Why did they change Swaziland to eSwatini?

In 2018, to mark the nation’s first half century and to dispose of the country’s colonial past, its king announced that the land formerly known as Swaziland would henceforth be known as the Kingdom of Eswatini. (These countries changed their names.

Why is Swaziland called eSwatini?

The king said his surprise edict would be immediately enforced. Eswatini means “place of the Swazi” in the Swazi language, more or less the same as the Anglicized “Swaziland.”

Is Swaziland the same as Lesotho?

Basutoland, a tiny enclave surrounded by South Africa, became Lesotho. Swaziland becoming eSwatini is much the same story, serving to distance the country from its colonial past, albeit 50 years after the separation.

What was eSwatini former name?

In the colonial era, as a protectorate, and later as an independent country, Eswatini was long known as Swaziland. The name Swazi is the Anglicized name of an early king and nation builder, Mswati II, who ruled from 1840 to 1868.

What do you call a person from Eswatini?

The Swati (Swati: Emaswati, singular Liswati) are a Bantu ethnic group in Southern Africa, inhabiting Eswatini, a sovereign kingdom in Southern Africa. The dominant Swati language and culture are factors that unify Swazis as a nation.

When did Swaziland name change?

After the Second Boer War, the kingdom, under the name of Swaziland, was a British protectorate from 1903 until it regained its independence on 6 September 1968. In April 2018, the official name was changed from Kingdom of Swaziland to Kingdom of Eswatini, mirroring the name commonly used in Swazi.

Why is Lesotho Not in South Africa?

History. The area known as Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho (then Basutoland, a British protectorate) was annexed to the Cape Colony in 1871, but became separate again (as a crown colony) in 1884. When the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910, there were moves by the UK to include Lesotho.

How many wives does the King of Swaziland have?

15 wives
King Mswati-III, the monarch of Swaziland, a landlocked nation in Africa, is known for his lavish lifestyle while most of his subjects live in poverty. He has 15 wives and several concubines.

Where is Lesotho and Swaziland?

South Africa
South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini (Swaziland) are a microcosm of the African continent, containing dramatic mountain ranges, golden crescent beaches, wildlife-stalked wildernesses, vibrant cities and centuries of history.