What Country Is Inside South Africa?
South Africa, located at the southern tip of the African continent, is a country known for its diverse cultures, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Still, a common question that arises is: what country is inside South Africa? While South Africa itself is a sovereign nation, it uniquely encloses two independent countries within its borders—Lesotho and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Here's the thing — these landlocked nations are entirely surrounded by South Africa, making them exceptional cases in global geography. This article explores these two countries, their relationship with South Africa, and the historical and political factors that have shaped their existence.
Lesotho: The Kingdom Within South Africa
Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is an enclave completely surrounded by South Africa. It is the largest country within South Africa by area, covering approximately 30,000 square kilometers. Despite being landlocked, Lesotho has maintained its independence since 1966, when it gained freedom from British colonial rule. The country’s capital, Maseru, lies along the Caledon River, which forms part of the border with South Africa It's one of those things that adds up. Nothing fancy..
Lesotho’s history is deeply intertwined with South Africa. Before independence, it was known as the British Crown Colony of Basutoland, a territory under British administration but not formally annexed. The Basotho people, who make up the majority of Lesotho’s population, have a distinct cultural identity rooted in the traditions of their ancestors. The country’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, mining, and remittances from citizens working in South Africa But it adds up..
One of Lesotho’s most notable features is its mountainous terrain. Which means ” Lesotho’s highest point, Mount Ntlenyana, reaches over 3,400 meters, making it one of the highest peaks in southern Africa. The Drakensberg Mountains, which run along the border with South Africa, create a dramatic landscape and contribute to the country’s nickname, the “Kingdom in the Sky.The country also has a unique political system, with a constitutional monarchy led by King Letsie III, who serves as a symbolic head of state while executive power resides with the government.
Eswatini: The Last Absolute Monarchy in Africa
Eswatini, officially the Kingdom of Eswatini, is another landlocked country entirely enclosed by South Africa. 2 million people. Still, located to the southeast of Lesotho, it covers about 17,000 square kilometers and has a population of around 1. Eswatini gained independence from Britain in 1968 and remains the only absolute monarchy in Africa, ruled by King Mswati III, who has been in power since 1986.
The country’s name was changed from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018 to honor King Mswati III’s father, King Sobhuza II, and to reflect its indigenous heritage. Here's the thing — eswatini is known for its cultural festivals, particularly the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance), where thousands of unmarried women gather to celebrate traditional values and honor the king. The event is a symbol of national unity and the preservation of Swazi customs And that's really what it comes down to..
Eswatini’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with sugar production and forestry being key industries. The country also benefits from its proximity to South Africa, serving as a transit point for trade and commerce. Despite its small size, Eswatini has a relatively high GDP per capita compared to many African nations, though economic challenges persist, including high unemployment and reliance on foreign aid.
Historical Context: How Did These Countries Come to Be?
The existence of Lesotho and Eswatini within South Africa’s borders is the result of complex colonial and political histories. So both territories were originally inhabited by indigenous groups—the Basotho and the Swazi—who resisted European colonization for much of the 19th century. That said, British and Boer settlers in the region eventually established control over these areas through treaties and military campaigns.
Lesotho became a British protectorate in 1868 after the Basotho people sought British assistance to resist encroachment by Dutch settlers (Boers). On top of that, the territory was later formalized as a crown colony, allowing it to retain a degree of autonomy while under British oversight. Think about it: eswatini, on the other hand, was never formally colonized. Even so, king Mswati II, who ruled in the mid-1800s, negotiated with British authorities to maintain Swazi sovereignty in exchange for allowing British interests in the region. This arrangement allowed Eswatini to avoid direct colonial rule, though it remained under British influence Simple, but easy to overlook..
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When South Africa gained independence in 1910 as a dominion within the British Empire, Lesotho and Eswatini were not incorporated into the new state. Instead, they retained their separate status, with Lesotho becoming a British colony in 1921 and Eswatini remaining a protectorate until full independence in 1968. These decisions were influenced by the desire to maintain peace in the region and avoid further conflicts between European settlers and indigenous populations Simple, but easy to overlook..
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How Do These Countries Exist Within South Africa?
Despite being entirely surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini function as fully sovereign states. They have their own governments, currencies, and legal systems. Lesotho uses the loti (LSL) as its currency, while Eswatini uses the lilangeni (SZL), though both are pegged to the South African rand (ZAR), which is also widely accepted in both countries.
The two nations maintain diplomatic relations with South Africa and the international community. So they are members of regional organizations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which promotes economic cooperation and political stability in the region. Even so, their landlocked status presents logistical challenges, as all imports and exports must pass through South African ports and infrastructure That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Both countries have strong cultural and economic ties with South Africa. Many citizens work in South Africa’s mines and industries, and cross-border trade is essential for their economies. Despite these connections, Lesotho and Eswatini fiercely guard their independence, often emphasizing their distinct identities in contrast to South Africa’s larger and more diverse population.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are Lesotho and Eswatini part of South Africa?
A: No, they are independent countries. While they are geographically surrounded by South Africa, they have their own governments, laws, and sovereignty.
Q: Why are these countries landlocked?
A: Their borders were shaped by historical treaties and colonial agreements. Lesotho became a British protectorate to avoid Boer expansion, while Eswatini maintained its independence through diplomatic negotiations.
Q: Can you drive from South Africa to Lesotho or Eswatini without leaving the country?
A: No, you must cross international borders. Both countries have border posts where travelers must present documentation to enter or exit.
Q: What languages are spoken in Lesotho and Eswatini?
A: Lesoth
Lesotho and Eswatini maintain their unique languages and cultures despite their proximity to South Africa. Still, in Lesotho, Sotho and Sesotho are widely spoken, while Eswatini predominantly uses siSwati. These linguistic traditions play a crucial role in preserving their national identities and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.
Beyond cultural preservation, both nations prioritize education and healthcare as pillars of national development. Lesotho has made strides in expanding access to schools and medical services, aiming to improve quality of life for its people. Eswatini, too, invests in infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and economic growth. Their efforts reflect a commitment to progress while safeguarding their heritage And it works..
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In navigating their relationships with South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini underline cooperation within regional frameworks like SADC. Worth adding: this partnership allows them to share experiences, strengthen trade agreements, and address common challenges such as climate change and education. Their resilience in maintaining autonomy underscores their determination to thrive on their own terms.
To wrap this up, Lesotho and Eswatini stand as shining examples of sovereignty, balancing integration with their neighbors and the preservation of their distinct identities. Their stories highlight the importance of independence, cultural richness, and regional collaboration in shaping a prosperous future.
Conclusion: The survival and growth of Lesotho and Eswatini within South Africa’s vast territory is a testament to their unwavering commitment to self-determination. By embracing their uniqueness and fostering regional ties, these nations continue to carve out meaningful paths for development and unity.
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