Wealthy King of a Poor Nation Visits Antalya
The wealthy King of the impoverished country visits Antalya
Mswati III, the King of Eswatini, a country in Africa, is one of the 15 richest presidents in the world. He has been in power for 38 years and is known for his lavish lifestyle and extravagant parties, sometimes drawing criticism from his own people. On his 46th birthday, American R&B artist Erykah Badu performed for King Mswati III in a grand celebration. The king is also famous for his traditional attire and scepter.
The king hails from one of Africa’s wealthiest royal families and receives an annual salary of $50 million from the government. He owns a sugar refinery, distilleries, hotel chains, and a large investment holding company. Additionally, King Mswati possesses an impressive collection of 62 luxury Maybach cars.
Despite his opulent lifestyle, poverty rates in Eswatini remain high. Political parties are banned in the country, and King Mswati III holds absolute power, being able to appoint cabinet members and control the judiciary. Over 65 percent of the population lives on less than $1.25 a day, and unemployment stands at 40 percent.
King Mswati III has 15 wives and 36 children, following in the footsteps of his father, King Sobhuza II, who had a total of 125 wives during his reign of 82 years.
Key facts about King Mswati III and Eswatini:
– King Mswati III ascended to the throne in 1986.
– In 2018, the country formerly known as Swaziland changed its name to Eswatini.
– King Mswati III is also known as “Ngwenyama” or “The Lion.”
– Eswatini is a landlocked country smaller than the US state of New Jersey.
– The country has the highest proportion of HIV/AIDS cases.
– The average life expectancy is 54 for men and 60 for women.
Despite his extravagant lifestyle juxtaposed with the poverty and hardships faced by many of his people, King Mswati III continues to reign as one of the world’s few absolute monarchs. (Source: Hürriyet / Selçuk Böke)
