Two Kingdoms Almost Completely Surrounded by South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide
South Africa, often referred to as the rainbow nation, is home to many unique geographical and political features. Two of these stand out as enclaves or quasi-enclaves almost completely surrounded by the country: Lesotho and Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). This guide explores the nature of these two small kingdoms, their history, and their relationship with South Africa.
Lesotho: A True Enclave
Lesotho is a true enclave, meaning it is completely surrounded by the territory of another country, in this case, South Africa. This unique geographical feature makes Lesotho the only independent country in the world that is encircled entirely by another nation. Here, South African influence permeates almost every aspect of daily life, yet the kingdom maintains its distinctive identity.
Lesotho is an independent nation with a population of approximately 2.1 million people (as of 2023) and a land area of about 30,355 square kilometers. Its highest point is the peak of Thaba Tseka at 3,482 meters above sea level, making it the world's highest country. Lesotho is rich in natural resources, including water and diamonds.
Eswatini: A Country with Partial Border Shared with Mozambique
Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, is a kingdom that is almost completely surrounded by South Africa. While it shares a border with South Africa on all but 70 kilometers of its total 487 kilometers of border, a small part of its border is with Mozambique. Eswatini is a constitutional monarchy with a population of around 1.2 million (as of 2023).
Unlike Lesotho, which is a true enclave, Eswatini has a more complex geopolitical situation due to its border with Mozambique. This means that while it is tightly integrated into the South African economy and cultural landscape, it has its own distinct identity and governance structure.
History and Governance
Both Lesotho and Eswatini have rich histories and unique governance structures. Lesotho was a British protectorate until 1966, when it gained independence. The country has faced challenges such as political unrest and economic instability. However, it has made strides in areas like education and healthcare, and it is increasingly recognized for its contributions to regional stability.
Eswatini, on the other hand, has a more complex political history. It was formerly a British protectorate and has a long tradition of internal governance. The country is known for its royal system, with a traditional monarch playing a significant role in the governance of the nation. Eswatini is also grappling with issues like poverty and health, particularly HIV/AIDS.
Geography and Integration
The geographical isolation of these two kingdoms from larger neighboring countries creates a unique situation. Both have close economic ties with South Africa due to their complete or near-complete reliance on external trade. This reliance is complemented by cultural and social ties that are deeply ingrained in the life of the inhabitants of these two nations.
The economic integration with South Africa is evident in various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. The two kingdoms also benefit from South African expertise in areas like tourism and infrastructure development. However, this integration also brings challenges, such as the potential for economic dependency and competition for resources.
Autonomy and Sovereignty
Despite the deep integration, both Lesotho and Eswatini maintain a degree of sovereignty. Lesotho operates an independent government and has its own laws, courts, and police force. It also has a standing army and diplomatic relations with countries outside of Africa.
Eswatini also maintains a degree of sovereignty, though it is slightly more dependent on South Africa due to its small border with Mozambique. It has its own police force, military, and a monarch who has a significant role in governance. The country also enjoys diplomatic relations with a wide range of nations worldwide.
Language and Culture
The languages spoken in these two kingdoms are distinct. Lesotho's primary language is Sesotho, which is closely related to the Xhosa, Tswana, and Ndebele languages. This language plays a significant role in the cultural and social life of the people.
Eswatini, on the other hand, has a diverse linguistic landscape. The primary languages are Swazi and English. Swazi is closely related to Zulu and Xhosa, which are widely spoken in South Africa. The presence of English as a second language reflects the nation's ties with the broader African and international community.
Conclusion
Lesotho and Eswatini, both deeply integrated into the South African economy and culture, remain distinct entities with rich histories and unique governance structures. While they face challenges, they also offer unique perspectives on the relationship between small nations and their larger neighbors. Understanding their geographical, economic, and cultural contexts is crucial for comprehending the complex interplay of sovereignty and integration in Southern Africa.