"Swaziland - little country, lot of... " a Swaziland Travel Page by jonah1

During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, an African people of Nguni descent migrated southward from Central Africa and eventually, during the mid-eighteenth century, a group of them settled in the area which is now Swaziland. These people, the Nkosi Dlamini, became known as the Swazis, and today both names live on. Nkosi means ‘king’ and Dlamini is the surname of the royal family. The country derives its actual name from a later king, Mswati I but another name, Ngwane, is an alternative word for Swaziland.

The successor to the throne is chosen in relation to the status of his mother. A Queen Mother is selected because of her high rank, however, the Queen Mother will be chosen by the Royal Council after the King's death, she will be from an unrelated family. The Royal family line, the Dlamini's, never intermarry; the King is always a Dlamini, the Queen Mother is never a Dlamini. The Queen Mother may have only one son, as a king is not to be followed by blood brothers. He is "Nkosi Dlamini" and is expected to unify his position by choosing wives from all sectors of the community. The balance of power lies between the King and the Queen Mother; the "Ngwenyama" represents the hardness as expressed in thunder, the Queen Mother or "Ndlovukazi" (The Elephant) the softness as in water. They assist and advise each other in many activities, each complementing the other. The Royal Council plays a key role in the selection of the successor to the throne. He must be single and if still a minor, the Queen Mother to the late she automatically assumes responsibility of Regent until the prince is crowned "Ngwenyama". The present Queen Mother, Queen Ntombi ruled as Queen Regent until King Mswati lll as crowned in April 1986.

Certainly worthwhile to visit if you have time!! Geographically very similar to the North East of Sout Africa but that is where most similarities end. The country is very much still a rural community with a strong emphasis on tradition and regard for the King. There is a lot to see and experience and I have always loved each visit to this forgotten little country. People are friendly if you have a sense of appreciation for culture and particularly african crafts this place is a must. Also it is a really small place so you should be able to see quite a lot with little effort