The name of a nation frequently reflects its heritage and inhabitants. Some nations select titles that represent their dreams, desires, or geographical traits.
Conversely, there are nations named in honor of individuals who are no longer alive.
1. Eswatini derives its name from an ancient monarch [swazihighcom]
The Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly referred to as Swaziland, is named after King Mswati II. Considered Eswatini’s most prominent military ruler, Mswati II significantly increased the kingdom’s land area to twice its present size.
2. Mswati II
He reigned as the king of Eswatini from 1840 to 1868.
In 1598, a Dutch fleet designated the island as “Mauritius” in honor of Prince Maurice Van Nassau, the “Stathouder” or Governor of Holland, following orders from Admiral Wybrand Van Warwyck after arriving at Grand Port.
3. Mozambique was named in remembrance of a historical figure [britannica]
The Portuguese named the nation Moçambique, or Mozambique, after Mussa Bin Bique, also known as Mussa Al Big, Mossa Al Bique, Mussa Ben Mbiki, or Mussa Ibn Malik, an Arab trader who was one of the first to reach the island.
As per Islamic traditions, Mussa Bin Bique was seen as a shaykh, or respected leader, and his name eventually became associated with the island and later the entire nation of Mozambique in Africa.
4. Seychelles boasts the highest GDP per capita [UNDP]
The Seychelles were initially known as Mahé, named after Mahé de la Bourdonnais, the patron and administrator of Mauritius.
Later, in honor of Viscount Jean Moreau de Séchelles, who was the Finance Minister under Louis XV, the name Isle de Séchelles was adopted for Mahé.
Eventually, the entire archipelago began to be referred to by this name, which was anglicized to Seychelles; however, the largest island returned to being called Mahé.
This nation signifies Saint Thomas and Prince. The Portuguese designated this Central African country after Saint Thomas because it was found on his feast day. They named the island Príncipe in tribute to Prince Afonso of Portugal, a favored figure of the Portuguese monarch.