The Major Ethnic Groups in Swaziland

Located in Southern Africa, the small state of Swaziland is confined entirely by land. The country is home to a wide variety of peoples, each with its own language, customs, and culture. Swazi, Zulu, and Tsonga are the three largest ethnic groupings of Swaziland.

The Swazi people make up the majority of the population of Swaziland, with about 85% of the total. Traditional forms of expression such as dance, music, and dress are well-known symbols of their cultural history. Swazi is not only spoken widely but also serves as the country’s official language.

In terms of population, the Zulu people make up around 10% of Swaziland’s total, making them the country’s second biggest ethnic group. In addition to their traditional dance, the Zulu war dance, the Zulu people are well-known for their warrior culture. There are also many Zulu speakers in Swaziland.

The Tsonga are the country’s third-largest ethnic group, making up around 2% of the total. The Mozambican culture has had a profound impact on their distinctive music and dance. Swaziland also has a sizeable Tsonga-speaking population.

About 1% of Swaziland’s population identifies as Indian, while even fewer identify as white. While whites tend to work in industries like agriculture and tourism, Indians are concentrated in retail and commerce.

Therefore, it is safe to say that Swaziland is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and customs. All three of the country’s most populous ethnic groups—the Swazi, Zulu, and Tsonga—have made substantial contributions to South Africa’s illustrious history and culture.