African Lion
Hlane Royal National Park in Eswatini protects one of the few wild lion populations in southern Africa, and rangers track these cats on foot through the bush.
Flag of Eswatini
Field Report
Eswatini is a small, landlocked kingdom tucked inside southern Africa, about the size of the state of New Jersey, and ruled by a king whose royal ceremonies stretch back hundreds of years. The land rises from hot, flat lowlands in the east up into cool, green mountains in the west, and more than a million Swati people call it home. It is a place with deep traditions, real needs, and people whom God loves and wants to know Him.
From the Field Notebook
African Lion
Hlane Royal National Park in Eswatini protects one of the few wild lion populations in southern Africa, and rangers track these cats on foot through the bush.
White Rhinoceros
Eswatini has worked for decades to protect white rhinos, and Mkhaya Game Reserve is one of the safest places on the continent to see them up close.
Lilac-Breasted Roller
This striking bird flashes eight colors of feathers as it dives through the air and is one of the most recognizable sights along Eswatini's open grasslands.
Emasi
This thick, soured milk has a tangy flavor and is eaten on its own or stirred into porridge — it has been a daily staple in Swati homes for generations.
Sishwala
A stiff maize porridge cooked until dense and filling, sishwala is the backbone of most traditional Swati meals and is eaten with hands scooped into a shared pot.
Umncweba
This dried, spiced beef — similar to jerky — is chewy and deeply savory, made by hanging strips of meat in the sun and wind to cure slowly.
Eswatini is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world, meaning the king holds real governing power — the current king, Mswati III, was crowned when he was only eighteen years old.
The country changed its official name from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018, which means 'land of the Swati people' in siSwati.
Eswatini is a landlocked country completely surrounded by just two neighbors — South Africa and Mozambique — making it one of the smallest nations on the African continent.
Every year thousands of young women participate in the Umhlanga Reed Dance, a traditional ceremony where reeds are cut and carried to the queen mother's village as a sign of respect.
Despite being a small country you could drive across in about two hours, Eswatini has four distinct climate zones, shifting from cool misty mountains in the west to hot lowlands in the east.
Daily Life
64
Years life expectancy
91%
Can read and write
83%
Kids go to school
Missions Field Report
Eswatini is home to 9 distinct people groups — 2 of them haven’t yet heard about Jesus.
Most Eswatini's people follow Christianity (83.7%). Evangelical Christians make up about 20.7% of the population.
What People Believe
Unreached People Groups
These are communities of people who haven’t had the chance to hear about Jesus yet. They need missionaries — and they need kids like you to pray for them.
Deaf
6,000 people
Comorian, Maore
700 people
Prayer Journal
Tick each one as you pray. God hears every word.