Swaziland's King Mswati III has announced he is renaming the country as the Kingdom of eSwatini.
The monarch announced the official change at Golden Jubilee celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Swazi independence.
The celebrations also marked the king's 50th birthday. The southern African nation is an absolute monarchy.
The king, known as Ngwenyama or "the lion", is known for his many wives and for his adherence to traditional dress.
The new name, eSwatini, means "land of the Swazis".
Swaziland is a Commonwealth member.
The BBC's Nomsa Maseko in Swaziland says the announcement of the name change has angered some in the country, who believe the king should focus more on the nation's sluggish economy.
The country is Africa's last absolute monarchy, and in recent years demonstrators have called for a shift to democracy.
The son of Sobhuza II, who reigned for 82 years, King Mswati III currently has 15 wives. According to official biographers, his father took 125 wives during his reign.
While the official name change was unexpected, King Mswati III has been referring for years to Swaziland as the Kingdom of eSwatini.
This was the name the king used when he addressed the UN general assemblyin 2017 and at the state opening of the country's parliament in 2014.
Latest Stories
-
3 confirmed dead in Ejisu-Konongo Highway collision, 1 injured
3 mins -
Fatawu Issahaku gets assist as Leicester City beat Preston to win Championship title
23 mins -
Child’s right advocate criticises state’s handling of ‘victim’ in alleged child marriage case
25 mins -
NPP has created 2.1m jobs in seven years – Bawumia
37 mins -
Akosombo Dam spillage: We’re considering a class action suit against government – Ablakwa
42 mins -
Government offers teacher unions about 70% increment in continuous professional development allowance
1 hour -
Everyone must show interest in depleting pension funds – Pensions Expert
1 hour -
African Business Heroes: African SMEs ready to compete for a share of $1.5m grant
1 hour -
My government will partner with faith-based groups in development – Bawumia
2 hours -
Joy Prime’s Prime Morning to host show at sea in May Day celebration with Ghana Navy
2 hours -
Why increase contribution rate when you can’t manage what is given you? – NAGRAT asks SSNIT
2 hours -
There are greener pastures in Ghana – Prof Owusu-Dabo
4 hours -
Myjoyonline Interview with Abubakar Tahiru: Guinness World Record Holder for ‘Most Trees Hugged In An Hour’
4 hours -
JoyNews’ Clinton Yeboah honoured at 2023 Int’l Sports Media Awards in Spain
4 hours -
14 PWDs selected for maiden Africa Health Collaborative Medicine Counter Assistant training
5 hours