Swaziland

Swaziland, a South African native state, lying on the west side of the Libomba Mountains, and forming an intrusion into the east of the Transvaal. It has an area of 8500 sq. m.; a pop. of 60,000 Swazis, a Zulu-Kaffir race, and (in 1899) about 800 white men; and a trade valued at £70,000 through Natal, exclusive of what goes by way of Delagoa Bay. The minerals of Swaziland are of great value, including gold and coal, and its agricultural and pastoral resources are considerable. The independence of this little state was recognised by its powerful neighbours, the South African Republic and the British government, in 1884; in 1890 the white settlers, mainly gold-miners, were put under joint 'government committee,' appointed by Britain and the Boers; since 1895 Swaziland is under the protection of the Republic, and its independence is now only nominal. In 1898, by a proclamation, the Transvaal laws were made applicable through Swaziland, except as to customs.