From the 1840s onwards, foreign settlers secured many valuable
commercial and agricultural concessions while the British and the then Transvaal
governments demarcated Swaziland territory between them.
Swaziland became a protectorate when British colonial rule was established in 1903.
The Swazi Nation took it's name EmaSwati from Mswati II who was proclaimed king in
1840. A proud, courteous and peaceloving people, they are descendants of the Nguni-Dlamini
group which migrated from central Africa several years ago (and which branched off from
nomadic bushmen of the Sotho and Ntungwa-Nguni clans).
Traditional tribal values have always been maintained, with the distinctive national
dress regularly worn by all and colorful ceremonies marking
specific occasions.
Population figures stand at 851,000 (1993 official estimate)
The country's predominant religion is Christianity, along with ethnic
beliefs and practices - the inyanga remains a very powerful figure amongst many
communities.
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