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Introduction
Eswatini, until 2018 Swaziland, officially the Kingdom of Eswatini (in Swazi: Umbuso weSwatini; in English: Kingdom of eswatini), is a small state in southern Africa. Located in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, Eswatini is a country covered with hills and small mountains, landlocked and surrounded by South Africa Y Mozambique, Close to Lesotho. Its population is ethnic Swazi and is governed by an absolutist monarchy.
Understand
Eswatini, officially the Kingdom of Eswatini, is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world, one of the smallest countries in Africa, and has a well-earned reputation for friendliness in South Africa. It also contains several moderate-sized game parks and reserves, which are sponsored by the government and are popular tourist destinations.
Eswatini is named after Mswati II, who became king in 1839. The royal lineage dates back to the Dlamini clan. The population is roughly divided between Nguni, Sotho, and Tsonga, with the remainder being 3% white. The current king is Mswati III, son of Sobuza II who had around seventy wives. He rules together with Indlovukazi, the Queen Mother. The main symbol of Eswatini is not what the West would typically associate with nationality (flags or monuments), but the king himself. The relationship between the king and the people is demonstrated through the incwala, a ceremony that lasts several weeks and that focuses on traditional government, the unity of the state, the primacy of agriculture, the sacredness of the land, fertility and power. Mswati 'The relationship with her people has been made even more unique by the introduction of chastity decrees for those under 18 to combat the rise of AIDS. However, Mswati III broke the rule when he married a 17-year-old girl, his thirteenth wife, in 2005. Mswati III has come under further criticism for trying to purchase a private jet during a period of persistent drought and famine. The dissent became so loud that the media were banned from making disparaging comments about the monarchy, and the plane in particular. In the third year of drought, new plans to build luxury palaces for his wives while his people starved drew massive criticism. In 2005, Mswati III signed the country's first constitution, although, in effect, nothing has changed: opposition parties remain banned and the King remains the absolute monarch. Eswatini 'The main exports are sugar, grown on plantations throughout Eswatini, soft drink concentrates, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice and wood pulp. The demand for asbestos, once a major export, has declined considerably due to the extreme health risks associated with it. The land is heavily overgrazed and overexploited. This is particularly problematic as Eswatini suffers from persistent droughts. Unemployment is around 25%. The inability to work as a result of AIDS contributes to this figure. Unemployment is around 25%. The inability to work as a result of AIDS contributes to this figure. Unemployment is around 25%. The inability to work as a result of AIDS contributes to this figure.
| Capital | Lobamba |
| Currency | lilangeni (SZL) |
| Population | 1.1 million (2017) |
| Electricity | 230 volts / 50 hertz (BS 546) |
| Country code | 268 |
| Time zone | South Africa Standard Time, UTC 02: 00 |
| Emergencies | 999 (police), 933 (fire department), 268-977 (emergency medical services) |
| Driving side | left |
| edit on Wikidata | |
The Swazis build their huts depending on whether they are descendants of Nguni or Sotho: Nguni huts are shaped like a beehive; Sotho cabins have full door and window frames. The living space is roughly divided into three parts: lodging, animal housing and the "great" cabin, reserved for the spirits of patrilineal ancestors. Each chief's wife has her own cabin. The land is owned by the local chiefs or the Crown; Much land has been bought back for the nation and the unclaimed spaces are used for grazing and gathering firewood. There is a growing class system due to the expansion of the middle classes. Social rank can be determined through the individual's relationship with the head of his clan or with the royal family. In urban areas, fluency and proficiency in English is the main social delineator.
There are festivals and ceremonies throughout the year, the most prominent being the King's birthday on April 19, which is celebrated with a national 'day off' and local festivities, and the Cane Dance (Umhlanga), a ceremony of three days that takes place around August. when thousands of virgins congregate from all over Eswatini. The King is allowed to choose a new bride from among them.
Compared to other countries in the region, Eswatini is known for its civility and calm, despite similar problems with poverty and one of the worst AIDS crises in the world. In November 2008, the total reported percentage of people with HIV was listed as 30%; this, of course, does not include those who have not yet been assessed. The AIDS epidemic has dissolved the traditional extended family unit, leaving many young children orphans and struggling to survive.
Eswatini is divided into four administrative districts: Hhohho (northwest), Lubombo (east), Manzini (center-west) and Shiselweni (south).
History
In the Kingdom of Eswatini, artifacts indicating human activity have been found dating back to the early Stone Age, 200,000 years ago. Prehistoric rock art paintings date back to ca. 25,000 BC The first inhabitants of the area were Khoisan hunter-gatherers. They were largely replaced by Bantu tribes during the Bantu migrations that came from the Great Lakes regions of East Africa.
The autonomy of the nation of Swaziland was dictated by British rule of South Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1881, the British government signed a convention recognizing the independence of Swaziland. At the beginning of the Anglo Boer War, Britain placed Swaziland under its direct jurisdiction as a protectorate. Great Britain promulgated the Constitution of the independence of Swaziland in November 1963, under which a Legislative Council and an Executive Council were established. The first Legislative Council of Swaziland was constituted on September 9, 1964. Great Britain accepted the changes to the original constitution proposed by the Legislative Council and a new Constitution was drawn up providing for a House of Assembly and a Senate. Elections under this Constitution were held in 1967. Since 1973, Swaziland has witnessed a silent struggle between pro-party activists and the monarchy. It became independent from the United Kingdom in 1968.
Weather
Generally speaking, rain falls primarily during the summer months, often in the form of thunderstorms. Winter is the dry season. Annual rainfall is highest in the Highveld in the west, between 1000 and 2000 mm depending on the year. The further east, the less rain, with the Lowveld registering 500 to 900 mm per year. Temperature variations are also related to the altitude of the different regions. Highveld's temperature is mild and rarely uncomfortably hot, while Lowveld's can register temperatures of around 40 degrees in summer.
Regions
Cities
- Mbabane (ÉMbábáne) - the capital
- Lobamba - real and legislative capital
- Manzini - important business center
- Big bend
- Piggs peak - in the north of Eswatini, third city by size
- Nhlangano: capital of the Shiselweni region and fourth city by size
- Siteki
Other destinations
- Mkhaya Game Reserve
- Hlane Royal National Park
- Malolotja Nature Reserve
- Maintain the Nature Reserve
- Mlilwane Game Reserve
- Mlawula Nature Reserve
To get
Entry requirements
Foreigners from the following countries / territories do not need a visa for a stay of 30 days or less: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Timor Eastern, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands , South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
If you need a visa to enter Eswatini, you may be able to apply for one at a British embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no diplomatic office in Eswatini. For example, the British embassies in the British embassy in Amman, the British embassy in Belgrade, the British embassy in Budapest, the British embassy in Cairo, the British embassy in Guatemala City, the British embassy in Helsinki, the consulate general British Embassy in Jeddah, British Embassy in Prague, British Embassy in Pristina, British Embassy in Rabat, British Embassy Riga Embassy, British Embassy in Riyadh, British Embassy in Rome, British Embassy in Sofia, British Embassy in Tallinn, the British Embassy in Vienna, the British Embassy in Warsaw and the British Embassy in Zagreb accept visa applications from Eswatini (this list do not is exhaustive). British diplomatic posts charge £ 50 to process an Eswatini visa application and an additional £ 70 if the Eswatini authorities require the visa application to be sent to them. The Eswatini authorities may also decide to charge an additional fee if they contact you directly.
By plane
Eswatini's only international airport is King Mswati III International Airport (SHOIATA), also called Sikhuphe (which replaces Matsapha Airport, which is located 1 km north of Manzini, a few kilometers west of the road that connects Manzini with Mbabane). Airlink Swaziland [1] offers flights from Johannesburg, South Africa.
There is also a small car rental station at the airport and a snack shop. A access point , which allows users with computers or other devices equipped with WiFi and wireless LAN to access the Internet from anywhere in the building for free.The Matsapha Airport Terminal.
By bus
Most public transport bus services go to Mbabane or Manzini. Smaller bus lines or minibuses generally serve Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town in South Africa, as well as Maputo in Mozambique.
Larger buses generally travel within the country and some stop at border crossings, where passengers must connect with a later trip, unless a specific group reservation is made to hire a large bus.
For scheduled road transport there is the SiyeSwatini TransMagnific, based in Eswatini, which provides transport to and from Eswatini on a daily basis. Stops include Johannesburg Airport. TransMagnific minibuses are customized for comfort and safety, unlike public transportation. The size of the minibus is a function of the number of reservations for that trip, so the bus can be painfully uncomfortable. They require reservations and payments to be made at least one day before the trip so that your food can be ordered and the movie selection can be determined for the approximately 5-hour trip. Meals, however, are arbitrarily distributed among passengers: some receive a package, others do not. If the driver collides with another vehicle on the road, expect a four hour delay.
When traveling to and from South Africa to and from Eswatini, TransMagnific is generally the safest option. All minibuses arriving in South Africa go directly to Johannesburg bus stations, which can be dangerous.
By car
Depending on the season, the border crossings from South Africa to Eswatini can be crowded. The Ngwenya / Oshoek border post (on the N17 / MR3 from Ermelo to Mbabane) tends to get crowded on long weekends and holidays as it is the most popular border post. Other border posts, like the one near Amsterdam (Nerston) and Jeppes Reef, are a good alternative and are easily accessible with normal 2x4s.
The Mahamba border post near Piet Retief is useful if you are coming from the south (Durban) or the northwest (Johannesburg). The operations are quite fast. There is a 50 rand toll.
There may be lengthy checks of your car and / or luggage at the South African border post when leaving Eswatini.
If you are coming from South Africa, check with the Department of the Interior for border crossings to verify opening hours.
Travel
Most trips in Eswatini are made by car or minibus.
Minibuses, called kombis, are common, but can be confusing. Like similar modes of travel around the world like jitney, matatu, or dolmus, these are small vans that rack up as many travelers as possible while making their way in one general direction. In Eswatini, these vans are often driven by very young men, and most have assistants who calculate and collect fares, ask where they are going, and make changes. It is very, very unlikely that you will be overloaded.
Be prepared for crowded seats, loud radios, and sometimes reckless driving. Larger Sprinter trucks are a safer and faster option if available.
In general, minibuses can stop on the main roads. Larger cities often serve as minibus hubs or connections. Major hubs include Manzini, Mbabane, Pigg's Peak, Nhlangano, Siteki, and Big Bend. Finding the right bus can be tricky, so ask quietly if you can't figure it out. Kombies usually have destinations written on the front bumpers. At a bus station (or bus stop), young men will shout out the destinations and help guide you to the right kombi, however, always double-check with passengers. Keep an eye on your belongings, as those places, like all bus terminals in the world, have disproportionately higher crime rates. Stay away from these bus lines at night.
Traveling is very difficult after dark. The only option is by taxi. If you are staying in Mbabane or Manzini, please have the phone numbers of a couple of taxi drivers handy. Taxi drivers can overcharge.
To buy
Money
| Exchange rates for Swaziland lilangeni / emalangeni As of October 29, 2020:
Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available on XE.com |
Eswatini's coin is called lilangeni (plural: "emalangeni"), denoted by the symbol " L "for one, or" AND "for more than one (ISO code: SZL). It is pegged to the South African rand at par, as are the Namibian dollar and the Lesotho loti.
Eswatini stores usually accept and make changes to both currencies indiscriminately when it comes to banknotes, but not to coins. However, this is not the case in South Africa, so if you plan to visit South Africa as well, you may prefer to apply for rand in exchange for emalangeni at Mbabane or Manzini banks - proof of identity is required. It is impossible to change your emalangeni at Johannesburg airport or in the UK. All Swazi providers will accept rand, but no South African provider will take emalangeni.
Kombi operators in Eswatini do not They accept Rand coins.
Shopping
There are small shops where you can buy everything from Swazi food to Swazi wooden sculptures and handmade bags.
Eat and drink
To eat
Many western foods are available in Swaziland grocery stores, but traditional foods are still common, as are modern and convenient foods based on traditional ingredients.
Corn-based dishes are popular, and flour or porridge (similar to porridge) is a staple. Beans, peanuts, squash, avocado, and sour milk are also common ingredients. Dried and cooked local meats, such as antelope (often called 'wild meat' by the locals), are widely available in tourist restaurants.
"Polvo de Polvo" is a cheap local barbecue food; basically outdoor grilled chicken served with salad and food. It is popular with the locals and absolutely delicious. Of course, due precautions must be taken since it is a mobile food.
Sweet breads, vegetables, and fruits are often available from roadside vendors. If you're in the mood for pasta, imported olive oil, Nestle chocolate, Herbal Essences, and Carlsberg, head to the Hub in Manzini - a huge Spar with everything you might need (at a suitably inflated price). There are several cafes and restaurants around the Hub, too - note that the restrooms are located separately, down the stairs, and you have to pay to use them. Manzini's bustling markets and local shops produce all kinds of interesting food products, along with the ubiquitous KFC.
To drink
Marula (made from fruits of the tree of the same name) is made locally during the marula season, the fruits ripen between December and March. It can be difficult to find; ask the locals as it is home made.
There is a vibrant nightlife in Eswatini that ranges from traditional dances to bars and clubs. If you are staying in Ezulwini, there are four bars in the Royal Swazi hotel. If you are in the Malkerns area, House on Fire is extremely popular - local art, local and national DJs, an outdoor stage, and live performances.
external links
Wikipedia has an article on Eswatini.w: Eswatini
Wikimedia Commons houses multimedia content about Eswatini. Commons
