What is the life expectancy of people in Swaziland?
People in Swaziland have an average life expectancy of 32 years, the shortest in the world, and many live in poverty as 60 per cent of the population exist on less than £1 a day. Intrinsically linked with these problems is the fact that Swaziland has the highest prevalence of HIV infection in the world.
Is Swaziland a rich or poor country?
Why is Swaziland poor? In understanding why Swaziland is poor, there is a need to explore the unequal distribution of land and wealth within the nation. A small, landlocked country in southern Africa, Swaziland is home to 1.1 million people. The majority live on government-owned Swazi National Lands, often less than one hectare in size.
Does Swaziland have the lowest life expectancy?
The countries listed below range from an average lifespan of 52.1 years to 50.6 years old. Swaziland has the fifth-lowest life expectancy in the world at an average of 52.1 years. Swaziland is the only country on this list with men living, on average, longer than women.
What do Swaziland people eat?
Swaziland. Photo by Jenny M. Buccos. While the traditional people might eat something as simple as emasi, or porridge, which can be made with sorghum or corn, you’ll also find corn, rice, and every kind of potato, including sweet potato. Many stews, such as spinach, pumpkin, or even green beans, grace the sides of such dishes.
Are Zulu and Swazi the same?
The official term is "siSwati" among native speakers; in English, Zulu, Ndebele or Xhosa it may be referred to as Swazi.
What nationality is Swaziland?
Nationality: Swazi(s). Ethnic Groups: Swazis 97%, European 3%. Religion (est:): 35% Protestant, 30% Zionist (indigenous), 25% Roman Catholic, 1% Islamic, with the remaining 9% divided among other beliefs. Official Languages: siSwazi and English.
What tribe lives in Swaziland?
Ethnic groups The Swazi nation is an amalgamation of more than 70 clans. Their chiefs form the traditional hierarchy under the ngwenyama and ndlovukazi, who are of the largest clan, the Dlamini.
What do they call Swaziland now?
the Kingdom of EswatiniIn April 2018, Africa's last absolute monarch celebrated the 50th anniversary of his nation's independence from Britain with a name change: Instead of Swaziland, the southern African nation became known as the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Are Swati and Zulu related?
Swati is closely related to Xhosa, Zulu and Ndebele, but is a seperate language and one of South Africa's eleven official languages.
What is Swaziland rich in?
The economy of Eswatini is fairly diversified. Agriculture, forestry and mining account for about 13 percent of Eswatini's GDP whereas manufacturing (textiles and sugar-related processing) represent 37 percent of GDP. Services – with government services in the lead – constitute the other 50 percent of GDP.
What do Swazi people drink?
Emahewu—meal drink made from fermented thin porridge. Umcombotsi—traditional brewed beer in Siswati is called tjwala.
What do Swati people wear?
For the Swazi women, their traditional attire consists of an ilihhiya (cloth). Married women often cover their upper torsos and sometimes wear traditional "beehive" hairstyles, while single women sometimes wear only beads over their upper torsos, especially for special events like the traditional wedding.
What was Swaziland before?
After the Second Boer War, the kingdom, under the name of Swaziland, was a British high commission territory from 1903 until it regained its full independence on 6 September 1968. In April 2018, the official name was changed from Kingdom of Swaziland to Kingdom of Eswatini, mirroring the name commonly used in Swazi.
What is Africa's newest country?
The newest internationally recognized country in the world is the African country of South Sudan, which declared independence on July 9, 2011. In the following days, it became also the newest member of the United Nations.
Why Swaziland is not part of South Africa?
In the early years of colonial rule, the British had expected that Swaziland would eventually be incorporated into South Africa. After World War II, however, South Africa's intensification of racial discrimination induced the United Kingdom to prepare Swaziland for independence.
What country changed its name?
Sri Lanka. Like Eswatini, Sri Lanka changed its name to break from colonial associations. Although the official name change was made in 1972 when it became independent from British rule, it was not until 2011 that Sri Lanka officially wiped the old colonial name Ceylon from government use.
Is Swaziland same as South Africa?
The Kingdom of Swaziland is a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa (one of the smallest on the continent), situated on the eastern slope of the Drakensberg mountains, embedded between South Africa in the west and Mozambique in the east. The country is named after the Swazi, a Bantu tribe.
Why Swaziland is not part of South Africa?
In the early years of colonial rule, the British had expected that Swaziland would eventually be incorporated into South Africa. After World War II, however, South Africa's intensification of racial discrimination induced the United Kingdom to prepare Swaziland for independence.
Is Swaziland a first world country?
Eswatini: Swaziland King Admits Kingdom Fails to Be a First World Nation. Swaziland flag among curios for sale. King Mswati III, the absolute monarch of Swaziland (eSwatini), has admitted his poverty-stricken kingdom will not attain 'First World' status by 2022.
What do you call someone from Eswatini?
A citizen of ESwatini is called a Liswati, the people are collectively called Emaswati and the language is called Siswati.
Who were the first people to live in Swaziland?
Khoisans were the first inhabitants and were largely replaced by Bantu tribes. Iron use dates back to 4th century. Those known as the Swazi set up farming colonies in the 15th century. The Ndwandwe clans from the south pressured the Swazi. The British controlled Swaziland in the 19th and 290th centuries.
Who controlled Swaziland?
The British controlled Swaziland in the 19th and 290th centuries. The British recognized Swaziland as an independent colony in 1881, but it was administered from South Africa. Controversial mineral concessions were part of the recognition. Swaziland was very involved in the Second Boer War.
Why did Swaziland lose its benefits?
On 1 January 2015, Swaziland lost its eligibility for benefits under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act after failing to meet benchmarks relating to workers’ rights.The IMF forecasted that Swaziland’s economy will grow at a slower pace in 2017 because of a region-wide drought, which is likely to hurt Swaziland’s revenue from sugar exports and other agricultural products; tourism and transport sectors will also decline. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and floods are persistent problems. Swaziland’s revenue from SACU receipts also are projected to decline in 2017, making it harder for the government to maintain fiscal balance.
How many people speak Siswati?
SiSwati is spoken widely in Swaziland and South Africa and is of Bantu origin. Along with English, it is an official language. It is taught in schools and has 2.5 million speakers. 76,000 people speak Zulu. Tsonga is only spoken by about 19,000 people.
How often are Swaziland elections held?
Elections are held every five years to determine most of the representatives. Swaziland adopted a new constitution in 2005. The economy is mainly agriculture, industry, and manufacturing. The currency is pegged to the South African rand and South Africa is the largest trading partner.
How many divisions are there in Swaziland?
There are four divisions in Swaziland which are Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni. These are subdivided into 55 tinkhundla. Each elects one member to the House of Assembly.
What is the landscape of Swaziland?
Landscape in Swaziland. Swaziland is landlocked and bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Its land area is only 17,364 sq. km. There are four geographical regions. There are mountains on the border with Mozambique, savannas in the east, and rainforest in the northwest. There are several rivers, including the Great Usuthu River.
What is the dowry called in Swaziland?
Like in many African countries, for marriage dowry is an important part of it. In Swaziland, dowry is called “lobola” and a potential bachelor gives around 15 cattle to the parents of the girl as a sign of respect and appreciation.
What is the first fruit of Swazi?
The Ncwala, or first fruit ceremony is considered to be the most sacred and colorful of all the Swazi ceremonies in which the King plays a dominant role. The Ncwala is usually held in December or January upon a date chosen carefully by Swazi astronomers in conjunction with the position of the sun relating to the phases of the moon, and takes place over three weeks.#N#The ritual begins as the Bemanti clan or “water people” make their way to the Mozambique coast, where they collect the foam from the waves, which is believed to have healing powers. The return to the Royal palace commences in the celebration of the Little iNcwala, which takes place before the appearance of the full moon.
What is a cultural village?
The cultural village is a living museum of all things traditional and represents a classical Swazi lifestyle during the 1850’s. The building materials are strictly traditional: poles, grass, reeds, leather strips, earth and dried cow-dung.
What is the Swazi homestead?
The principle Swazi social unit remains the homestead locally refered to as UMTI. The traditional beehive hut is thatched with dry grass. In a polygamous homestead, each wife normally has her own huts and yard surrounded by reed fences for privacy. These comprise three structures mainly for sleeping, cooking and storage (brewing beer).
What is Sibhaca dance?
The Sibhaca, a foot stamping dance, vigorous in style, is performed by teams of men throughout the country. The rhythm and spectacular physique of the men when performing causes wonder and admiration from the spectators. Sibhaca dance is sometimes performed as a competition or just for fun, depending on the occasion.
When did Swaziland become a kingdom?
After the Second Boer War, the kingdom, under the name of Swaziland, was a British protectorate from 1903 until it regained its independence on 6 September 1968. In April 2018, the official name was changed from Kingdom of Swaziland to Kingdom of Eswatini, mirroring the name commonly used in Swazi.
Why did Swaziland have a triumviral government?
This independence was also recognised in the London Convention of 1884. Because of controversial land/mineral rights and other concessions , Swaziland had a triumviral administration in 1890 following the death of King Mbandzeni in 1889. This government represented the British, the Dutch republics, and the Swazi people.
How many tinkhundla are there in Eswatini?
Other small towns or urban area with substantial population are Ezulwini, Matsapha, Hlatikhulu, Pigg's Peak, Simunye, and Big Bend. As noted above, there are 55 tinkhundla in Eswatini and each elects one representative to the House of Assembly of Eswatini.
What is the name of the kingdom of Eswatini?
Eswatini ( / ˌɛswɑːˈtiːni / ESS-wah-TEE-nee; Swazi: eSwatini
How many regions are there in Eswatini?
Eswatini is divided into four regions: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni. In each of the four regions, there are several tinkhundla (singular inkhundla ). The regions are managed by a regional administrator, who is aided by elected members in each inkhundla.
What is the life expectancy of Eswatini?
As of 2018, Eswatini has the 12th-lowest life expectancy in the world, at 58 years. The population of Eswatini is young, with a median age of 20.5 years and people aged 14 years or younger constituting 37.5% of the country's total population. The present population growth rate is 1.2%.
What is Eswatini's currency?
As a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), its main local trading partner is South Africa; in order to ensure economic stability, Eswatini's currency, the lilangeni, is pegged to the South African rand.
What is the name of the dancers in Swaziland?
Swazi dancers, Eswatini. In the colonial era, as a protectorate, and later as an independent country, Eswatini was long known as Swaziland. The name Swazi is the Anglicized name of an early king and nation builder, Mswati II, who ruled from 1840 to 1868. The country’s administrative centre is Mbabane, former capital of the British colonial ...
What is the language of Eswatini?
The language is siSwati, which is akin to Zulu, though it shares official status with English, which is in fact used generally for official written communication. Eswatini: Ethnic composition Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
When does Eswatini fall?
Eswatini falls within the summer rainfall region of the subcontinent, where about 80 percent of the precipitation falls during the summer months of October to March, usually in the form of thunderstorms and frontal rains.
Where is Eswatini located?
Eswatini, officially Kingdom of Eswatini, Swati Umbuso weSwatini, previously called Kingdom of Swaziland, landlocked country in the eastern flank of South Africa, where it adjoins Mozambique. It extends about 110 miles (175 km) from north to south and about 80 miles (130 km) from west to east at its largest dimensions.
Where do crocodiles come from?
Birdlife is abundant in each habitat and comprises both resident and migrant (breeding and nonbreeding) populations. The migrants come from central and North Africa and from farther afield (northern Europe and eastern Asia in the case of storks, swallows, and hawks).
What do Swazi people wear?
The Swazi people use additional shawls, skins, furs, belts and jewelry, as well as feathers and hairstyles to denote an individual's marital status, socioeconomic status and any connections to Swazi royalty. Both men and women wear the toga-like emahiya, which consists of two pieces and traditionally features bold prints in red, white and black.
What is the Swazi dress called?
The primary components of adult Swazi attire are the two-piece outfit known as the emahiya, the men's loincloth or emajobo, the married women's cowhide or wool skirt called a sidvwaba, and the initiated men's two skirts or sidvwashi.
What is the traditional attire of Swazi people?
The traditional attire of the Swazi people includes multiple combinations of tied cloths, skirts, loincloths and accessories that vary depending on the individual's gender, age, marital status and wealth. The Swazi people have also adopted many European trends in recent decades, but traditional dress remains prominent in Swazi culture.
How old do Swazi girls wear?
Boys often sport just a loincloth until their teens, while girls wear only strings of beads and grass or cloth skirts until they are at least 8 years old.
Where were the first animals found in Swaziland?
THE FIRST BODIES WERE ALL FOUND in Malkerns, in and near Usutu Forest, a huge man-made forest spreading over more than 160,000 acres. These constructed woodlands of pine and eucalyptus, cut for pulp and timber, cover nearly four percent of Swaziland’s landscape and thrive in the western highveld, where the trees can mature twice as fast as they do in the northern hemisphere. For miles, the long-trunked trees are set apart from one another at perfectly matching heights, like armies of clones. Viewed from afar, the well-ordered forests seem too planned to be beautiful. But they make the natural land of the Swazis even more stunning by comparison.
What was the unemployment rate in Swaziland in 2001?
Fourteen years ago, as today, it was not a trivial thing to offer a job to a woman in Swaziland. In 2001, unemployment stood at nearly 30 percent. Men from Swaziland often went to South Africa to work in mines, leaving the women to provide more immediate income.
Why are women in Swaziland so vulnerable to HIV?
Because of their relative powerlessness when negotiating sexual relationships, women in Swaziland are particularly vulnerable to getting HIV. Today, more than half of all women between the ages of 30 and 34 are HIV positive. Half. Fifty-four percent. These are not drug abusers or prostitutes or outliers. If you were a Swazi woman in your twenties in 1997, there is a 30 percent chance that you didn’t make it to 2007. HIV, very much like David Simelane, has been an unprecedented killer of young women.
What is the witchcraft hypothesis in Swaziland?
The number of young people dying in Swaziland reached epic proportions in the 2000s, transforming — per what Ashforth has called “the witchcraft hypothesis” — “a sense of injustice into a certitude of malice.” The suffering produced by HIV was perceived by many Swazis as being caused by people, witches, with agendas against them.
When was the first HIV case in Swaziland?
The first publicly documented case of HIV in Swaziland was announced in the fall of 1986. On November 1, the front page of The Swazi News sported a headline twice the size of its nameplate: “AIDS CASE HERE.” Two days later, a headline in the country’s most-read newspaper, The Times of Swaziland, paraphrasing the director of medical services, read, “It’s not so serious.”
Where did the Zulus come from?
The Zulus became a power to the south in what is now the Kwa-Zulu Natal region of South Africa. One clan that showed strength in the southeast, near the Tembe River, in what is today Mozambique, was led by a man called Dlamini, a name that would later become synonymous with Swaziland and its royal family.
What did the sangoma say about Sindi?
The sangoma interpreted Vusi’s vision as a sign that Sindi was alive, living with another man. He said she was near a sugar-producing town in the north. Hard as the thought was, the vision gave Vusi a very temporary reprieve from the pain of not knowing. “Just for a moment, to not have that stress and depression,” he told me. “To somehow know she was staying with someone. Why was I killing myself? It meant it’s over.”
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Landscape in Swaziland
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Languages
- SiSwati is spoken widely in Swaziland and South Africa and is of Bantu origin. Along with English, it is an official language. It is taught in schools and has 2.5 million speakers. 76,000 people speak Zulu. Tsonga is only spoken by about 19,000 people.
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