Swaziland's new name is 'eSwatini'

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Swaziland’s King Mswati III announced on Thursday the country’s name has changed to eSwatini, meaning “land of the Swazis,” in the local Swati language.

The king made the declaration during celebrations marking his 50th birthday as well as 50 years of independence from British colonial rule.

"Many African countries upon independence reverted to their ancient, native names before they were colonized. So from today forward our country will be known as the Kingdom of eSwatini,” the king said.

September 20, 2017: King of Swaziland Mswati III addresses the 72nd United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, US. /VCG Photo

Colonized by the British since 1906, the landlocked nation in southern Africa gained its independence in 1968. But unlike some African countries, it did not change its name.

“Whenever we go abroad, people refer to us as Switzerland,” the king said, explaining the name “Swaziland” had caused confusion.

In recent years, the king has referred to the “Kingdom of eSwatini” several times, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 and at African Union and other international conferences.

July 2, 2017: King of Swaziland Mswati III arrives to Bole International Airport ahead of the 29th African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. /VCG Photo

King Mswati III, who rules by decree over his subjects, was crowned in 1986, aged 18.

The country, with a population of about 1.3 million, is one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world. Most of the king’s subjects make a living in agriculture.

The name change could mean that the country's constitution is re-written, as well as changes for the Royal Swaziland Police Force, the Swaziland Defense Force and the University of Swaziland.

After independence, Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, Nyasaland became Malawi, and Bechuanaland became Botswana.

(With input from agencies)