Eswatini, a small yet vibrant kingdom in Southern Africa, is a land brimming with culture and history. Formerly known as Swaziland, the country was renamed in 2018 to reflect its Swazi heritage. Despite its size, Eswatini boasts a diverse geography, from the lush Highveld to the east’s Lubombo mountains. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity; the nation is one of the last remaining absolute monarchies, yet it’s also making strides in development and international partnerships. The Swazi people, known for their warm hospitality, hold deep respect for their traditions and the natural beauty of their homeland. Eswatini may be small on the map, but it leaves a lasting impression on all who visit or learn about this unique corner of the world.
History of Eswatini
A small kingdom in Southern Africa, is as rich and colorful as its vibrant culture. Long before it was known by its current name, the land was home to the Khoisan hunter-gatherers, who were the earliest known inhabitants. With time, the region saw the arrival of Nguni-speaking people during the great Bantu migrations, which brought significant cultural and linguistic changes. The name ‘Eswatini’ itself is derived from a later king, Mswati II, who was known for his prowess in expanding the country’s territory during the 19th century. The Swazi people, as they are known today, have a lineage that can be traced back to various clans, each with its own unique story of settling in this land.
One of the most notable periods in Eswatini’s history was the consolidation of the Swazi nation during the 1740s to 1868. This era was marked by the leadership of kings such as Ngwane III, who established the capital at Shiselweni, and later Sobhuza I, who moved it to Zombodze. These moves were strategic in uniting the clans and forming what is now known as the Swazi nation. The country’s more recent history was influenced by European colonialism, with both the British and Dutch playing roles in its past. Eswatini was a British protectorate before gaining independence in 1968, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of its journey as a sovereign state.
Geography of Eswatini
Eswatini, a small, landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa, is a country of great geographical diversity despite its modest size. Nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, Eswatini’s coordinates are 26°30′S 31°30′E, covering an area of 17,363 square kilometers, with a tiny fraction of that being water bodies. The landscape is predominantly mountainous and hilly, with some plains that gently slope. The country’s topography is divided into three main regions: the Highveld, Midveld, and Lowveld. Each of these regions has its own unique climate and ecosystem.
The Highveld is the western part of the country, characterized by its higher altitude and cooler temperatures. It’s a region where you’ll find rolling hills and valleys, and it receives the most rainfall, which can range from 1,000 to 2,000 mm annually. This area is also where the capital city, Mbabane, is located, offering a temperate climate that rarely becomes uncomfortably hot. Moving eastward, the Midveld serves as a transitional zone with moderate altitudes and temperatures. It’s a blend of the cooler Highveld and the warmer Lowveld, making it an area with a diverse mix of flora and fauna. The Midveld is also where much of Eswatini’s agriculture takes place, thanks to its fertile soils.
The Lowveld is the eastern part of Eswatini and is known for its hot, dry climate. Here, temperatures can soar up to 40°C in the summer. The Lowveld receives less rainfall, about 500 to 900 mm per year, and features the Great Usutu River, the lowest point in the country at 21 meters above sea level. This region is also home to much of Eswatini’s wildlife, including the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
Eswatini’s natural resources are varied and include asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, and small deposits of gold and diamonds. The country’s land use is primarily agricultural, with arable land making up about 9.77% of the total land area. Despite the challenges of soil erosion and occasional droughts, Eswatini maintains a rich biodiversity and is part of international agreements to protect endangered species and the ozone layer. The country’s highest point is Emlembe, standing at 1,862 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Eswatini’s physical geography, with its mountains and hills, not only shapes the climate and natural resources but also the culture and lifestyle of the Swazi people. The kingdom’s geographical features have played a significant role in its history, from providing natural defenses to influencing trade routes.
Eswatini’s natural resources support its economy and people, while its topographical features continue to shape its cultural identity. Despite its small size, Eswatini offers a microcosm of Africa’s broader geographical diversity.
Climate of Eswatini
The climate of Eswatini, a small kingdom nestled in the southern part of Africa, is as diverse as its landscapes. From the mountainous Highveld to the Lowveld, the weather patterns vary significantly. The country experiences a subtropical climate, which means it has hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters. During the summer months, from October to April, the air is warm and heavy with moisture, leading to frequent afternoon thunderstorms that bring much of the country’s rainfall. This is the time when the countryside turns lush and green, rivers flow vigorously, and the flora and fauna thrive.
As winter sets in, from May to September, the climate becomes milder. The days are generally sunny and clear, but the nights can get quite chilly, especially in the Highveld where the altitude is higher. It’s a time of year when you might need a warm jacket in the morning and evening, but you can enjoy the midday sun in just a t-shirt. Eswatini’s weather is also influenced by its varied topography. The Highveld region, with its higher elevation, receives more rainfall and has cooler temperatures throughout the year. In contrast, the Lowveld, closer to sea level, is warmer and drier.
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Overall, Eswatini’s climate is pleasant and allows for year-round outdoor activities. Whether you’re exploring the rolling hills, wandering through the markets, or spotting wildlife in the reserves, the weather is usually on your side, offering a comfortable environment for adventure and exploration.
Plant and animal life
Eswatini, though small in size, is a treasure trove of biodiversity. It’s home to a rich variety of landscapes and habitats, which host an impressive array of plant and animal life12. Over 3,500 plant species have been recorded in the country, with 12 of them being unique to Eswatini. This includes a variety of grasslands, savannas, mixed bush, and scrub areas, as well as some forested regions in the highlands.
When it comes to animal life, Eswatini doesn’t disappoint either. The country boasts over 820 species of vertebrates. It’s particularly known for its ‘Big 5’ – the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. The Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve are among the best places in Eswatini to spot these magnificent creatures1. In addition, Eswatini is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with around 500 species of birds recorded.
Eswatini is home to a number of unique plant species. Here are some of them:
- Disa intermedia: Also known as the Swaziland Orchid, this vibrant red and yellow flower blooms in the summer months1.
- Kniphofia umbrina: Commonly known as the red hot poker or torch lily.
- Erica swaziensis: A unique species of Erica found only in Eswatini.
- Streptocarpus davyi: A unique species of Streptocarpus.
- Ocimum motjaneanum: A unique species of Ocimum.
- Ceropegia swaziorum: A unique species of Ceropegia.
- Senecio mlilwanensis: A unique species of Senecio.
- Eumorphia swaziensis: A unique species of Eumorphia.
- Orthosiphon vernalis: A unique species of Orthosiphon.
- Ledebouria (or Drimiopsis) pusilla: A unique species of Ledebouria.
- Ledebouria (or Drimiopsis) comptonii: Another unique species of Ledebouria.
