Why Swaziland is changing its name to eSwatini

King Mswati III announces name change to mark 50 years of African nation’s independence

King Mswati III of Swaziland
King Mswati III waves to the crowd as he arrives at the Somhlolo Stadium to celebrate of the 40th anniversary of Swaziland's independence in 2008
(Image credit: Paballo Thesiko/AFP/Getty Images)

Swaziland’s King Mswati III announced this week that his country would henceforth be known as the Kingdom of eSwatini, during celebrations to mark 50 years of independence from British rule.

While some Swazis view the move as a ploy to distract attention from problems such as the nation's “sluggish” economy, many welcome the chance to shrug off the country’s legacy of colonial rule, the BBC reports.

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