Did You Know?

A few interesting facts about the Kingdom of Eswatini.

• Eswatini is the 7th smallest country in Africa, with the total land area being 17,363 square kilometers.
• It hosts one of the best festivals in the world, the MTN Bushfire Festival. The festival celebrates music, arts, creative expression and social responsibility.
• The kingdom is home to Sibebe Rock which is located on the outskirts of Mbabane. Sibebe Rock is the world’s second largest monolith (meaning single piece of rock).
• Eswatini is home to the world’s oldest mine, Ngwenya Mine which is found north of the country. The mine’s deposits make up some of the oldest geological formations on the planet. Today the mine is a modest excavated area on the hillside.
• Eswatini is renowned for some of the biggest and most spectacular cultural festivals on the African continent. Dance is considered an essential part of Swazi culture and is performed in many events. The Umhlanga, which is also known as the reed dance festival, is probably the most popular.
• The country is a popular tourist destination that boasts of scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife. It is home to 500 bird species, over 130 species of mammals and 111 species of amphibians and reptiles. One can spot the big five within hours of touring some the nation’s game parks.
• The kingdom also boasts of white and black rhinos.
• The county is also home to distinct rock paintings found in Nsangwini western part of the kingdom.
• Mountains in the kingdom’s Malolotja Reserve are among the oldest in the world
• The kingdom boasts of the longest reigning monarch (King Sobhuza II who reigned for 82 years) and the youngest monarch to ever be crowned (King Mswati II at 18 years)