Eswatini flag

Eswatini

History

The Swazi nation consolidated under Ngwane III north of the Pongola.
Britain took administration after the South African War.
Independence came on 6 September under King Sobhuza II.
Political parties were banned and rule by decree introduced.
The country was renamed from Swaziland to Eswatini.
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CapitalMbabane
Population1.2M
Area17k km2
CurrencySwazi lilangeni

Short facts

RegionSouthern Africa
LanguageEnglish, Swazi
Time zoneSAST (UTC+2)
Drives onLeft

Worth seeing

  • Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: The country's first protected area, in the Ezulwini valley.
  • Umhlanga reed dance: An annual ceremony drawing tens of thousands of participants.
  • Malolotja Nature Reserve: Highland grassland with waterfalls and the Ngwenya iron mine nearby.

Find a city in Eswatini

Showing all cities

Mbabane thumbnailMbabaneCity

Planning questions

What is Eswatini known for?Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Umhlanga reed dance, Malolotja Nature Reserve.
What is the capital?Mbabane.
Which language is useful?English, Swazi.
When is the national day?6 September.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.

Upcoming events

Use Mbabane as the first planning anchor for Eswatini, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Street food thumbnailStreet foodSignature dishCoffee thumbnailCoffeeLocal drink

Known for

Mlilwane Wildlife SanctuaryUmhlanga reed danceMalolotja Nature ReserveMbabaneStreet foodCoffee
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