country in SE Africa, surrounded on three sides by South Africa: a former British protectorate, it became an independent kingdom & member of the Commonwealth (1968): 6,705 sq mi (17,366 sq km); pop. 681,000; cap. Mbabane
See Swaziland in American Heritage Dictionary 4
Swa·zi·land
A country of southeast Africa between South Africa and Mozambique. Settled in the early 19th century by Swazi groups fleeing Zulu attacks, the region became a South African protectorate (1894-1899) and was subsequently transferred to British administration in 1903. Swaziland was granted limited autonomy in 1963 and achieved full independence in 1968. The country's first democratic elections were held in 1993. Mbabane is the capital and the largest city. Population: 1,130,000.