4. Swaziland → Eswatini
In 2018, King Mswati III announced that Swaziland would become Eswatini, restoring the country’s pre-colonial identity. This name, meaning “land of the Swazis” in the local language, reflects pride in the nation’s heritage.
The change also reduced confusion with Switzerland on the international stage. Eswatini is now one of Africa’s few absolute monarchies with a modernized, culturally rooted name—a bold move with deep roots.