Swaziland
By: Tyler, Kaden, Alyssa, Cutter
Language and Religion
Religion 40% ZIonist, 20% Roman Catholic, 10% Muslim, 30% other Anglican/ Baha'i/ Methodist/Mormon/Jewish, In other religious demographics the percentages are 80% Christian and 20% traditional Swazi religion
Population and Diversity of people
Environment
Economic System
The economy of Swaziland is fairly diversified, with agriculture, forestry and mining accounting for about 13 percent of GDP, manufacturing(textiles and sugar-related processing) representing 37 percent of GDP and services – with government services in the lead – constituting 50 percent of GDP.
Government System
Brief History
It was founded by Bantu peoples from Mozambique in the 18th century and became a British protectorate when colonial rule was established in 1903. Swaziland was led to independence by Sobhuza II in 1968, and is now a dual monarchy with a King (currently King Mswati III since April 25, 1986) and Queen Mother. The two largest cities are Mbabane - the Capital - and Manzini.
Customs and Traditions
Umhlanga (The Reed Dance): All young maidens from every part of the country gather to take part in the dance. Most of the participants are teenagers. It usually takes place in late August or early September. The maidens pay respect to the Queen Mother. At the ceremony the girls wear short beaded skirts with ankle bracelets and jewellery with colorful sashes. The women sing and dance as they parade in front of the royal family as well as a crowd of spectators, tourists and foreign dignitaries.
After the parade, groups from select villages take to the center of the field and put on a special performance for the crowd. The King's many daughters also participate in the Umhlanga ceremony and are distinguished by the crown of red feathers in their hair. Usually the king chooses his wife at the reed dance ceremony from among the participants.
Incwala: It is held on the fourth day after the full moon nearest the longest day, 21 December. Incwala is often translated in English as 'first fruits ceremony', but the King's tasting of the new harvest is only one aspect among many in this long pageant. Incwala is best translated as 'Kingship Ceremony' when there is no king, there is no Incwala. It is high treason for any other person to hold an Incwala.
Arts and Literature
Swazi people have made jewellery and clothing items from beads. An example of this is ligcebesha, a colourful necklace and indlamu and colourful skirt for girls. Historical pottery in Swaziland includes mostly clay pots that are used for carrying water, beer cooking and decorations. These clay pots are called tindziwo. Wooden sculptures were also very popular as utensils, for example umcwembe used for serving meat. Swazis also made a lot of items using special grasses. These include grass mats called emacansi and tihlantsi. Other grass items are brooms and baskets.