What is Eswatini?
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland until 2018, is a small, landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa to the west and Mozambique to the east. The country is one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world, with a unique political structure where the king holds significant power over both the state and government. Eswatini is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional ceremonies, as well as its diverse landscapes, including savannas, mountains, and forests.
Administrative Divisions
Eswatini is divided into 4 regions:
- Hhohho
- Lubombo
- Manzini
- Shiselweni
The country does not have provinces in the conventional sense but is instead divided into these administrative regions for governance purposes.
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Lilangeni (SZL)
- Symbol: E or SZL
- Subunit: 1 Lilangeni = 100 Cents
- Central Bank: Central Bank of Eswatini
Type of Government
Eswatini is an absolute monarchy. The King is both the head of state and head of government. He has significant influence over the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The monarchy has considerable control over the country’s laws and policies.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| King | Head of state and government, absolute monarch | Exercises full executive, legislative, and judicial powers. |
| Prime Minister | Appointed by the King | Oversees the government’s daily operations and implementation of policies. |
| Cabinet | Appointed by the King | Advises the King and implements government decisions. |
Legislative Branch
The Parliament is bicameral, consisting of:
- The House of Assembly (lower house)
- The Senate (upper house)
However, the King has considerable power to influence legislation, and his approval is required for any law to pass.
Judicial Branch
Eswatini’s judiciary is independent, though the King has a significant influence. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the country, with other courts handling civil, criminal, and administrative cases.
International Memberships
Eswatini is a member of several international organizations, including:
- United Nations (UN)
- Commonwealth of Nations
- African Union (AU)
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Military Structure
Eswatini has a relatively small military that focuses on maintaining internal security and protecting the monarchy.
- Branches:
- Army
- Police Force
The military is under the command of the King, and the Royal Eswatini Police Force plays a significant role in law enforcement.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 999
- Medical Emergency: 999
- Fire: 999
SWOT Analysis of Eswatini
Strengths
- Unique cultural heritage, attracting tourism.
- Strong agricultural base, particularly in sugar production.
- Stable political environment under the monarchy.
Weaknesses
- Limited political freedom and opposition, due to the absolute monarchy.
- High unemployment and poverty rates.
- Economic reliance on a few sectors, particularly sugar and agriculture.
Opportunities
- Diversifying the economy by investing in tourism and manufacturing.
- Promoting human rights and democratic reforms could improve international relations.
- Leveraging the country’s strategic location for trade in Southern Africa.
Threats
- Potential for political unrest due to dissatisfaction with the monarchy.
- Environmental challenges such as droughts and climate change.
- Heavy dependence on South Africa for trade and resources.
Additional Information
- Official Language: English and siSwati
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
- National Anthem: “Eswatini, Land of the Swazi”