Swaziland independence from Britain started in 1968.
Here are 10 top facts to know about its independence.
- Swaziland is the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere and the smallest monarchy.
- Mswati III is the current king of Swaziland. He has 15 wives and he has ruled since 1986.
- The country is named after Mswati II, king from 1840-1868. He extended the area of the country through victories and tribal wars.
- More than 25 per cent of people are infected with AIDS. Umchwasho is a rite that prohibited teenage women from having sex. King Mswati III imposed it in 2001.
- The king fined himself with a cow when he broke his own law by marrying a 17-year-old girl.
- The king’s mother is known as the Great She-Elephant. The king rules the country together with her.
- The rules of succession to the throne of Swaziland does not allow any left-handed prince to become king.
- The Queen Mother is chosen from the late king’s wives. She must have only one son. The king must have no full brothers.
- If children make eye contact with adults in Swaziland, they are considered rude.
- Princesses are the only women is Swaziland allowed to wear clothes that show their thighs.