Eswatini

April 19, 1968 (Friday) – Swaziland gains independence from the United Kingdom

April 12, 1973 (Thursday) – King Sobhuza II abrogates the constitution and establishes absolute monarchy

September 24, 1982 (Friday) – 1979/1980 Drought leads to significant crop failure and food shortages

February 25, 1992 (Tuesday) – Economic liberalization begins as Swaziland attempts to integrate more into the global economy

April 1993 (Wednesday) – King Sobhuza II dies, and King Mswati III ascends to the throne

April 2011 (Wednesday) – Protests erupt in response to increasing inequality and calls for democratic reforms

March 2014 (Monday) – Severe flooding displaces thousands in the lowland areas, causing significant damage to agriculture

February 2017 (Tuesday) – Cyclone Dineo causes major flooding and property damage, especially in the southern regions

November 2018 (Thursday) – Drought affects the agricultural sector, reducing crop production and raising food prices

March 2020 (Tuesday) – COVID-19 pandemic strikes Eswatini, leading to severe economic contraction and lockdowns

October 2022 (Monday) – Severe drought in the northeastern regions exacerbates food insecurity and poverty

February 2023 (Thursday) – Cyclone Freddy causes localized flooding and infrastructure damage in the southeastern regions

Continent: Africa (Southern Africa)
Location: Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa (west, south, southeast) and Mozambique (northeast)
Capital: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (legislative)
Language: SiSwati (official), English (official)
Currency: Lilangeni (SZL)
Population: ~1.2 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)

Borders: South Africa (west, south, southeast), Mozambique (northeast)
Landscape: Mountainous regions, rolling hills, savanna, and river valleys
Major Rivers: Great Usutu River, Mbuluzi River, Komati River
Major Mountains: Emlembe (highest), Mount Nyonyane, Lebombo Mountains
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Jozini (on the border with South Africa)
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Emlembe – 1,862 m (6,112 ft)
Lowest Point: Usutu River – 20 m (66 ft)
Climate: Tropical climate with a mix of subtropical and temperate zones, dry winters and wet summers
Geological Features: Rift valley formations, rolling plateaus, escarpments

Ethnic Groups: Swazi (majority), with small populations of Zulu, Tswana, and other groups
Religion: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic and Protestant), indigenous beliefs
Urban Population: ~25% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Population mainly rural, with high concentration in the western and central regions

Famous For: Traditional ceremonies (such as Umhlanga and Incwala), the monarchy, and vibrant cultural heritage
Cuisine: Sishwala (porridge), Emahewu (fermented maize drink), Pounded corn with meats and vegetables
Arts: Traditional dance, beadwork, wood carvings, and weaving
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, athletics

Economy Type: Lower-middle-income, heavily reliant on agriculture, manufacturing, and mining
GDP: Approx. $5.0 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Sugar, textiles, wood products, mining (coal and diamonds)
Key Exports: Sugar, wood, clothing, fruits, diamonds
Unemployment Rate: ~23% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Rural agriculture-dominant regions (sugar, maize) in the central and western parts; mining in the northeast

Government Type: Absolute monarchy with an elected parliament
Head of State & Government: King Mswati III (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (Senate & House of Assembly)
Constitution: Re-established in 2005 after reforms, but with significant power vested in the monarchy

Mbabane: The administrative capital with markets and cultural venues
Lobamba: The legislative capital, royal palaces, and traditional ceremonies
Hlane Royal National Park: Wildlife and conservation area
Mlawula Nature Reserve: Rich flora and fauna, hiking trails
Mantenga Cultural Village: Traditional Swazi village experience, including cultural dances and ceremonies