Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) is a small, landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent. It is bordered by Mozambique to the east and South Africa to the north, west and south. Eswatini is a monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III, who has been in power since 1986. The country has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age.
Early History of Eswatini
The earliest known inhabitants of Eswatini were San hunter-gatherers, who lived in the region between 350 and 500 AD. From the 8th century onwards, the area was inhabited by Bantu-speaking people, who were part of the Nguni people. These people were divided into several clans, each ruled by its own chief.
The first written records of Eswatini date back to the 16th century, when the Portuguese explorer Vicente Pegado visited the region. He noted that the people of the area were divided into two groups: the Ngwane and the Ndwandwe. The Ngwane were the dominant group, and they established a kingdom in the early 17th century. This kingdom was ruled by Ngwane kings, who were known as the Swazi.
The Swazi Kingdom
The Swazi kingdom was founded in the early 18th century by King Sobhuza I. He united the various clans of the area and established a powerful kingdom that lasted until the end of the 19th century. During this period, the kingdom expanded its borders and established its own laws and customs. The kingdom was also known for its strong military, which allowed it to defend its borders against external threats.
Colonial Period
In the late 19th century, Eswatini came under the control of the British Empire. The British established a protectorate over the region in 1903, and ruled it until 1968. During this period, the kingdom was a British colony, and the British introduced a number of reforms, such as the introduction of a Western-style legal system and the abolition of slavery.
Independence and Modern Eswatini
In 1968, Eswatini gained its independence from Britain and became an independent nation. The country was renamed Eswatini in 2018, and the monarchy continued to rule the country. Today, Eswatini is a relatively peaceful and prosperous nation, with a strong economy and a stable political system. The country is a member of the African Union, and is a signatory to a number of international treaties and organizations.