 2018, Swaziland officially changed its name to the Kingdom of Eswatini, reflecting the Swazi language name for the country.