Africa’s last absolute monarch, King Mswati Iii of Swaziland, has actually altered his nation’s name to eSwatini.

The brand-new name, which the king announced at events to announce the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from Britain and his own 50th birthday, means “land of the Swazis” in the regional language.

Speaking at a stadium in the 2nd city of Manzini, he stated he was reverting to the name the nation had prior to it was colonised, and wanted something people might identify with.

The name Swaziland is stated to anger some citizens due to the fact that it is a mix of Swazi and English.

” I wish to announce that Swaziland will now go back to its initial name,” he stated, worn a red and black military uniform.

” African countries on getting independence reverted to their ancient names prior to they were colonised. From now on the country will be officially known as the Kingdom of eSwatini.”

Rhodesia ended up being Zimbabwe, Nyasaland ended up being Malawi, and Bechuanaland became Botswana.

The name of Swazliland had caused confusion, the king added. “Whenever we go abroad, people describe us as Switzerland,” he said.

He has made numerous references to the Kingdom of eSwatini over the last few years – for instance during an address to the UN General Assembly in 2017.

Politicians have been considering a name modification because 2015.

The king’s impoverished nation, which is a member of the Commonwealth, has the highest rate on the planet of HIV/AIDS, with 27% of adults infected.

Many of his subjects make a meagre living from agriculture, typically cultivating sugar.