Swaziland

Meanings

1. 1proper nounproperold-fashioned

   The former English name of a small country in southern Africa, now officially called Eswatini.

   Grammar: Used as a name, so no article: say 'in Swaziland', not 'in the Swaziland'.

   Patterns

   • in Swaziland
   • the kingdom of Swaziland

   She spent two years teaching in Swaziland before the name changed.

   The kingdom of Swaziland became Eswatini in 2018.

2. 2proper nounproperold-fashioned

   The land and territory of that country, especially when referring to its history before 2018.

   Grammar: Also a name, so it takes no article and is not used in the plural.

   Patterns

   • the history of Swaziland
   • Swaziland's borders

   Books about colonial Swaziland often describe the same borders.

   Swaziland's economy depended heavily on sugar exports.

Common combinations

the Kingdom of Swaziland

The Kingdom of Swaziland was landlocked on three sides by South Africa.

in Swaziland

Many tourists still search for 'in Swaziland' when planning a trip to Eswatini.

Swaziland's capital

Swaziland's capital, Mbabane, remains the capital of Eswatini.

former Swaziland

The former Swaziland is now known internationally as Eswatini.

Synonyms and how they differ

Eswatini

The current official name; use it in modern news and formal writing, while Swaziland is understood but dated.

Word family

Swazi noun

A person from Eswatini, or the local language.

Swazi adjective

Relating to Eswatini, its people, or its language.

Commonly confused: Swaziland or Switzerland?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “Swaziland”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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