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Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by Mozambique and South Africa. Although tiny, the country has a diverse climate and topography. The majority of the population is composed of ethnic Swazis, and the prevalent language is Swazi. Eswatini gained independence on September 6, 1968, after being a British high commission territory since 1903. In April 2018, the country officially changed its name from the Kingdom of Swaziland to the Kingdom of Eswatini, which is named after King Mswati II, the country’s greatest fighting king.  

Eswatini is classified as a lower-middle income economy, with agriculture and manufacturing being the main sources of employment. Its major trading partners are South Africa, the United States, and the European Union. Eswatini is a member of various regional and international organizations, including the Southern African Customs Union, the African Union, and the United Nations. 

The nation faces high unemployment, inequality, and poverty.  With the world's highest HIV prevalence rate (27% among adults aged 15 to 49), poverty and inequality are both drivers and consequences. Despite some decline, almost 60% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2017, and around 30% lived under $2.15/day since 2016, estimated at 28.5% in 2021. 

The country’s official currency is the lilangeni (plural: emalangeni), which is subdivided into 100 cents. Its first set of banknotes was introduced by the Monetary Authority of Swaziland. In 1981, the Central Bank of Swaziland issued banknotes to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of King Sobhuza II. The bank also issued 100 emalangeni and 200 emalangeni notes on September 5, 2008, to celebrate the 40th birthday of King Mswati III and the 40th anniversary of independence.  

The country’s official currency is the lilangeni (plural: emalangeni), which is subdivided into 100 cents. Its first set of banknotes was introduced by the Monetary Authority of Swaziland. In 1981, the Central Bank of Swaziland issued banknotes to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of King Sobhuza II. The bank also issued 100 emalangeni and 200 emalangeni notes on September 5, 2008, to celebrate the 40th birthday of King Mswati III and the 40th anniversary of independence.  


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