Flags, Symbols & Currency of Eswatini
The National Flag of Eswatini was officially adopted on October 6, 1968.
The National Flag of Eswatini is rectangular and features three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue. The red band is edged in yellow. Centered in the red band are a large black and white shield (an oxe-hide shield - from the traditional Swazi Emasotosha) covering two spears and a staff decorated and reinforced with feather tassels of a widowbird, all of which is placed horizontally. The shield and the two spears signify protection from foreign adversaries. The blue color stands for peace and stability. The red color represents the country’s past struggles. The yellow color represents the mineral resources of the country. The shield, spears, and staff symbolize protection from the country's enemies, while the black and white colors of the shield are meant to portray black and white people living in peaceful coexistence in Eswatini. The flag has a width-to-length proportion ratio of 2:3.
History of the Flag of Eswatini
The National flag of Eswatini was adopted on October 6, 1968, after the country gained independence from Britain on September 6, 1968. The design of the Swazi flag is inspired by the military flag that was given to the Swazi Pioneer Corps by King Sobhuza II in 1941. The Swazi National Council eventually came to terms with the flag and decided to embrace it as the country's new national flag. The flag was first hoisted on April 25, and then formally registered on October 30, 1967, in London, England by the College of Arms.
Historical and Other Flags of Eswatini
Flag of Eswatini
Flag of Swaziland Protectorate
Symbols of Eswatini
The National Coat of Arms of Eswatini
The National Coat of Arms of Eswatini was adopted in 1968. It is composed of a lion and an elephant supporting a traditional Nguni shield. The elephant represents the Queen-mother and the lion represents the King. The traditional Nguni shield as well as the local weapons that are featured on it - signifies protection. The shield acts as a symbol of national unity and brings together the people of Eswatini. A crown of feathers rests on top of the shield, and the national motto Siyinqaba ("We are the fortress") is displayed on a ribbon below.
National Motto
Siyinqaba ("We are the fortress")
National Anthem
- Anthem Title: "Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati"
- Music Composer: David Kenneth Rycroft
- Lyricist: Fanyana Simelane
- Date of Adoption: 1968
"Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" is the national anthem of Eswatini. The music of the anthem has been composed by David Kenneth Rycroft. The lyrics have been authored by Fanyana Simelane. The anthem was officially adopted in 1968.
"Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (siSwati)
Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati;
Siyatibonga tonkhe tinhlanhla;
Sibonga iNgwenyama yetfu.
Live netintsaba nemifula.
Busisa tiphatsimandla takaNgwane;
Nguwe wedvwa Somandla wetfu;
Sinike kuhlakanipha lokungenabucili
Simise usicinise, Simakadze.
O Lord is our God, Eswatini
O Lord our God, bestower of the blessings of the Swazi;
We give Thee thanks for all our good fortune;
We offer thanks and praise for our King
And for our fair land, its hills and rivers.
Thy blessings be on all rulers of our Country;
Thine alone is our Lord;
We pray Thee to grant us wisdom without deceit or malice.
Establish and fortify us, Lord Eternal.
The Currency of Eswatini is the Swazi lilangeni
The current official currency of Eswatini is the Swazi lilangeni (SZL). The lilangeni is tied to the South African rand (ZAR) at a 1:1 exchange rate. One Swazi lilangeni = 100 cents. The Central Bank of Swaziland issues Swazi currency in these denominations.
Coins
Currently, coins in denominations of 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, L1, E2, E5 (E refers to the plural form of lilangeni -Emalangeni) are in circulation.
Banknotes
Currently, banknotes in denominations of E10, E20, E50, E100, E200 are in circulation. King Mswati III, the monarch of Eswatini, is featured on every banknote.
Swazi lilangeni Banknote
Swazi lilangeni Coin
Historical currencies of Eswatini
Eswatini gained its independence from the UK in 1968. However, the Swazi lilangeni was not introduced until 1974. Its introduction was to compete with the South African rand. Between 1961 and 1974, the South African rand was the official currency of Eswatini. Today, the South African rand is still accepted as legal tender in Eswatini.
South African rand Banknote
South African rand Coin
