Eswatini: The Kingdom of Swaziland’s Fancy New Name

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is one of the smallest countries in Africa. It’s a landlocked nation that’s about the size of New Jersey, but don’t let its size fool you! Eswatini packs a punch with its colorful culture, unique traditions, and a king who has more wives than the number of fingers on your hand.

Get to Know Eswatini’s King

Ah, the king of Eswatini. He’s a man who knows how to keep busy. His official name is King Mswati III, but you might know him better as “Mr. Many Wives.” Yes, you heard that right. The king of Eswatini has 15 wives, and he’s not stopping anytime soon. The interesting part is that he can only chose a new wife from a group of young women who participate in the Reed Dance ceremony. Talk about a royal way to have a dating pool.

The Reed Dance Tradition

Speaking of the Reed Dance ceremony, it’s one of Eswatini’s most unique cultural traditions. Every year, hundreds of thousands of young women gather to dance for, you guessed it, the king. The highlight of the festival, however, is when the young ladies present the king with reeds, which he uses to mend his broken fences. Just kidding! He actually uses them as a symbol of power and unity during the ceremony.

Fun Fact About Eswatini’s Language

Eswatini has two official languages: Swazi and English. But here’s the kicker - the national anthem is only sung in Swazi. So if you’re visiting Eswatini and you want to blend in, make sure you know the words to “Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati” (yes, that’s the name of their national anthem).

Conclusion

From its eccentric king to its quirky traditions, Eswatini is a country that’s sure to make you do a double-take. It’s a place where walking sticks and umbrellas are symbols of leadership, and the king reigns supreme with his 15 wives. So if you ever find yourself in Eswatini, be sure to bring your dancing shoes and your knowledge of the Swazi language – you never know when they might come in handy!